Ressence Unveils Type 9 Art Watch with Jules Wittock's
Ressence collaborates with artist Jules Wittock on a limited edition Type 9 watch, integrating a hand-milled maze into its orbital display system.
Ressence has launched a new limited edition art watch in collaboration with Belgian artist Jules Wittock. The Type 9 x Jules Wittock integrates the artist's signature maze artwork directly into the watch's patented orbital display system, setting the pattern in perpetual motion.
Founded in 2010 by designer Benoît Mintiens, Ressence is known for its unconventional time displays. The brand's Ressence Orbital Convex System (ROCS) moves time indications like planets orbiting a sun. For this project, the compact Type 9 case serves as the canvas for Wittock, who is renowned for his detailed, freehand mazes.
The Artistic Collaboration
Rather than applying a static image, Ressence has milled Wittock's maze pattern directly into the titanium dial. The pattern is then filled by hand. The artwork is integrated into the revolving discs of the ROCS, meaning the maze constantly changes and deconstructs as time passes. According to the brand, this embodies its philosophy of 'art in motion'.
The watch is available in two color variations. Each version is strictly limited to 30 pieces.
Both models feature white-lacquered hands, with the maze pattern even invading the tip of the hour hand. The chapter ring carries Arabic numerals at 3 and 9 o'clock, indices, and the brand's hand logo at noon. All indications and the maze are coated with Super-LumiNova for nighttime visibility.
Technical Design and Features
The watch uses the 39mm Type 9 case, which Ressence describes as its lightest and most compact model. It is crafted from grade 5 titanium, with an optional black DLC-coated titanium finish. The crownless design allows it to be worn on either wrist. A fixed external bezel, marked with a minutes track and 'In' and 'Out' signs, secures the domed sapphire crystal.
The ROCS display sees the main dial rotate once per hour, aligning a pointer with the minutes on the bezel. A smaller hour disc completes a revolution every twelve hours. Wittock has hidden a secret message within the maze artwork. The brand states this message is only revealed at midnight when the glowing hour and minute hands align to form a word.
Specifications and Availability
Powering the watch is the ROCS 9 module, driven by a customized ETA 2892 automatic base movement. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a 36-hour power reserve. The complete watch, including its strap, weighs just 42 grams.
More information is available on the brand's official website.
