Get to Know the Ressence Type 2
Ressence, the watch company that keeps challenging the status quo of mechanical watchmaking, is excited to announce the release of the new Type 2, the first mechanical wristwatch with a smart crown, the e-Crown.
The genesis of the Type 2 starts with the Ressence Orbital Convex System (ROCS), the unique in-house developed (and patented) horological unit featuring an ever-changing dial that continually orbit around one another. The purpose is a more efficient way of telling time. Information is displayed on a single surface, much like words on a piece of paper, making for improved readability. This differs than that of a traditional watch, where the hands and dial are layered on one another producing an uneven viewing plane.
Building on the foundation of the ROCS, the next step for Ressence in the innovation of the wristwatch is the creation of the smart e-Crown, featured on the Type 2.
For over the past century and a half, the watch’s crown was the primary mechanism to wind and set the time. This was revolutionary during its day, however, in order to move watchmaking into the 21st century, a new idea was needed and e-Crown was born. The development of the e-Crown came down to one simple but fundamental question: What if I could trust and rely on my mechanical watch as much as I do for my phone?
e-Crown is activated and controlled by tapping the crystal on the dial of the Type 2, offering a new tactile experience and user-friendliness to mechanical watches. Visually, it is represented on the dial by the selector sub-disc and its four modes (time zone 1, time zone 2, app and e-Crown off). The Type 2 uses light energy to power the e-Crown. Photovoltaic cells (some hidden behind 10 micro-shutters on the dial) use outside light as an energy source, making the watch self-sufficient; a fundamental quality in the nomadic world of today.
The Type 2 is manually set via the lever on its caseback. By double tapping the crystal, the manually set time is digitally registered by e-Crown. There is no need to think about checking and adjusting the watch anymore, e-Crown does it automatically. Even after three months of inactivity, once the watch is fastened to the wrist and the wearer taps the crystal, e-Crown will automatically set it to the right time.
Ressence’s pursuit to improve the mechanical watch is uniquely its own and the Type 2 is a perfect example of the brand’s determination to build products that question what a wristwatch can be in the 21st century. The emphasis is not primarily on timing precision but to create a better product as a whole – considering such characteristics as legibility, usability, and user experience. Ressence’s “less is more” philosophy produces timeless watches and improved functionality while always adding a playful and magical experience to them.
FAQ
Can I register multiple time zones on the Type 2? For added travel convenience, e-Crown can register two time zones. Set the second time zone the same way as the first one and switch from one to another via the mode selector on the dial.
Can I use an app to set the time of the Type 2? Ressence developed the e-Crown app to reach an unseen level of convenience and modernity. Using Bluetooth to connect with the Type 2, the app displays a scroll down list of cities to choose from for both time zones to send directly to the smart crown.
Why do I not need to wind the Type 2 anymore? Type 2 has a power saving function. When the watch is not on your wrist for more than 12 hours, e-Crown will automatically hold the barrel of the mechanical movement. When putting the watch back on your wrist, e-Crown will release the barrel and Type 2 will start running again by double tapping the sapphire.
How does the Type 2 know the correct time? Type 2 is not radio-controlled. When you set the watch via the lever or via the e-Crown app, time is also registered digitally inside the watch.