essence announces a striking addition to its Type 1 collection: the Type 1 Slim Red. Distinguished by a bold red dial and matching rubber strap, it brings an energetic warmth to the brand’s fundamental design. Limited in number, this new watch will only be produced until the end of 2021.

The new design marks a significant step for Ressence, which to date has tended to draw from a traditional colour palette for its watches. An exception - and specific inspiration for this new watch - is the red Type 3 ‘MC’, a one-off watch created for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, in aid of sustainable development, in September 2020.

The Type 1 Slim was first introduced in 2019, as a thinner, more streamlined evolution of the original Type 1. It is notable not only for its slimmed-down case, which was reduced from 13mm to 11mm thick, but for the move towards an integrated case shape: the case and lugs are milled from one block of grade five titanium for a sleeker, more modern silhouette. In this new Type 1 Slim Red incarnation, that smooth flow from case to strap enhances the impact of the brilliant red.

In keeping with Ressence’s focus on legibility and usability, the red dial is detailed with white hands and pale grey minute markers, with additional rhodium edging to the hour and minute hands for greater definition. The dial markers are coated with white and red SuperLuminova, lending the watch an intense character in dark conditions. The red and white detailing continues to the caseback, where the watch’s reference number is picked out in red.

Crucial to the Type 1 Slim’s identity is its smooth, pebble-like feel in the hand, achieved by a domed sapphire crystal that stretches right to the very edge of the 42mm case. The watch has no crown, instead being wound and adjusted by a recessed lever that flips out from the caseback; this improves ergonomics, making the watch equally wearable on the right or the left wrist, as well as fostering a more engaging bond between the wearer and the mechanical movement of the watch. Adding to the versatile, comfortable nature of the Type 1 Slim, this is the first time the watch has been offered only on a rubber strap.

Like the Type 1 before it, and in common with its sibling, the Type 1 Squared, the Type 1 Slim uses the Ressence Orbital Convex System (ROCS) to display the time. This revolutionary mechanism is central to Ressence’s quest to improve on the traditional mechanical watch; it replaces the static, multi-layered dial and hands with a display where hours, minutes and seconds orbit each other in a single plane.

This unique idea improves legibility, displaying time in a more efficient manner - as if animated on a single sheet of paper. The ROCS system, comprising a total of 107 parts, is driven by the minutes axle of an automatic movement, beating at 28,800 vph with 36 hours of power reserve.

First released in 2014, the Type 1 remains Ressence’s simplest watch to date - its groundbreaking concept is found on all other Ressence watches, but here stands unembellished, the better to appreciate the simplicity of an idea that turned centuries-old wisdom on its head. Ressence’s mission to improve the mechanical watch is unique in the industry, and the Type 1 Slim is a perfect example of the brand’s determination to build products that question what a wristwatch can be in the 21st century.

The primary emphasis is on creating a better product as a whole - considering such characteristics as legibility, usability, and user experience. Ressence’s “less is more” philosophy produces timeless watches and improved functionality while always adding a playful and magical experience to them.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Functions • Hours • Minutes • Seconds • Weekdays

Movement • Patented ROCS 1 - Ressence Orbital Convex System - driven by the minute axle of a specially customised 2892/A caliber • Caseback winding and time setting via lever • Self-winding • 36 hours power reserve • 28,800 vibrations per hour • 40 jewels • 27 gears

Dial • Convex German silver red dial (125mm radius) with 3 eccentric biaxial satellites inclined at 3° (hours) and 4.75° (seconds and week days) • Engraved indications filled with grade A Superluminova

Case • Polished Grade 5 Titanium • Double domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating • 42 mm (diameter) x 11 mm (thickness) • 1 ATM water-resistance

Buckle & Strap • Ardillon buckle • Red rubber Strap (20/20mm)

Price CHF 16’800 (taxes excluded)