When you look at the glossy black surface of the Ressence TYPE 3 BB2 watches, a masterful illusion unfolds. This timer, winner of the 2024 Red Dot Design Award in the 'Best of the Best' category, is not the result of LEDs or circuitry. Instead, Ressence, a contemporary watch brand, uses optical tricks, oil and precision-engineered mechanical parts to create a fully mechanical watch with a distinctly futuristic feel.
Founded in 2010 by industrial designer Benoît Mintiens, Ressence combines Swiss movements with proprietary components to create a unique space in the world of watchmaking. TYPE 3 BB2 is the pinnacle of this innovation, combining precision and aesthetic simplicity. Mintiens' design philosophy is based on minimalism, focusing on the interaction between the user and the product.
"My way of designing watches is first to determine the relationship between the wearer and the watch. We think about the functionality and the context of the user, and then add the functionality and features we want to include," explains Mintiens. This approach allows the art of watchmaking to go beyond simply showing the time and focus on the emotional connection between the watch and its owner.
Retreat of Traditional Elements
The TYPE 3 BB2 watch uses a process called 'dematerialization', where traditional components are removed from the surface. Instead of hands and dials, the watches offer minimalistic graphics on a glossy black background, creating the look of a digital display. This approach not only improves readability, but also hides the complex mechanics hidden inside.
"Extreme dematerialization creates a black lacquer surface with graphic elements that many mistake for a digital watch," says Mintiens. This look is achieved using a special construction with oil and advanced materials.
Optical and Mechanical Innovations
The innovative design of the TYPE 3 BB2 is based on several key elements. Underneath the concave sapphire dome is a chamber filled with 3.57ml of oil that refracts light and projects graphic elements onto the inner surface of the crystal. The black backgrounds are created using a carbon layer on the titanium components, with the oil further emphasizing the depth of the colour.
Art and Readability
TYPE 3 BB2 is designed for maximum legibility with its flat yet domed shape. This design eliminates optical distortions and ensures clear visibility from all angles. Mintiens explains: "By putting everything in a two-dimensional form similar to text on paper, the watch offers quick and easy reading comparable to looking at a screen."
The TYPE 3 BB2 watch features 387 components and the patented ROCS 3.5 module, demonstrating Ressence's commitment to mechanical precision and aesthetic simplicity. The design features a 44mm titanium case, a double-domed sapphire crystal, and a titanium bracelet with a brass clasp that combines durability and elegance.
Emotional Connection
Mintiens' vision goes beyond technical perfection; tends to create a meaningful connection between the wearer and the watch. He believes that the tactile and sonic experience of mechanical components creates empathy and a deeper respect for the timepiece. "Empathy for mechanical things is much greater than for digital things," he says. "He's alive! All these elements create empathy. This is exactly what I wanted to achieve with Ressence.”
Conclusion
Ressence TYPE 3 BB2 is the pinnacle of modern watchmaking, combining advanced mechanical and optical engineering with minimalist design. Her innovative use of materials and optical effects and deep understanding of user interaction sets a new standard in the industry. As a recipient of the 2024 Red Dot Design Award, the TYPE 3 BB2 is proof of Ressence's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a mechanical watch can become.
For more information about Ressence and their groundbreaking design solutions, visit Ressence Watches.
