Belgian watchmaker Ressence has partnered with German artist Daniel Engelberg to create two stunning limited-edition timepieces that blur the boundaries between horological craftsmanship and contemporary art.
The Ressence Type 8 DE1 and DE2 models transform the brand’s signature minimalist aesthetic into a vibrant optical illusion, rendering time display as a mesmerizing rainbow spectrum that challenges traditional watch design conventions.
Revolutionary ROCS Technology
At the heart of these extraordinary timepieces lies Ressence’s patented Orbital Convex System (ROCS) technology, which eliminates traditional hands in favor of inter-mounted circular discs that collectively rotate to display time. This innovative approach creates the appearance of one continuous dial surface that slowly evolves throughout the day, with a large center disc rotating hourly to track minutes against a fixed outer ring, while a smaller asymmetrically mounted disc rotates twice daily to display hours.
The collaboration with Engelberg transforms this mechanical marvel into a canvas for his “Inside Out” art series. Rather than appearing in a single hue, the rotating discs showcase an assortment of rainbow-colored rings that create a striking optical illusion.
The colors progressively darken toward the off-center hours disc, generating the visual impression of a concave, stepped profile on the domed dial surface. This artistic interpretation maintains the Type 8’s fundamental time-only functionality while infusing it with playful sophistication.
The key distinction between the two models lies in their colorways: the DE1 features pink and red tones on its outer minute-track ring, while the DE2 embraces turquoise hues that harmonize with its large rotating minutes disc. Each version includes matching rubber straps in their respective colorways, plus an additional blue alligator leather strap.
Titanium Package
Measuring 42.9mm in diameter by 11mm thick, both watches are crafted from polished and sandblasted grade 5 titanium with domed sapphire crystals. The cases feature completely symmetrical profiles thanks to the absence of traditional winding crowns—instead, winding and time-setting are accomplished by rotating the central section of the caseback.
Powering these artistic timepieces is a modified ETA 2892 automatic movement that drives Ressence’s proprietary ROCS 8 display module. This 31-jewel movement operates at 28,800vph with approximately 36 hours of power reserve, though the energy required to drive the display module is considerable.
While water resistance is minimal at just 1 ATM (approximately 10 meters), this limitation reflects the watch’s positioning as a sophisticated dress timepiece rather than a sports instrument. The rotating caseback mechanism prioritizes the seamless user experience over aquatic capabilities.
Availability and Pricing: Each model will be produced in limited editions of 40 pieces, priced at $22,500 USD—positioning them as premium artistic statements that command a significant premium over standard Type 8 models while rivaling the brand’s more complex Type 1 offerings.
