Ressence Type 8 Indigo

Quick specs Ressence Type 8 Indigo
Price: approx. $ 28,000 | approx. € 27.000 | approx. £ 23,000 | CHF 25’000 (all without taxes)
Size: 42.9 mm
Reference: Type 8 – limited to 8 pieces

The Ressence Type 8 Indigo showcases a creative union between horology and the ancient Japanese craft of indigo dyeing. This limited-edition watch is part of the Indigo Project, which celebrates the renewal of the space of watch retailer Shellman in Tokyo. Which is in the Isetan Shinjuku department store, the largest luxury watch store. It is limited to 8 pieces only, and another execution of this Ressence Type 8 S – Sage Green.

The Type 8 collection represents the essence of minimalistic design in Ressence’s portfolio. Ressence, founded in 2010 by Benoît Mintiens, is known for its innovative approach to mechanical watchmaking. The Type 8 models are the most graphically simplified in their lineup, offering a clean display of just hours and minutes. By using flush two-dimensional rotating discs instead of traditional hands, Ressence reimagines how time can be represented.

Design and Specifications of the Type 8 Indigo

The watch case measures 42.9 millimeters in diameter and 11 millimeters in thickness. It is crafted from polished Grade 5 titanium, offering durability and a lightweight structure. The indigo-themed dial uses silk thread applied in a spiral pattern, creating a visually captivating effect. The vibrant shades of blue range from electric to nearly black, thanks to the natural indigo pigments.

The Type 8 Indigo functions include hours and minutes displayed on rotating discs. The clear dial design ensures effortless readability, with engraved hour and minute indicators filled with Grade A super-luminova for visibility in low light. The watch lacks a traditional crown, emphasizing the minimalist design ethos. If you want to wind the automatic by hand, there is a winding device integrated into the case back.

The Movement is based on an ETA

At the heart of the Type 8 Indigo lies the patented ROCS 8 module, the Ressence Orbital Convex System. It is driven by the minute axis of a modified ETA caliber 2892 and offers a power reserve of 36 hours.

The watch is paired with a medium warm grey Saffiano calf leather strap, complementing the indigo hues of the dial. It features a titanium ardillon buckle, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.

Pricing of the Ressence Type 8 Indigo

The Ressence Type 8 Indigo is priced at 25’000 Swiss francs, without taxes. Which is somewhere between 23 and 28k in dollars, euros, or pounds. The non-limited Sage Green version had a price of 12,500 Swiss francs, so the Indigo dial plus limited availability comes with an extra price.

Comparable watches with unique artisanal designs include models from brands like MB&F and H. Moser & Cie. For instance, MB&F’s Legacy Machine series and H. Moser’s Endeavour models feature similarly priced offerings but focus on different forms of craftsmanship. Each makes their models unique.