Introduction
Founded in 2010 by Belgian industrial designer Benoît Mintiens, Ressence has built its identity around rethinking how mechanical watches display time. Rather than conventional hands, its patented Ressence Orbital Convex System (ROCS) uses continuously rotating discs and satellite indications, creating the impression that the entire display is constantly in motion.
Introduced in 2013, the Type 3 pushed the concept considerably further by filling the upper display chamber with oil. Because oil and sapphire have similar refractive properties, the indications appear almost projected onto the surface of the crystal and remain remarkably legible from extreme angles. Introduced in 2022, the Type 3 BBB, standing for "Black, Black, Black", takes the concept in an entirely monochromatic direction. Its polished black DLC-coated titanium case is paired with a black oil-filled display and predominantly white and grey indications, while green Super-LumiNova provides contrast in darkness. Produced only until the end of 2022, it is one of the most striking executions of Ressence's signature mechanical concept.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and papers
Est. value range
$20,000 – $40,000
The Details
Brand
Ressence
Dimensions
44mm
Model
Type 3 BBB
Movement
Automatic ETA 2824/2 with Ressence ROCS module
Reference
BBB
Bracelet
Anthracite strap
Year
2022
Condition
Like new
Material
Black DLC-coated titanium
Included
Box and papers
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
The Type 3 BBB's oil-filled display creates the illusion that its white and grey indications are floating directly beneath the sapphire crystal. Ressence's constantly rotating ROCS display incorporates hours, minutes, date, day of the week and oil temperature, while the BBB eliminates the conventional running-seconds indication and minute markers for an especially clean monochromatic appearance.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Sandwiched between two dramatically domed sapphire crystals, the 44mm Grade 5 titanium case is finished with polished black DLC, giving the Type 3 BBB its smooth, pebble-like appearance. There is no conventional crown; winding and setting are instead controlled through the rotating case back, preserving the uninterrupted profile of the case.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall like-new condition. The case shows only light signs of wear or handling. Comes with box and papers.
Our Perspective
Few contemporary watches rethink the basic relationship between movement, dial and crystal as convincingly as the Ressence Type 3. Its oil-filled display and magnetically driven ROCS mechanism are genuine functional innovations rather than purely aesthetic novelties, yet the result is also visually unlike almost anything else in mechanical watchmaking. With its completely monochromatic treatment and production restricted to 2022, the BBB is an especially distinctive interpretation of Ressence's most technically fascinating design.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
