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Pre-Owned Ressence

Founded in 2010 by Benoît Mintiens, an industrial designer, Ressence watches are undeniably unique and innovative. Ressence experiments with the traditional means of communicating time, creating mechanical fine-watches that are vastly different from anything else on the market. In 2013, Ressence introduced the first ever oil-filled mechanical watch, the Type 3. Since then, the brand has continued to take the watchmaking industry by surprise with the introduction of the Type 1, Type 5, Type 1², and Type 2.

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Type 1
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Type 1 Slim
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Type 8
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Type 1
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Type 1 Slim
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Type 8
4 Watches
4 Watches

Ressence Watches at The 1916 Company

Ressence timepieces defy traditional watchmaking, merging mechanical innovation with minimalistic industrial design. With no conventional hands and no crown, Ressence watches offer a radically different way to read time. Shop our curated selection of pre-owned Ressence watches, including rare Type 1, Type 3, and Type 5 models, and experience one of the most innovative independent brands in horology.

About Ressence Watches: Reinventing the Way We Tell Time

Founded by industrial designer Benoît Mintiens, Ressence creates watches that challenge the boundaries of traditional horology. The brand's motto, #BEYONDHANDS, is embodied in their unique ROCS display, short for Ressence Orbital Convex System. This patented module replaces hands with a series of continually rotating sub-dials, creating an effect akin to moons orbiting a planet.

Another innovation is Ressence's crownless design. Time is set via a lever embedded in the caseback, a functional and aesthetic departure from Swiss watchmaking norms. The mechanical movement remains automatic, wound by wrist motion once set. With oil-filled displays, ultra-legible dials, and a minimalist design language, Ressence has redefined modern mechanical watches.

Ressence Models and Features

  • Type 1 Slim - Featuring a sleek 11mm profile and 212 components, this minimalist model is a modern evolution of the original Type 1. It offers intuitive time reading through an oil-free ROCS display and a seamlessly integrated strap.
  • Type 3 - The first-ever oil-filled mechanical watch. The liquid-filled upper chamber removes light refraction, creating a digital-like visual effect. It's an award-winning icon of clarity and modern design.
  • Type 5 - Ressence's diver watch, the Type 5 is the first mechanical dive watch that's fully legible underwater at any angle. Oil-filled for perfect readability and crafted for serious underwater use.
  • Type 2 - A hybrid mechanical watch featuring an e-Crown® that pairs with a smartphone app to automatically set and maintain time. This is next-generation horology for tech-forward collectors.
  • Type 8 - A refined, simplified evolution of the Ressence concept. With a monobloc case and reduced display, the Type 8 emphasizes purity and lightness.

Ressence watches are offered in titanium and grade 5 titanium cases with matte or polished finishes. Dial colors vary by reference and include black, blue, gray, and sand. Oil-filled models like the Type 3 and Type 5 deliver unmatched legibility, while all models share the same ergonomic, crownless DNA.

Explore other boundary-pushing independent brand timepieces curated by The 1916 Company.

Is a Ressence Watch Right for You?

Ressence is ideal for those who seek cutting-edge design, intuitive functionality, and conversation-starting appeal. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to modern mechanical innovation, Ressence offers a unique entry point into the world of contemporary watchmaking. These watches are especially compelling for buyers interested in design-forward or oil-filled automatic watches, and for those exploring the frontier of independent horology.

Shop with Confidence at The 1916 Company

We proudly offer pre-owned Ressence watches that meet our highest standards for condition, quality, and authenticity. Each timepiece is inspected, tested, and authenticated by Swiss-trained professionals. Our client advisors are here to guide you through every step of your buying journey. With every purchase, enjoy personalized concierge service and a two-year warranty, only at The 1916 Company.

Ressence watches stand out for eliminating traditional hands and crowns. Instead, they use a patented ROCS (Ressence Orbital Convex System) to display time via rotating subdials. Some models also feature oil-filled displays for enhanced legibility and a futuristic look.
Ressence watches are mechanical, despite their sleek, modern appearance. They use automatic movements and display time via a mechanical module. Models like the Type 2 also incorporate e-Crown® technology, combining mechanical timekeeping with digital synchronization.
An oil-filled watch, like the Ressence Type 3 or Type 5, has a chamber filled with oil to cancel out light refraction. This creates a crystal-clear, almost screen-like display that improves legibility from all angles, especially underwater or in bright light.
Ressence watches are set using a lever on the caseback. This design removes the need for a crown, streamlining the watch's shape and improving wearability. After initial setup, the automatic rotor keeps the watch powered through motion.
Ressence is based in Antwerp, Belgium, but works closely with Swiss manufacturers for movement components and final assembly. The brand bridges Belgian design with Swiss horological excellence.
New Ressence watches typically range from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on the model and materials. Pre-owned Ressence watches may be more accessible, especially early Type 1 references or select stainless steel Type 3 models.
Pre-owned Ressence watches hold value among collectors of independent brands. Their low production volume, award-winning designs, and technical innovations make them attractive to enthusiasts seeking rare and forward-thinking pieces.
The answer depends on your priorities. The Type 1 Slim is minimalist and wearable, the Type 3 is innovative and visually stunning, and the Type 5 is great for underwater use. All offer the brand's signature orbital display and mechanical artistry.
You can buy authenticated pre-owned Ressence watches at The 1916 Company. Each watch is thoroughly inspected by Swiss-trained watchmakers and backed by a two-year warranty and full concierge service.
Yes. Ressence is an independent watch brand led by founder Benoît Mintiens. The company produces innovative, limited-run mechanical watches that are radically different from mainstream Swiss brands.