Belgian watchmaker Ressence are well known for their unique approach to watchmaking. Instead of a conventional dial with separate hands, their watches have a multitude of rotating discs that function as both. It might sound complex but recently they’ve made a concerted effort to refine the design with a sense of minimalism as the Type 3BBB attests. Now though, Ressence have taken that minimalist flavour to the extreme with a new entry level timepiece, the Type 8C.
The new watch’s case and dial are completely made from titanium, with a diameter of 42.9mm, which makes It super lightweight – even with the strap the entire thing only weighs 42g. With most watches you’d be concerned that such extreme lightness might make it feel cheap, but it only emphasises the existing novelty of the Type 8C. In terms of style, the case has been made with a sandwich style of two different titanium finishes, polished and brushed.
That’s all well and good but with a Ressence the centrepiece is always the dial. Here the curved titanium plate has been given a lovely rich blue hue that really pops. In the spirit of minimalist design, it only features hours and minutes on its two rotating discs and there are no numerals. The larger of the two discs is the minutes counter, rotating once per hour. Then, the smaller disc contained within is the hours, the Ressence logo situated at 12 o’clock. For legibility at night, all the indications are coated with blue SuperLuminova.
Inside, the movement is the patented ROCS calibre, which has been adjusted for its limited hours and minutes functionality and renamed the ROCS-8. It’s a movement based on the ETA 2892/2, including its 36-hour power reserve – which seriously needs to be improved to take this watch from being good to a must have. It’s automatic but you can also wind it manually by rotating the caseback of the watch, which also serves as the piece’s crown for setting the time.
With a simplified display and fewer functions to wrap your head around, the Type 8C is a great starting point for anyone getting into Ressence. And supporting that notion is its lower price that positions it as the most accessible watch in their range and a new entry level for the brand. Although admittedly it’s still not accessible in typical terms at CHF 12,500 (approx. £10,115). It makes the prospect of a sub 10k Ressence all the more attractive if we ever see one.
Price & Specs:
Model: Ressence Type 8C
Case/dial: 42.9mm diameter x 11mm height, grade 5 titanium case, matte Cobalt Blue grade 5 titanium convex dial
Water resistance: 10m (1 bar)
Movement: Patented ROCS 8 – Ressence Orbital Convex System (driven by the minute axle of a customised and reinforced 2892/2 base calibre), automatic, 31 jewels, 20 gears
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 36h
Functions: Hours, minutes
Strap: Blue leather
Price/availability: CHF 12,500
More details at Ressence.
