Ressence Watches: What Makes Them Stand Out?
If you are to build a watch brand today, you have to do something very different. You have to catch the attention of those who are convinced that only the top few luxury watch brands should be on their list. While watch brands tend to experiment with different case designs or dial colors, Ressence had it very clear that that is not going to cut it for them. So, they decided to innovate a new oil-filled watch design that shook the watch industry. It was something never seen before and it is still something that no other brand is doing.
Designed in Belgium and built in Switzerland, Ressence watches do not have real hands or crowns. There are rotating discs inside placed on separate axes. All of these discs act as planetary gears. This whole mechanism allows the watch to show the time a lot different than the usual analog and digital watches that we are used to seeing.
The Birth of These Extravagant Watches
Ressence was first introduced back in 2010 at the BaselWorld watch fair. They showcased three prototypes that immediately caught the attention of the watch community. By 2011, the brand launched its first production series, the “ZeroSeries,” followed by the “SeriesOne” in 2012. From its inception, Ressence has been committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.
The name Ressence was derived from the term Renaissance de l’Essentiel, which is French for “Rebirth of essentials” and it is just the right word to describe the brand. They are definitely giving the essentials inside a watch a rebirth.
Innovative Features Make Them Stand Out
In order to have a chance at competing against some of the longest-standing watch brands, they had to think out of the box. Which is why they took a unique approach to displaying time. The brand introduced the patented Ressence Orbital Convex System (ROCS). It is a method that uses a series of revolving discs instead of traditional hands. This system not only enhances the legibility of the watch but also offers a much better visual experience.
Ressence watches are also known for their crown-less design. Instead of using a traditional crown, the watches feature a rotating sapphire case-back that allows for a more intuitive setup and winding process. While this setup process looks advanced, it can be a bit too much for someone who is new to Ressence watches. So, for the first couple of times, you will have to refer to the user manual in order to adjust the time and date.
As mentioned before, what truly sets the watch apart is the oil-filled dial. It creates a unique visual effect and enhances the watch’s legibility under various lighting conditions. The oil-filled chamber also includes a sophisticated bellow system to compensate for the oil’s expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. And yes, Ressence watches do come with a oil temperature gauge alerting you when the oil inside gets too hot.
How much do Ressence watches cost?
While the basic concept of the brand is clear, it still produces different models offering different dial styles and functionality. Here’s a price list for some of their popular models.
| Model | Retail Price (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Type 1 Round | AED 78,900 |
| Type 8 | AED 58,900 |
| Type 2 | AED 205,000 |
| Type 5 | AED 134,900 |
Should You Consider Buying a Ressence?
Absolutely yes! If you are a watch collector or enthusiast, you should definitely give this brand a chance as they are trying very hard to be different from others. Not just that, but the whole concept of the oil-filled dial is extremely cool. Besides being a watch enthusiast, I also appreciate new technology, which is why I would definitely add one of the Ressence watches in my collection someday. And so should you.
