Introducing: The Ressence Type 7 — The Belgian Brand’s Surprising Take On The Integrated-Bracelet Sports Watch
Integrated-bracelet sports watches have been and still are a very popular genre among watch enthusiasts. And even though it’s a slightly more recent trend, GMT watches are also in high demand. That’s probably why Benoît Mintiens, the designer and founder of Ressence, decided to combine the two in one watch. We assume it’s a way to tap into a new target group, or maybe it’s simply a logical addition to Ressence’s ever-expanding collection. In any case, the all-new Ressence Type 7, with its full-titanium dial, case, and bracelet, offers something radically different from the brand’s other offerings. Don’t worry, though — Ressence’s signature orbital dial is still there, and this time, it’s filled with oil.
This is certainly not the first time Ressence has made a watch in titanium. In fact, all of the brand’s current references have Grade 5 titanium cases. What is unique, however, is that the case of the new Ressence Type 7 fully integrates with a matching titanium bracelet. It’s also Ressence’s first non-dive watch with increased water resistance. Let’s take a look at this new kid in the Belgian brand’s lineup.
The all-titanium Ressence Type 7
As the renders and pictures we received show, the new Ressence Type 7 has a sleek-looking titanium case and bracelet. The watch measures 41mm in diameter and 14mm thick, including the domed sapphire crystal. In full Ressence style, everything is well rounded, and there are almost no sharp corners. The edges of the case and bracelet links have a polished bevel to accentuate their curves. At the same time, they also have fairly flat and brushed surfaces, which give the Type 7 a modern feel that’s in line with Ressence’s familiar design language.
The center links of the integrated bracelet are quite wide, so the outer links are very slender. The push-button-operated deployant clasp features an extension system with five micro-adjustment positions. You operate it with a slider on top of the clasp. The bracelet tapers from 24mm at the case to 20mm at the clasp.
Night Blue or the limited-edition XV Aquamarine
In addition to the titanium case and bracelet, the Ressence Type 7 has a titanium dial. You can choose between two colors — Night Blue or XV Aquamarine. The latter is a limited edition of 80 pieces to celebrate Ressence’s 15th anniversary. A fixed concave bezel, which functions as the minute track, initiates the transition from the flat case to the highly domed sapphire crystal. The Night Blue version features a ceramic bezel, and the XV Aquamarine has an aluminum one. Notice how the numerals on the bezel are all orientated toward the wearer.
Then we get to Ressence’s unique oil-filled convex dial with the characteristic satellites. The longer “hand” shows the minutes, and the shorter one tells you the hours. There’s also a small window that indicates the temperature of the oil inside the ROCS 7 module (more on why that’s important later). The other two satellites show the running 120-second indicator and the hour in another time zone. That second feature is a first on any Ressence watch, but the layout is very suitable for extra information on the dial. Of course, the hands, markers, and numerals all feature Super-LumiNova for better readability in darker conditions.
Just like the Ressence Type 3 and 5, the Type 7’s dial is filled with 2.95ml of oil. This almost makes it look like a super-sharp OLED screen and improves readability from different angles as it almost fully removes any distortions from the sapphire crystal. When the temperature of the oil changes, its volume also changes. Multiple bellows compensate for the changes in oil pressure inside the Ressence Orbital Convex System (ROCS 7).
Magnetic transmission
The ROCS 7 module may be filled with oil, but the highly modified ETA movement that powers it absolutely must not be. That’s why multiple magnets transfer the energy from the automatic movement over to the dial on top. That way there’s no physical contact between the two and no risk of oil leaking into the movement.
Like any other current Ressence watch, the new Type 7 doesn’t feature a conventional crown. The wearer can wind the movement and set the time by turning the case back. However, the Type 7 does feature the Ressence Compression Lock System (RCLS) for increased water resistance, so you first have to unlock it before you can turn it. The good thing is that while most other Ressence watches are only “splash resistant,” the Type 7 has a 50m water resistance rating. This makes a lot of sense for a watch designed for modern explorers and that Ressence calls rugged and durable.
What do you think?
To be completely honest, I was a bit shocked when I opened the email containing the press release for the new Ressence Type 7. I mean, the integrated-bracelet genre isn’t the first thing you associate with a brand like Ressence. However, when you think about it, it does make sense. Ressence usually makes watches that you don’t see every day. That means they probably also don’t appeal to a very large audience. Adapting the design to the popular style of integrated-bracelet sports watches can probably add a whole new group to the Ressence fan base.
If I were going to buy a Ressence watch, I’d stick to the more modest Type 9 that came out at the end of last year. However, features like the Type 7’s GMT complication and the increased water resistance are certainly welcome to stay. In that sense, Ressence did a great job because the new Type 7 is truly a more rugged watch that you can wear all day, every day, and practically anywhere. I’m looking forward to going hands-on with it at Watches and Wonders in Geneva.
The new all-titanium Ressence Type 7 will become available next month and cost CHF 36,000 (ex. VAT). Let me know what you think of this release in the comments below!
