The Manual Wind: Ressence Type 1 Genesis

By Ian Schwam June 24, 2015

the manual wind ressence type 1 genesis — Image used with permission by copyright holder

In the watch world, new brands emerge all the time. Whether its a name dug up out of the crates of watch history, or the namesake of a skilled watchmaker, new names are hitting watch dials with annual frequency. One of the newer arrivals on the scene is Ressence. In 2010, a forward thinking watchmaker by the name of Benoit Mintiens introduced three prototypes at Basel World in Geneva. These prototypes set out to redefine how a watch tells time. Losing traditional hands and a crown, Ressence has a minimalist design achieving the feel of a 42mm pebble on the wrist. Five years later, Ressence has introduced a number of eye catching editions. It’s latest, the Ressence Type 1 Genesis, maintains a minimalist design and looks as if an alien being might have left it for us to find.

res5b — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Milled from a single block of titanium, this piece is as raw as it looks. The dial is made up of four discs which rotate like planets in orbit. Galvanized hands and markers make for a natural contrast on the roughly milled dial made of convex nickel silver. This revolutionary new way of approaching the displaying of time is a first in a watch. All the discs rotate independently but in sync to tell accurate time all under a bubble sapphire crystal. Setting and winding of the watch is done on the underside of the case. With no crown, this piece does not discriminate against which hand you wear. Attached with a berenia calf strap, this piece has a complete natural look.

res5c — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Industrial design has taken one of the most classic items in history, the wristwatch, and turned it into a whole new specimen. Minimalist design and finishing has been paired with innovative thinking and movement complication to create a simple masterpiece. With only five examples of this piece being produced, this is truly the definition of simplistic and rare. With a price tag of nearly $20,000, you should hope you stumble upon one the aliens accidentally left behind.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Contributing writer and watch enthusiast Ian Schwam dons an expert knowledge of all things watches. Having spent a decade in…

Fashion & Style

ZENITH Watches DEFY Extreme Carl Cox edition lands September 25, limited to 100 watches, priced at $30,100

There are only 100 pieces AND you get to meet Carl Cox

ZENITH Defy Extreme Carl Cox watch

Luxury watch enthusiasts, mark your calendars! ZENITH is set to release a horological marvel that's bound to send ripples through the world of timekeeping. The DEFY Extreme Carl Cox edition from ZENITH watches, a limited masterpiece, is slated to land on September 25. With only 100 pieces available and priced at a sumptuous $30,100, this timepiece is a tribute to both precision and fashionable aesthetics.
A fusion of craftsmanship: The ZENITH DEFY Extreme Carl Cox Edition
ZENITH's collaboration with Carl Cox, an ambassador for the brand, has given birth to an extraordinary creation. At the heart of this men's watch beats the most rugged and fastest 1/100th of a second chronograph, setting the tempo for accuracy that is second to none. But this watch is not just about attention to detail; it's also a nod to Carl Cox's musical heritage. The design takes cues from his favorite set of turntables, seamlessly blending the worlds of horology and music. The chronograph sub-counters have fine circular ridges that look like vinyl records, and the one at 9 o’clock has a Carl Cox logo on it. The number of sub-counters, three, also reflects Cox’s pioneering three-deck DJing style.

The ZENITH DEFY Extreme Carl Cox edition is a stunning watch that combines the best of both worlds: a classic design with a modern twist. This watch features a 45mm matte microblasted stainless steel and yellow gold case, with a 12-sided yellow gold insert under the bezel and crown guards. This blend of materials exudes a minimalistic and retro-futuristic look; it's a visual masterpiece that will undoubtedly turn heads. The case is water-resistant to 200m and has a screw-down crown for added security. The dial is open-worked, revealing the intricate workings of the El Primero 9004 in-house calibre, a chronometer-certified movement that boasts a dual regulating organ, one for timekeeping and one for the chronograph.

Fashion & Style

Omega’s new Seamaster ETNZ Edition for the 37th America’s Cup offers a striking design

The turquoise accents are inspired by the team's sail

Americas cup commemorative Seamaster

Omega, one of the most beloved brands in men's watches, is commemorating the 37th America's Cup with the release of a special edition Seamaster capable of functioning at twice the depth world-class divers are capable of. The “Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m,” which features a striking black and turquoise design, will cost $13,300.

The turquoise on the watch is a tribute to the New Zealand sailing team, which Omega has sponsored since 1995. Team New Zealand’s logo also features an image of the America’s Cup itself. Unsurprisingly, the “Auld Mug” features on the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean, acting as the second hand’s counterweight.

Fashion & Style

Bulova GMT arrives as the brand brings back its classic Devil Diver men’s watch

A classic reborn with GMT

Bulova Oceanographer GMT watches

For men's watch enthusiasts, there's a captivating journey through horological history awaiting you with Bulova's latest creation. The iconic watchmaker has taken a step back in time to resurrect a legend from its archives. The Bulova GMT, a modern reimagining of the classic Devil Diver, is here to make a grand entrance into the world of timepieces.

Bulova has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century, and one of its most legendary creations was the Devil Diver, first introduced in 1972. The Bulova Devil Diver was a true dive watch, as its name suggests, built to withstand the pressures of the deep sea while exuding an unmistakable sense of style. Fast forward to 2023, and Bulova has reached into the depths of its heritage design vault to breathe new life into this beloved classic.
Superior movement
At the heart of this timepiece beats the reliable Bulova Caliber 3186 movement. This automatic movement not only ensures precise timekeeping but also powers the GMT function, allowing wearers to keep track of two time zones simultaneously. Whether you're a globetrotter or simply appreciate the convenience, the Bulova GMT has you covered in the world of men's watches.