The New Ressence Type 7, The Brand’s First Integrated Metal Bracelet and GMT Watch

The orbital-infused world of Ressence is a rather special one, but it has just gotten even more exciting. Ever since its debut in 2010, the Belgian brand has etched away its place in the independent watchmaking scene with highly original creations revolving around a unique concept. From the Type Zero to the oil-filled Type 3 and Type 5, and more recently the Type 8 and Type 9, the signature display has virtually become the brand. Now, on the occasion of the brand’s 15th anniversary, things take an interesting turn with the Ressence Type 7, an all-new elegant/sports model with an integrated design and dual-time functionality, plus a couple of other firsts!

It seems like having a watch with an integrated case and bracelet design in your arsenal is a must these days, and in most cases, it certainly makes a lot of sense as the sporty-chic, luxury-sports, elegant-sports (choose your favourite name) watch is en vogue. Hype-train or not, it’s always exciting to see what brands can come up with, especially brands such as Ressence. The new Type 7 takes the brand’s unique concept in a new direction, with a 41mm wide grade 5 titanium exterior. The case has two individual chambers for the oil-filled dial section and the movement compartment, separated by a magnetic drive and compensating bellow system. So far, it’s typical Ressence stuff, just like the Type 3 and Type 5.

Where things start to differ though, is the display. While it still relies on the typical floating indications that revolve around the dial, eagle-eyed viewers will have spotted some new elements already. First is the fixed bezel that curves up from the top of the case to meet the domed sapphire crystal. Another one is the subdial for the second time zone displayed on a 24-hour scale. Colour-wise it comes down to Night Blue or XV Aquamarine, with the latter celebrating 15 years of Ressence watchmaking. Time is split between the large white pointer for the minutes (connecting the dial to the bezel), the large subdial with the hand logo for the hours that also includes the temperate indicator (with 11 colour segments depending on the temp), a running indicator (rotating completely in 120 seconds, and doubles as a shock absorber) and of course the dual-time 24h display.

How does the watch work and can be adjusted? As always with Ressence, there’s no crown and all adjustments are done by the caseback. In the case of the Type 7, it’s a two-part element. The outer ring acts as a locking mechanism, also guaranteeing waterproofness. Turn it and you move into setting mode. Rotating the central section of the caseback counterclockwise winds the movement. At the same time, the dial will be turning clockwise, thus advancing the time. Turning the caseback one time advance the time by one hour. Now, for the GMT/Dual-Time indicator, you’ll need to rotate slowly the caseback clockwise, which will bring the additional GMT sub-dial to jump backwards and do it until you’ve set the correct home hour. It’s not the easiest GMT function to adjust but a pusher is hard (if not impossible) to imagine with the oil-filled ROCS system in constant motion.

As ever, the entire movement is constructed in two parts, with a mechanical base movement in the lower chamber transferring kinetic energy through a system with micro-magnets to the patented ROCS 7 module in the upper oil-filled chamber. The base movement, an ETA base, runs at a rate of 28,800vph and has a power reserve of 36 hours. The backside of the case reveals a solid cover with a new Ressence Compression Lock System that locks and compresses the gasket. This is also used to wind and set the mechanical heart of the Type 7.

The Ressence Type 7 comes on a brushed & polished grade 5 titanium bracelet – the first time a Ressence features a metal bracelet – fitted with a micro-adjustable deployant clasp. The adjustability system allows you to adjust the length of the bracelet in 5 increments, to ensure a perfect fit during the day. Alternatively, there are leather or rubber straps available too. The price is set at CHF 36,000 excluding VAT, and while the Night Blue version becomes part of the permanent collection, the XV Aquamarine is limited to 80 pieces only.

For more information, please visit Ressence.com.