Antwerp-based manufacturer Ressence has been producing their own special breed of modern timepieces with unconventional displays since 2010. When the Type 3 was initially debuted in 2013, it was widely received as a design breakthrough and presented to the world as the first oil-filled mechanical watch. For SIHH 2019, Ressence is introducing the watch with an updated color scheme and calling it the Ressence Type 3W. Aside from the vibrant white dial, the watch still resembles its recent predecessor both visually and mechanically—with the same array of oil- and air-filled chambers, a modified ETA movement, magnetic transmission system, and the ROCS display module sealed in 35.7ml of oil.

Ressence Type 3W Specifications

Brand: Ressence
Model: Type 3W
Dimensions: 44mm (diameter) x 15 mm (thickness)
Water Resistance: 30m
Case Material: Grade 5 titanium
Crystal/Lens: AR-coated domed sapphire (top & bottom)
Movement: Customized ETA 2824-2 with ROCS 3 – Ressence Orbital Convex System
Frequency: 28,800bph
Power Reserve: 36 hours
Strap/Bracelet: 22mm with ardillon buckle in grade 5 titanium
Price & Availability: 36,500 CHF

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Analysis

To me, Ressence embodies much of what the watch industry needs today. They deliver impressive visual designs with a playful approach and the mechanical prowess to back it all up. While they’ve released a growing set of watches in their short lifespan, the Type 3 family is really the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Ressence. That’s mainly due to the fact that there’s a significant visual representation of the mechanical ingenuity the brand intends to drive home. Yes, there are other brands with a unique take on dial readouts—but the Type 3W’s layout of information together with the oil-filed display makes it one of the top players in my book.

The real magic behind a watch like the Ressence Type 3W is its ability to support two isolated “dry” and “wet” chambers that work in harmony. Because there is actually no direct mechanical connection between the hermetically-sealed ROCS display module and the movement, Ressence utilizes a system of micro-magnets to accurately drive the information you see on the dial—and what a dial it is. Each piece of information (hours, minutes, day, date, oil temperature, and running seconds) is displayed on its own independent surface within a series of subdials that are constantly orbiting. With the Ressence Type 3W’s white color scheme, I suspect this is the most legible and high-contrast version the brand has ever produced.

Conclusion

I feel that much of the criticism this watch will face is a direct result of Ressence using a modified ETA movement. But as always, much of what you pay for in a Ressence is the unique construction and innovative approach to displaying time on your wrist. Overall, I find the Ressence Type 3W to be an attractive evolution within the Type 3 family and perfect for those that wanted the watch with less of a black tie buttoned-up look. Price for the Ressence Type 3W is 36,500 CHF. Learn more at ressencewatches.com

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