March 25th 2025
A Bold Move into the Sports Watch Segment
Ressence, a brand known for its defiant approach to traditional watchmaking, has finally entered the integrated-style sports watch arena. With nearly every brand offering a sporty timepiece, Ressence’s new Type 7 signals a shift in direction. Best known for its innovative ROCS movements and oil-filled displays, the company has now introduced a tool watch with a GMT complication, housed in a grade 5 titanium case and bracelet. While Ressence aims to “redefine what a tool watch can be,” the Type 7 ironically becomes its most mainstream model yet.
Design: A Familiar Yet Unique Approach
The 41mm titanium case of the Type 7 breaks new ground for Ressence, though it bears similarities to other luxury sports watches. While smaller than many competitors, its 14mm thickness adds a rugged feel, a clear attempt to make it more substantial. The watch comes with a sapphire crystal and a non-integrated titanium bracelet, featuring a seamless transition to the case for a refined look. Additionally, the bracelet includes a toolless adjustment system, allowing for easy resizing on the go.
A True Tool Watch or a Missed Opportunity?
Despite its tool watch ambitions, the Type 7 has only 50 meters of water resistance. While an improvement over Ressence’s typical splash resistance, it feels underwhelming, especially with its fixed 60-minute timing bezel. Given that the brand repeatedly emphasizes “at least” 50m, one wonders if this is a challenge to test its limits.
The Dial: Innovation Meets Functionality
The oil-filled dial eliminates reflections and distortion, available in Night Blue and a limited XV Aquamarine variant (80 pieces). As with all Ressence models, the dial moves as time progresses, with a large minute hand and a rotating hour subdial. The GMT function is a first for Ressence, set independently for quick timezone adjustments. Another novelty is the running indicator, doubling as a shock detector—an amusing feature that may tempt wearers to test its responsiveness.
The Movement: ROCS Technology in Action
At its core, the Type 7 is powered by the ROCS 7 module, built atop an ETA 2824-2 movement. A titanium membrane separates the air-filled movement chamber from the oil-filled dial, with magnets transferring energy between them. The 36-hour power reserve and 28,800 vph frequency ensure smooth operation. The caseback ring crown handles all settings while maintaining water resistance.
A Shift in Identity?
Ressence has always been defined by its innovative dials, with case design taking a backseat. The Type 7 shifts this balance by introducing a more prominent case and bracelet, pulling attention away from its unique display. While it remains a fascinating timepiece, one can’t help but wonder if Ressence has diluted its distinct identity in pursuit of broader appeal.
The Ressence Type 7 is priced at CHF 36,000, with the XV Aquamarine limited to 80 pieces.