On Man of Many’s recent pilgrimage to that irresistible mecca of fine watchmaking—Geneva’s Watches and Wonders convention—there was one timepiece that stood apart from all others in terms of the singularity of its design and the sublimity of its execution: the Ressence TYPE 1° M.
While not exactly a new release at the time of the event, seeing Ressence’s miracle watch in the flesh was a major highlight of the show for us — its spirited challenge to the status quo of analogue watch design proved even more impressive in person. We were left entirely convinced that thanks to an unwavering determination to stand apart, Ressence had struck upon a standard of innovation that needs to be seen to be believed, particularly when considering the meticulous craftsmanship deployed to make said innovation a reality.
Having returned to Australia and had the opportunity to wear the TYPE 1 Round for several days, it’s probably only fair to warn you that this is precisely the kind of watch that just might spark a life-long love affair with the world of horology. So immaculate is Ressence’s ergonomic, tactile, and crown-free design that your perception of watches and the criteria by which you judge them will be forever changed simply by having it in your possession. And while that may sound like hyperbole, it really is not. This is just that kind of watch.
Discs Within Discs
Simplicity lies at the heart of the TYPE 1Round’s automatic offering. An evolution of the iconic first Ressence released in 2010, this watch’s beautiful revolving discs are like a spellbinding whirlpool, soothingly hypnotic, and yet surprisingly easy to read once you grow accustomed to the layout.
Powered by the patented ROCS 1.3 Ressence Orbital Convex System, the watch’s dial consists of four discs in constant rotation. The first of these is the overall disc of the dial itself, which turns to provide you with your minute indicator. Contained within this are three smaller discs that travel around the dial, remaining ever in the same position in relation to the minute hand.
For example, when the minute hand is at the 60 position (12 on a traditional watch), you’ll find it flanked by the seconds indicator to its left and the day indicator to its right, while beneath it is the hour indicator (with Ressence’s hand logo standing in place of the 12). However, at every half past the hour, the minute indicator will have rotated to face downward (as you would expect), and the hour indicator will have swung around to the top of the dial with days now displayed on the left and the seconds on the right.
While this rotation is ongoing, each of these indicators remains oriented north, ensuring legibility. It’s an ingenious piece of engineering that sees the TYPE 1Round’s dial embody a sense of movement that feels less mechanical and more organic than any watch we can recall.
A Tactile Masterpiece
This sense of the organic doesn’t end with the dial. All of the above is contained within a Grade 5 titanium casing that’s so elegantly crafted and smooth to the touch that it feels like a pebble, shaped by a running stream over the course of a decade or more. Moving your hands over the case is an incredible tactile experience, and the watch offers immense comfort when placed on the wrist.
The lack of a crown just adds to this sense of refinement and comfort, but its absence may leave you asking—quite understandably—how you’re supposed to adjust the time. It’s really quite simple. On the caseback you’ll find a lever that sits flush with the rest of the case when not in use and easily flips out when you need to wind the watch, adjust the time, or set the day. Rotating it slowly will manipulate the various elements of the dial and you can learn more about how this ingenious solution works (as well as a step-by-step refresh on how to read the TYPE 1 Round’s dial) via this video.
Boasting finishing touches like a 36-hour power reserve, grade A Super-LumiNova® for maximum visibility, and a double-domed sapphire crystal top with anti-reflective coating inside, the TYPE 1Round is the place where ambitious engineering, immaculate craftsmanship, and unbridled innovation meet. Whether your preference is for its Multicolour, Black, or—our favourite—Night Blue finish, this watch embodies everything that has seen Ressence secure its very own snow-capped peak within the unmatched landscape of fine Swiss watchmaking.
