Ressence TYPE 7

The Ressence TYPE 7 represents a significant evolution in the brand's approach to watchmaking. It's not about reinventing the wheel, but refining the experience of timekeeping for a modern user. This watch is built on Ressence's established principles, but pushes them forward with practical features and a robust design, targeting those whose daily lives are as dynamic as the time they track.

Ressence, founded in 2010 by industrial designer Benoît Mintiens, has consistently challenged traditional watchmaking norms. Their philosophy centers around simplification – not by removing features for the sake of minimalism, but by eliminating anything that doesn't directly enhance the user's interaction with time. This approach is evident in their earlier models, like the crownless TYPE 1 and the oil-filled TYPE 3, which improved legibility by eliminating light refraction.



The TYPE 7 continues this lineage but adds a layer of everyday usability. The introduction of a GMT function is a practical addition for anyone who deals with multiple time zones. It's seamlessly integrated into the distinctive Ressence dial, maintaining the brand's clean aesthetic while providing valuable information at a glance. This isn't a complication for complication's sake; it's a purposeful feature for a globalized world.

The choice of Grade 5 titanium for the case and the integrated bracelet is noteworthy. Titanium is known for its strength and lightness, making the watch comfortable for extended wear. The integrated bracelet, a first for Ressence, features a deployant clasp with five adjustable positions, a small detail that acknowledges the reality of fluctuating wrist sizes throughout the day or across seasons.

The overall design of the TYPE 7 speaks to a sporty yet chic aesthetic. The 41mm case diameter is a contemporary size, suitable for a variety of wrist sizes without being overly bulky. The fixed bezel, available in ceramic for the Night Blue version and aluminum for the Aquamarine, adds to the watch's structural integrity, signaling its tool-watch aspirations.

The dial, as always with Ressence, is a focal point. The convex Grade 5 titanium surface hosts the brand's signature orbital display. The hours, minutes, GMT, and a 120-second runner (which also serves as a shock absorber indicator) are presented on eccentric biaxial satellites. These satellites rotate around the dial, creating a dynamic and visually engaging way to read the time. The engraved indications are filled with Grade-A Super-LumiNova, ensuring readability in low-light conditions.



One of Ressence's defining features is their oil-filled technology, and the TYPE 7 is no exception. The upper chamber of the case is filled with 2.95ml of oil. This eliminates the refraction of light that typically occurs when passing through different materials (like air and glass), creating the illusion that the dial markings are projected directly onto the sapphire crystal. The result is exceptional legibility from almost any angle.

To accommodate the changes in oil volume due to temperature fluctuations, Ressence employs a compensating bellows system. This system is subtly indicated on the dial by a color-coded oil temperature display, located beneath the hour hand. The display moves from blue to red, indicating whether the oil is within its optimal temperature range. It's a clever engineering solution presented in an intuitive visual format.

The heart of the TYPE 7 is the patented ROCS 7 (Ressence Orbital Convex System) module. This module is driven by the minute axle of a customized automatic caliber. What sets the ROCS 7 apart is its magnetic transmission system. The module is encased in oil and separated from the base caliber. Micro-magnets transfer the movement information across a Grade 5 titanium membrane, ensuring the synchronized rotation of the dial elements. This system contributes to the watch's smooth, almost fluid, presentation of time.



The TYPE 7 features the Ressence Compression Lock System (RCLS), a caseback mechanism that enhances water resistance. The system allows the user to lock and compress the gasket, providing water resistance up to 50 meters (5 ATM). This, combined with the fixed bezel, reinforces the watch's tool-watch credentials.

Looking at the two variations, the TYPE 7 Night Blue features a dark, immersive dial color contrasted by a ceramic fixed bezel. The overall look of the Night Blue is a professional and technical. The TYPE 7 XV Aquamarine, is a livelier and more colorful option. This version celebrates 15 years of Ressence's independent watchmaking, and the dial color reflects a sense of occasion and will be a limited run.

The specifications reveal a technically sophisticated timepiece. The self-winding movement has a 36-hour power reserve and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The movement incorporates 37 jewels, 37 gears, and 8 jewel ball bearings, demonstrating the complexity of the ROCS 7 system.



The caseback serves as both the winding and time-setting mechanism, a characteristic feature of Ressence watches that eliminates the need for a traditional crown. This contributes to the watch's symmetrical and streamlined design. The double-domed sapphire crystals, both top and bottom, have anti-reflective coating on the inside, further enhancing legibility.

The TYPE 7's design philosophy can be summarized as "purposeful simplicity." Every detail is considered and serves a function. The titanium construction, integrated bracelet, GMT function, oil-filled display, and robust case all contribute to a watch that is both practical and visually striking. It's a watch designed to be worn and used, not just admired.

The Aquamarine version, with its aquamarine dial and aluminum bezel, offers a more vibrant and perhaps less formal aesthetic. It's a limited edition, celebrating Ressence's 15th anniversary, and represents a nod to the brand's past while looking towards the future.

The optional leather or rubber strap provides an alternative to the titanium bracelet, allowing the wearer to customize the look and feel of the watch. This adds another layer of versatility to the TYPE 7.



The TYPE 7 manages to balance several qualities. It's robust enough to be considered a tool watch, yet its design is refined enough to be worn in a variety of settings. It incorporates innovative technology, like the oil-filled display and magnetic transmission, but presents it in a user-friendly and visually appealing way. It honors Ressence's commitment to simplified, intuitive timekeeping while adding practical features that broaden its appeal.

The TYPE 7 isn't just about telling time; it's about experiencing it in a different way. The constantly rotating dial elements create a sense of dynamism, and the exceptional legibility afforded by the oil-filled display makes it easy to read at a glance. It's a watch that invites interaction and rewards close observation. The TYPE 7 is available starting April 2025, with a price of CHF 36,000 (excluding taxes).

Case: Grade 5 titanium. Two separate sealed chambers, upper one filled with 2.95ml of oil. Double-domed sapphire crystals top and bottom with anti-reflective coating. Fixed bezel in ceramic (Night Blue) or aluminum (XV Aquamarine). 41mm diameter, 14mm thickness. 5 ATM water resistance.

Movement: Patented ROCS 7 - Ressence Orbital Convex System. Driven by the minute axle of a customised calibre. Caseback winding and time setting with Ressence Compression Lock System (RCLS). Magnetic transmission. Compensating bellows system. Self-winding. 36 hours power reserve. 28,800 vibrations per hour. 37 gears. 37 jewels. 8 jewel ball bearings.

Dial: Convex Grade 5 titanium dial (75mm diameter). Three eccentric biaxial satellites inclined at 9.75° (hours and t°) and 18" (runner and GMT). Engraved indications and dial filled with Grade-A Super-LumiNova®.

Strap: Grade 5 titanium deployant clasp with 5 adjustable positions. Grade 5 titanium bracelet (24/20mm). Optional leather or rubber strap available.

Price: CHF 36,000.00 (ex-VAT)

Notes: Oil-filled for clarity. Features Ressence's first integrated titanium bracelet. GMT Function. XV Aquamarine is a limited edition celebrating 15 years of Ressence.