Introducing: The Snazzy Ressence Type 1° Round Multicolour

A refreshing novelty recently landed in my inbox, instantly lifting my spirits. I am talking about the Ressence Type 1° Round Multicolour, which hits the market today. This is a vibrant addition to the Type 1° Round collection that made its first appearance ahead of Watches and Wonders earlier this year. This model introduces a burst of color(s) to the dial, marking a modish departure from the muted palette of many Ressence models.

The Type 1 collection emerged in 2014, four years after Ressence’s inaugural Zero series. The Belgian brand quickly became the talk of the watch world, and it has since been synonymous with its crown-less watches. While the difference between the Type 1 and Type 1° may not be clear at a glance, one thing is certain: its novel design concept in timekeeping has propelled the brand to breakout star status.

The new Type 1° Round case

The Type 1 collection has since spawned numerous models under two additional case designs —the Type 1 Slim and the Type 1 Square. Fast-forward to 2023, Ressence has given us another new case, the Type 1° Round, which we have covered in detail in a previous article here. Without waxing lyrical, what we need to know is that this version takes the form of a flat pebble, with the same wire-style lugs as the original Type 1 but a sleeker profile. Crafted in Grade 5 titanium, the new case measures 42.7mm in diameter and, just like the Slim version, 11mm in thickness. However, with only 1 ATM splash resistance, this piece should stay clear of any aquatic adventures.

Multicolor dazzle

The headline feature of this launch is, of course, the multicolored dial. Contrasting yet complementary red, blue, yellow, and green bands enliven the hour, minute, seconds, and weekday discs of the Type 1° Round Multicolour. According to the brand, these basic colors harmonize with the rounded and tactile design of the case, creating a delightful interplay between form, color, and material. Set against a light gray backdrop, these functional hues enhance the visual experience while retaining the essence of Ressence’s industrial-style aesthetic.

Graphic playfulness

The design play extends beyond the colors on the discs. All of the indexes within them are white, while the pointers are gray with colored tips. The Type 1° Round Multicolour features a convex German silver dial (125mm radius) with three eccentric biaxial satellites inclined at 3° (hours) and 4.75° (seconds and day of the week). All of the engraved indications have a filling of Grade A Super-LumiNova. A double-domed sapphire crystal with an antireflective treatment on the underside completes the design.

The ROCS 1.3 module

The Type 1° Round Multicolour is more than just eye candy. At its core resides the brand’s ROCS 1.3 (Ressence Orbital Convex System) module, a hallmark of Ressence’s micro-engineering ingenuity. The minute axle of a modified ETA 2892 base caliber drives this system, which utilizes rotating discs for a unique, two-dimensional time display. It is a mechanism that has been extensively customized, maintaining the distinctive identity of the Type 1 collection.

As with all Type 1 models, the wearer can set the time via the lever on the case back. This lever also allows for manual winding, although the automatic rotor will take care of that while the watch is on the wrist. The ROCS 1.3 module ensures a 36-hour power reserve at a frequency of 28,800vph (4Hz). Within its intricate architecture, there are 40 jewels and 27 gears, amounting to a total of 212 components.

Watch out for more to come

Incredibly, the Type 1° Round Multicolour strikes a balance between presence and lightness, weighing in at just 64 grams. Its aesthetic is perfectly completed with a light gray 20/20mm rubber strap secured by a subtle ardillon buckle. With its sizable presence, this watch might be more suited to larger wrists. Although Ressence watches have never been my cup of tea, I find myself wishing for a more compact version of this fresh new creation, ideally in the 38mm range.

For those with the wrist real estate to accommodate it, the Ressence Type 1° Round Multicolour deserves closer inspection. Priced at CHF 16,800, it represents a significant investment in both style and originality. Our team was lucky enough to experience this piece ahead of its release, giving us a unique perspective on its many qualities. So be sure to return tomorrow for our hands-on feature, including live photos and firsthand insights.

To learn more about the Type 1° Round Mulitcolour from the brand, you can visit the official Ressence website.