Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Embark Upon a Space Odyssey with the Ressence Type 9 IKE
The Type 9 x Japanese artist Terumasa Ikeda transmits an enigmatic signal from outer space.
A compact evolution of Ressence’s signature pebble-shaped case designs and original display of the time that circles around the dial like planets orbiting the Sun, the Type 9 is the brand’s smallest, lightest and most accessibly priced watch to date. Given its minimalist display and compact (wearable) proportions, the Type 9 has been singled out for collaborations, including the sand-covered dial of the anniversary Ahmed Seddiqi edition and the salmon-coloured model for The Armoury. The latest partnership with Japanese artist Terumasa Ikeda seems to have been sent to Earth from another galaxy, far, far away…
A master of blending the old and the new, Ikeda is a contemporary Japanese lacquer artist whose futuristic style is achieved through traditional techniques. Using the traditional Japanese art of raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) and urushi (lacquer) to create modern digital motifs, Ikeda has created a unique sci-fi composition for the Type 9’s moving dial.
The compact 39mm Type 9 titanium case has been given a black DLC makeover for the collaboration. With no protruding crown to interrupt the ergonomic flow of the flying saucer silhouette, the 11mm-thick case can be worn on either wrist. Powered by Ressence’s patented Orbital Convex System (ROCS), the domed dial rotates once per hour, aligning the long pointer hand with the minutes track on the external black DCL-coated bezel. The smaller disc for the hours is also set in motion and performs a revolution every twelve hours, following the minutes around the dial in a never-ending dance.
Specifically designed for the moving dial with Ikeda’s futuristic design language, the convex dial features a series of colourful, discontinuous lines that emanate concentrically from a vortex (axis of the hour hand). To stand out, the hour and minute hands are highlighted with small colourful squares. While the effect is something you might find in Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi movies, Ikeda achieves it using ancestral techniques. Composed of layers of black lacquer and mother-of-pearl inserts, the difficulty was to attach the flat slivers of nacre to a curved surface. The solution, Ikeda discovered, was to soak them and slowly bend them to match the dial’s curvature. Although it is not explicit in the press release, the mother-of-pearl strips must have been painted with luminescent colours to create the glowing rainbow palette.
Powering the TYPE 9 IKE is the customised automatic calibre (ETA2894/2 base) with a mounted ROCS 9 module. The base movement’s minute axle drives the ROCS 9 to animate a fully rotating dial with a satellite sub-display. The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations/hour and offers a 36-hour power reserve.
The Type 9 IKE is limited to 8 pieces and is paired with a shiny black horse leather strap and titanium pin buckle. It will be available from 26 February 2026 and retails for CHF 32,000 (excl. tax). More information at ressencewatches.com.
