Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Ressence Unveils the Type 11 Powered by its First Proprietary Movement
Good news on two fronts with the launch of the brand’s first proprietary movement featuring an extended power reserve beating inside the new Type 11.
Since its founding in 2010 in Antwerp by Belgian industrial designer Benoît Mintiens, indie brand Ressence has positioned itself as a design-led watch studio that literally rethinks how time is displayed on the wrist. Animated by Ressence’s Orbital Convex System (ROCS), time circles around the dial like planets orbiting the Sun, using highly graphic and revolving sub-dials. Coming up for its 16th anniversary, Ressence unveils the Type 11 with a host of novel features. More importantly perhaps, the Type 11 marks the launch of Ressence’s first proprietary movement, the Werk RW-01. Fully integrated, the RW-01 has been designed from the ground up “to drive the ROCS reliably and efficiently” and marks an important milestone in Ressence’s mechanical evolution.
The Proprietary Calibre Werk RW-01
Up until now, Ressence has relied on classic ETA 2824 and ETA 2892 base movements to power its ROCS. First incorporated on board its early Zero series, the patented Orbital Convex System is a module that replaces traditional hands with three-dimensional, constantly rotating discs to indicate time. Each disc orbits the dial and remains parallel to the main dial surface, so the markers are always aligned correctly.
Mechanically driven by the minute axle of a heavily modified ETA automatic base, the energy expenditure to make an entire convex dial and sub-dials revolve is, as you can imagine, much higher than powering three hands. To reduce energy consumption, lightweight titanium is used for the module, and the dials revolve on ceramic bearings. However, two areas for improvement were the relatively limited 36-hour power reserve and the somewhat tricky winding and time-setting process on the caseback.
The new proprietary movement, designed by Ressence in Belgium and produced by Swiss movement developer Concepto, addresses the issue squarely. At the core of the new Type 11 is the Ressence Werk RW-01. Unlike earlier models, in which the ROCS module and the movement were physically separated, the new RW-01 and the ROCS are fully integrated, forming a single unified entity.
In a deliberate departure from round movements, the RW-01 has a distinctive triangular architecture. Equipped with two barrels delivering a robust 60-hour power reserve, the ROCS module glides on titanium ball bearings, and the manual-winding and time-setting system – always a controversial feature – has been simplified. Instead of a traditional crown, Ressence watches relied on a rotating caseback or disc to wind the mainspring and set the time, accompanied by a series of complicated instructions regarding the required speed and the risk of overwinding. Today, the issue is resolved thanks to the new hinged lever on the caseback to manually wind the movement and set the time.
The new Type 11
Ressence’s design language is defined by smooth, flowing case lines that merge with a completely flush sapphire crystal, creating an almost organic appeal. With no protruding crown to ruin the fluid silhouette, the convex dial and its sub-dials rotate serenely. Nothing is static; everything is in constant motion, like time itself. With its 41mm x 11mm polished titanium case and the brand’s signature pebble-shaped profile, the Type 11 looks and feels familiar at first glance. However, there is now a small aperture on the caseback and the abovementioned hinged lever.
Described as the brand’s “most complete” watch to date, the new, more powerful movement has led to the addition of a patented power reserve indicator on the dial, which complements the revolving hours, minutes and seconds. Unlike most power reserve gauges, this one features a string of ceramic balls in contrasting tones. As the movement winds, either automatically or via the winding lever on the caseback, the lighter-coloured balls emerge while the darker ones recede. When the power is depleted, the process reverses.
Available in three colours – Pine, Sky, and Latte – the dials feature a sunburst finish in the centre, a circular finish inside the hour and second sub-dials, and a grained finish on the outer minutes track, the power reserve indicator, and the rings of the hour and second counters.
The new Type 11 can be paired with three straps – leather, rubber or a leather-rubber hybrid – and a rarer titanium Milanese mesh bracelet. Combining the metal’s low weight with its exceptional resilience, this is the sleekest option.
Availability & Price
Available from May 2026 at selected retailers worldwide and via the Ressence e-shop, the retail price is CHF 23,000 (excl. taxes). Discover more at ressencewatches.com.
