The Ressence Type 1 Slim Red

When presented at the SIHH 2019, the Type 1 Slim was the most streamlined, most essential version of the air-filled watch imagined by Ressence. It was also marking a new design language for the brand, with even more futuristic shapes and a slimmed-down case making it a joy to wear. Available in relatively discreet colours until now, the brand brings something far more bright and bold to the collection today, with an unmistakable dial and strap combination. Here’s the Ressence Type 1 Slim Red.

Until now, the Ressence Type 1 Slim was mostly characterized by its minimalism and relative discretion – at least for a watch with such originality in the design and display. Smooth and pure, the watch always felt like an integral object, where dial and case blend together, despite contrasting, yet rather neutral colours and textures. Today, things change and the watch becomes far more energetic.

New colour apart, the Ressence Type 1 Slim we look at today is entirely identical to previous editions. As such, we still find the smooth, pebble-shaped case milled from one block of grade 5 titanium. Entirely polished and integrating the lugs, this 42mm case retains its modern and sleek profile, as well as its thinner silhouette of 11mm. These smooth lines continue on top, with a domed sapphire crystal. But the most noticeable element is, without a doubt, the absence of the crown, streamlining the case even more. Indeed, winding and time setting are done thanks to a rotating caseback with a recessed lever that flips out from the caseback.

The classic “less is more” approach of Ressence is also found in the display, which consists of extremely clean and graphic engraved indications on top of the rotating satellites. All are simplified to the max and unadorned; simple shaped and basic fonts, resulting in a legible and contemporary style. But here, there’s something new, and that is the bright, ultra-dynamic splash of red all over the watch, from its dial to its rubber strap, breaking the usual codes of the brand, used to a neutral colour palette. This dial, a sort of exception for Ressence, is inspired by a unique model created in 2020 for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation – the Type 3 MC.

As for the mechanics, the Ressence Type 1 Slim Red, and all other models in the collection, is the “simplest” expression of the brand’s signature display, being an air-filled watch purely mechanical – in opposition to oil-filled models and the hybrid Type 2. Following on the bases drawn by the 2014 Type 1, the Slim model uses the in-house developed Ressence Orbital Convex System (ROCS) to display the time. Replacing the static, multi-layered dial and hands with a display where hours, minutes and seconds orbit each other in a single plane. Displaying the time on a flat surface and with a fascinating motion of rotating discs, the ROCS module is driven by the minute axle of an automatic ETA 2892 and its 107 parts indicate the hours, minutes, seconds and weekdays.

The Ressence Type 1 Slim Red is worn on a red rubber strap with an ardillon buckle. It will only be produced until the end of 2021 and it is priced at CHF 16,800 (excl. taxes). For more details, please visit ressencewatches.com.