The Ressence Type 5 may be the most unconventional dive watch on the market today, bringing the brand’s patented ROCS system into an ISO 6425 diving watch platform unlike any other. The Type 5 was introduced in 2015, and has seen a steady evolution on the idea in the intervening years, with the latest coming in the form of this Type 5L, boasting a fully luminous dial that increases in contrast when exposed to darker environments. Lume dials continue to trend and this is one of most dynamic executions seen yet within the most adventure ready Ressence.
The Type 5 turns the dive watch concept on its head, both in form and function. Sure, it tells the time, and there’s a bezel, but that’s about where the similarities end. The entire dial comes to life in orchestrated movement, changing in appearance with each minute thanks to the Ressence Orbital Convex System module rotating three eccentric biaxial satellites. The hours are represented in the largest sub dial, while the minute hand is found in the negative space between the oil temperature gauge and the runner 90 second indication/shock absorber. It takes a slight adjustment to get used to reading the time in this manner, but quickly becomes quite intuitive.
The Type 5 is an oil filled watch, meaning the display looks like it’s printed right on the surface of the domed crystal. It is legible at any angle, and will remain just as crisp at depth. This is one of the features that makes the Type 5 unique, and is truly something you must see in person to fully appreciate just how high-definition it is in appearance. This allows for the somewhat monotone appearance of this new 5L to remain ultra-legible in normal lighting conditions, and heightens the contrast experience in darker conditions.
The case is also quite unusual. It measures 46mm in diameter, and 15.5mm in thickness, but those numbers don’t really tell the full story. This is a pebble or disc shaped case that forms to the wrist, and uses a truncated lug design that means the lug to lug is nearly the same as the diameter. The Type 5 also uses a titanium case, and weighs a mere 85 grams, mitigating much of the size. Overall this is a shockingly wearable watch given the measurements quoted above. All important stuff when considering its intended use.
The Type 5 is a dive watch, and gets a unidirectional rotating bezel at the edge of the case. THe caseback can also be locked to ensure water tightness is preserved. While the Type 5 may not be the most practical looking diver to use while diving, this example should provide the most interesting experience yet given the fully lumed dial. The founder of Ressence, Benoît Mintiens says that this Type 5L is “…is as much a tool watch as a conversation starter, thanks to its superior legibility and unique design .”
However this one is put to use, this watch remains as compelling as ever and I’m thrilled to see Ressence continue to hone the concept. The next stop will involve getting this one in the water. The Ressence Type 5L is available now, and is priced at CHF 34,500. Ressence
