At its heart, the Type 1 uses a heavily modified ETA base movement, completely re-engineered so that the traditional hands are replaced by four rotating disks integrated into the dial. The largest is the minute dial, with three smaller sub-dials nested within: hours, seconds, and day of the week.
As time advances, the entire minute disk rotates on its own axis, while the three smaller disks orbit around it, creating a mesmerizing kinetic display. The result is a living, constantly shifting dial — functional, yet hypnotic.
The industrial design of the case is just as innovative. Made from titanium, measuring 42mm in diameter and 13mm thick, it’s perfectly contoured to fit the wrist, weighing only 75 grams. Perhaps the most unconventional detail is the absence of a crown — all adjustments are made by rotating the sapphire caseback: clockwise to wind, counterclockwise to set the time.
With a retail price around $20,600, the Ressence Type 1 sits comfortably in the high-end independent segment. The white dial on ostrich leather strap is particularly elegant — easily a Top 3 pick among modern independent watch designs this year.
Ressence Type 1
Titanium case, 42mm diameter, 13mm thick, sapphire crystal, automatic movement, 28 jewels, 28,800 vph, 38-hour power reserve, no crown (time and winding via rotating caseback), ostrich leather strap.
