Ressence is introducing a new Type 11 this year featuring for the first time, a movement developed and designed by Ressence. It’s called the Werk RW-01, and it integrates the brand’s ROCS (Ressence Orbital Convex System) directly into the architecture of the movement. This represents a milestone for Ressence and opens the door for a new generation of the brand’s unique design ethos to take shape.
Ressence has generally relied on third party movement bases to power their orbital display system module. There was an inherent asymmetry here as the movements were not developed with such a purpose in mind, leading to inevitable compromises. With the RW-01, a more holistic approach has been taken, with the unconventional display and winding systems in mind from the onset. This should result in a more robust movement all around, and one that will allow more freedom in expressing novel design ideas both in the dial and the case.
The Type 11 is an immediately recognisable design, featuring the rotating discs performing a choreographed dance to display the time without the use of traditional hands. The ideas represented here are an evolution of the Ressence design language, and even incorporate some ideas we’ve seen in the past. The power reserve indication uses tiny ceramic micro-balls, similar to what was used to display a 24 hour scale in the Type 1 Squared X from 2021, while the case itself employs a more traditional lug design similar to the Type 9.
The design is set within a trio of color options that include Pine, Sky, and Latte. It’s a mature palette that accentuates the shapes and finishes at play, all of which happens directly under a crystal to give an “HD” effect. It’s not quite as dramatic as the oil filled options from the brand, but it’s pretty close. Each uses a titanium case with a pebble shape that measures 41mm in diameter and 11mm in thickness, with a total length of 45mm.
The new movement uses ROCS 11.1 and displays the time down the second, as well as a power reserve display for the 60 hours on tap. There is no traditional crown with this movement, but a lever that sits flush within the caseback. When pulled out, this is used to wind and set the watch. There’s also a display window that reveals a partial view of the movement, which is a first for the brand.
In total, this movement should bring a new level of freedom to Ressence, allowing them to refine and revisit some of their classic designs. Given that it’s been developed in-house, it will surely also support their oil-filled designs, from the Type 3 to the Type 5. Just what kind of benefits we’ll see there remains to be seen. Importantly, the new movement doesn’t represent too harsh a premium on the price, with the new Type 11 coming in at $31,400. Ressence
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