Ressence, a high-end watch company founded by industrial designer Benoît Mintiens, has been a unique player in the luxury watchmaking industry. Instead of focusing on traditional watchmaking, Ressence prioritizes industrial design, emphasizing the relationship, function, and system that drives the watch. This philosophy has led to a 16-year wait for their first in-house movement, the RW-01, which is now making its debut in the Type 11 watch. This delay is a strategic decision, as Mintiens wanted to ensure the movement was tailored to the brand's signature Orbital Convex System (ROCS) and met his design vision without compromising on cost. The RW-01 is a significant milestone for Ressence, marking a shift from using off-the-shelf movements supplied by ETA to developing their own, which will address the challenges of power delivery and shock resistance. This move also addresses the industry's perception of in-house movements, which have often been associated with higher prices and performance improvements that may not always be justified. Mintiens argues that the term 'manufacture' has been misused to justify price hikes, and he wanted to avoid this trap while still achieving his design goals. The development of the RW-01 involved a careful selection of suppliers, with Mintiens setting a budget that would not double the cost of the watches. The result is a movement that fits Ressence's philosophy, providing the necessary engine for the dial while maintaining a Germanic approach to design. The Type 11 watch showcases this with its quirky power reserve indication and a modern color palette. The RW-01's introduction marks a new phase for Ressence, aiming to increase production and establish a more prominent presence in the market without becoming a mainstream brand. This strategy reflects Mintiens' belief in blending in without being the same, ensuring that Ressence maintains its unique identity in a competitive industry.
