The Ressence Type 7 Black and Type 7 Cactus, now with Optional Rubber Straps

What is Ressence if not one of the most recognisable identities in independent watchmaking? From the crownless Type 3 (check out the recent Type 3 Marc Newson) to the oil-filled Type 5, Ressence founder Benoît Mintiens has consistently challenged the conventional relationship between display, ergonomics and mechanical watchmaking, leading to the introduction of the Type 11 model, powered by the brand’s first proprietary movement, earlier this year. In 2025, celebrating its 15th anniversary, the brand launched the Type 7, the first Ressence to feature an integrated titanium bracelet and a dual-time function, also the brand’s most practical and wearable everyday watch. The series now expands with two new editions, Black and Cactus.

The new references retain the same Grade 5 titanium architecture introduced with the original Night Blue and limited XV Aquamarine editions. Measuring 41mm in diameter and 14mm thick, the Type 7 offers the smooth pebble-like ergonomics typical of Ressence, but with a more assertive tool-watch identity. The 50m water-resistant case is split into two sealed chambers, one containing the oil-filled display module and the other housing the mechanical movement, linked through a magnetic transmission system. The integrated titanium bracelet remains a standout trait, and the new editions are offered with matching rubber straps in addition to the bracelet. The rubber option changes the watch’s look and feel, making it lighter and sportier on the wrist. According to Mintiens, the bracelet centralises the weight more evenly, while the rubber shifts the character toward a more active, casual experience.

The Black version is a very classic expression of the Type 7 concept. The oil-filled display intensifies the black dial to near-absolute depth, creating exceptional contrast with the bright white indications. As always with Ressence, the absence of visual distortion makes the display appear almost digital, as though projected directly onto the underside of the sapphire crystal. It is highly legible, clean and sharply functional.

The Type 7 Cactus edition features a green tone specifically calibrated to complement the slightly warmer hue of Grade 5 titanium. Combined with the glass-pearled finish of the case and bracelet, the watch feels softer, while retaining the futuristic appearance. Both models feature a fixed ceramic bezel, in black or green.

The Type 7 is powered by a modified ETA-base automatic calibre driving Ressence’s patented ROCS 7 module. The entire dial rotates continuously, carrying orbital sub-displays for the hours, the GMT indication, and the runner. The GMT display is arranged on a 24-hour scale, while the runner rotates once every 120 seconds and doubles as a shock absorber indicator. Another unusual feature is the oil temperature display, integrated into the hour subdial through a colour-coded scale.

As with all oil-filled Ressence watches, there is no crown. Winding and setting are performed entirely through the caseback using the Ressence Compression Lock System. The movement beats at 28,800 vibrations/hour and provides a power reserve of 36 hours. A compensating bellows system manages pressure variations caused by the expansion and contraction of the oil. For a more detailed look at the watch and its workings, check out our hands-on review with video, which we created for the inaugural Type 7.

The Type 7 Black and Cactus editions are now available for purchase, with a price of CHF 36,000 (excluding taxes). For more, visit RessenceWatches.com.