The intelligent design that hallmarks all watches by Ressence can already be seen in the name. Type 12, giving the idea of the second version of type 1 Type 1.2), but also Type 1 Squared, expressing the fundamental difference, a cushion-shaped case that adds an element of tradition and makes it dressier. Other new features include interchangeable straps, a thinner case, and dial and strap colours making the watch suitable for women as well as men.
Steel case
Ressence’s previous watches have had titanium cases, but the Type 12 has a case in steel, 41 mm across and 11.5 mm thick. It has an attractive elegance that makes it substantially unisex. The dial is convex, in German silver, with engraved indications filled with SuperLuminova. The new case design required a change in the winding and time-setting system, and instead of rotating the caseback, there is a retractable lever that is perhaps easier to use than the previous system. It takes some getting used to, you wind the watch (should it be necessary – the base movement is automatic) by rotating anticlockwise, and at a certain position, you feel a higher resistance. It is in this 30° arc that you can rotate the handle in either direction to set the time. The ROCS 1 module (Ressence Orbital Convex System) that converts the output from the ETA 2824/2 movement into the system of rotating discs now has an additional feature, a quick day setting, performed by rotating the caseback handle clockwise. Water resistance is unusually low at 1 atm (10 metres). The caseback is marked with the serial number, though it isn’t a limited edition.
Movement
The ETA 2824/2 base movement provides 36 hours’ power reserve and runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hertz). The fact that the power reserve is just a couple of hours below the normal power reserve for the ETA 2824/2 demonstrates the quality of the engineering in the Ressence Orbital Convex System – the base movement has to drive a lot more than the usual three hands and date window.
New colours and straps
The Ressence Type 12 is available in four dial versions, silver, ruthenium, night blue and champagne. A range of strap colours is available, and straps can be changed quickly and easily by the interchangeable strap system introduced in the Type 3. The lug is a continuous bracket, the strap passes through and is retained by a loop.
Price
The Ressence Type 12 has the same price as the Type 1, 16,000 Swiss francs before tax, or €17,500 inclusive of VAT. Further information from https://ressencewatches.com/
Like the look, want to spend less?
Ressence’s watches are absolutely unique on the market, and so there is no budget option for a watch with a similar display based on rotating discs. A watch with the same sort of attention to design, and a similar contemporary aesthetic, is the Stowa Rana, at prices starting from €3,800 inclusive of VAT.
