Ressence Models: The Most Eye-catching Watches of Modern Times

I have a friend who sends me watch articles, reels, clips you name it, more or less on a daily basis. And this watch I had to do a double take on and I thought it was worth highlighting here. The brand is called Ressence, a relatively young watch brand, founded in 2010 by Benoît Mintiens.

The look

The avant-garde designs are some of the more out-there I've seen for awhile. The brand is known for its unique approach to watchmaking, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. The signature designs are borne from a unique orbital gear system that allows the dials to rotate and display time in a non-traditional way. The absence of traditional hands and the use of rotating discs create a futuristic and minimalist aesthetic.

Investment piece?

I love how Ressence produces a limited number of watches each year, which adds to their exclusivity and appeal among collectors. Yes these timepieces are slightly too rich for my blood, they're certainly filed in the luxury segment, with prices often ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 or more. Can these prove to me an investment like an Omega or Rolex?

Movements

Some Ressence models are powered by automatic movements, while others use quartz movements. This might be a consideration for purists who prefer mechanical watches. For me this is a concern. It cryo freezes a watch to a period when the movement is not mechanical. I just like things to have working parts, and that for me, justifies the price tag when it does.

User review

The organic shape, the weight and the very one dimensional dial [in contrast with the trend of having multiple layered dials etc]. The only downside is that it is a bit tedious to set the time but this is easily solved by either wearing the watch daily or using a watch winder. And last to my knowledge, whenever I have sent in my watch for servicing [just twice], Benoit personally replies to any enquiry. Overall I will admit the watch is a bit pricey but then again, you are paying for the unique concept and its execution, the R&D that went into it as well as for a pretty nice experience with the brand. To me, my Type 1R is definitely a keeper. Glad to see Bennoit and his brand going places and getting coverage.

My thoughts echo:

I'm with the Worn and Wound blog here when I say, It’s gorgeous, if odd, and a bit alien-looking.

Available

They can be bought through their own website, but I'd be interested in looking at one personally. Reportedly they are in stock at the Swiss Gallery on Old Bond Street in London. I will certainly be checking them out next time I'm in town.