Introducing the Ressence TYPE 3 BB2—an extraordinary timepiece that has already earned the ‘Best of the Best’ distinction in the Red Dot Design Award 2024, often regarded as the Oscars for product design. This black edition takes Ressence’s hallmark hyper-minimal look to new depths, using the interplay of oil and dark tones to make the thin spaces between the discs virtually invisible. When the dial is in motion, it evokes a sense of wonder, as if you’re witnessing a mechanical illusion. As Benoît Mintiens, Founder of Ressence, puts it, “An almost pitch-black TYPE 3 edition truly showcases the magic of our flush rotating discs, acting like a mechanical screen, tricking the viewer’s senses and provoking wonder.”
The TYPE 3 BB2 complements other editions in the TYPE 3 lineup, including Black, White, and Eucalyptus Green models, and is available worldwide through Ressence’s official retailer network. It presents a visually striking timepiece that combines strong graphic appeal with cutting-edge technology, capturing the spirit of modern minimalism and avant-garde design.
The TYPE 3 BB2 features a distinct edge-to-edge sapphire crystal that evokes the sleekness of a dark pebble—both on the front and back of the watch. This bold and captivating design draws inspiration from the limited 2022 TYPE 3 BBB model, sticking to a reduced colour palette of mostly white and light grey markings, accented by touches of primary colours on weekends and oil temperature indicators. The matt black DLC-coated titanium case contrasts beautifully with the glossy sapphire crystal, resulting in a stunning interplay of textures.
What sets the TYPE 3 BB2 apart is its exceptional readability, even under the most challenging lighting conditions. When it first launched in 2013, the TYPE 3 took the industry by storm as the first oil-filled mechanical watch. The upper chamber of the watch is filled with 3.57 ml of oil, effectively cancelling out light refraction and ensuring perfect readability from any angle. The engraved indicators are filled with Grade A Super-LumiNova®, providing outstanding visibility in low-light conditions.
Ressence has also addressed the challenge of temperature variations affecting the oil by developing a Bellows System—a self-equilibrating pressure-balance mechanism that compensates for the expansion or contraction of oil, thus maintaining consistent performance. The Bellows System is represented graphically on the dial by a temperature gauge, adding an extra layer of functionality and visual intrigue.
The TYPE 3 BB2 remains true to Ressence’s ‘Less is More’ philosophy, where every design decision serves a practical purpose. The watch is powered by the patented ROCS 3.5—the Ressence Orbital Convex System—driven by a customized 2824/2 base calibre. With caseback winding, day/date/time setting, magnetic transmission, and a power reserve of 36 hours, the TYPE 3 BB2 is as impressive under the hood as it is on the wrist.
Constructed from grade 5 titanium with a black matt DLC coating, the case is finished with a double-domed sapphire crystal and measures 44 mm in diameter and 15 mm in thickness. It’s paired with a black honeycomb strap and titanium ardillon buckle, completing the elegant, modern aesthetic. With 387 components and a weight of just 79 grams, the Ressence TYPE 3 BB2 is a true marvel of design and craftsmanship, priced at CHF38,200 (excluding taxes).
For those who appreciate innovation, precision, and understated elegance, the Ressence TYPE 3 BB2 is a masterpiece that elevates the boundaries of traditional watchmaking—combining the artistry of minimalism with cutting-edge technology in a timepiece that truly stands apart.
