The Ressence Type 2 e-Crown Concept Watch

The next step in the evolution of the wristwatch.

Blending good old fashioned fine-watchmaking and state of the art technology, the Ressence Type 2 e-Crown Concept Watch offers a glimpse into the future of wristwatches. And the world’s first self-setting mechanical watch also looks the part. Created by Antwerp-based brand Ressence, the timepiece has a futuristic aesthetic which complements the innovative idea behind its design.

The watch comes with a range of revolutionary features. The patented Ressence Orbital Convex System (ROCS) combines grade 5 Titanium co-planar discs mounted on jewel micro-ball bearings and differently-sized spherical rings; this dial system indicates the time using information received from the automatic base movement. The design’s crown jewel, the e-Crown® electro-mechanical system registers, monitors, and also adjusts the time without the user’s intervention. Thanks to the kinetic generator and photovoltaic cells, the timepiece offers three operating modes. A full e-Crown which works with the custom app, the semi-e-Crown, and the no-e-crown mode which transforms the watch into a mechanical timepiece. To control the e-Crown system, the user only has to tap the glass; a double tap turns the system on, while a single tap helps the user navigate through the mode options.

The owner can also set two times manually using the lever of the case-back, or via a smartphone. Other practical features include solar cells that open automatically when the power is low as well as extra strong blue SuperLuminova hands and markers. Made with 500 components, Ressence Type 2 e-Crown Concept Watch takes mechanical watches to a whole new level of complexity. This design will make its way into stores from June 2018. Photographs© Ressence.