Independent watchmaking has always walked the line between technical innovation and artistic expression, but few brands blur that boundary as successfully as Ressence. The Belgian outfit’s latest collaboration with German artist Daniel Engelberg produces something different, even for Ressence. We’re witnessing two new versions of the Type 8 that transform timekeeping into kinetic sculptures.
The partnership feels kismet once you understand both creators’ work. Engelberg’s “Inside Out” series creates optical illusions through concentric circles that appear to recede into infinite depth. Meanwhile, we all know about Ressence’s orbital display system that moves time indicators in constant, hypnotic rotation. Together, they’ve created watches that seem to breathe and pulse on the wrist.
Art in Perpetual Motion
The Type 8 DE1 and DE2 take Engelberg’s geometric language and apply it directly to Ressence’s most minimalist platform. Laser-etched concentric rings in graduated colors emanate from the central hour sub-dial, creating the illusion of looking down into a cosmic vortex. The DE1 embraces warm pink tones around the outer dial ring while the DE2 opts for cooler turquoise, yet both look surprisingly wearable despite their bolder palettes. The dark blue hour hand of each watch expands shade-by-shade to a lighter turquoise right before hitting the minute track in the respective color.
What elevates this beyond simple dial decoration is how Ressence’s ROCS (Ressence Orbital Convex System) brings Engelberg’s static art to life. As the minute disc sweeps around the dial and the hour satellite rotates within its sub-dial, the color gradients create constantly shifting patterns. It’s genuinely entrancing, forcing you into a meditation spell each time you check your wrist.
The 42.9mm grade 5 titanium case keeps the Type 8’s signature crown-free design, with all operations handled via the rotating caseback. Hidden lugs beneath the case profile make the watch wear smaller than its dimensions suggest. Both versions include matching rubber straps in their respective colorways, plus a complementary blue leather option, which is another interesting choice if we’re being honest.
Technical Reality Check
Underneath the artistic flourishes sits Ressence’s proven ROCS 8 movement (essentially a modified ETA 2892 automatic) that drives the brand’s proprietary orbital display module. The system delivers 36 hours of power reserve. However, the crown-free construction does limit water resistance to just 10m, which is a big complaint among wearers. You can hardly call these splash resistant.
Previous art watches in the series, including partnerships with Alain Silberstein and Stefan Sagmeister, have had varying degrees of success, but this time around, it feels particularly providential, with watches that work as both timepieces and conversation starters.
Spec Sheet
Model: Ressence Type 8 DE1 & DE2
Case Material: Grade 5 titanium
Case Size: 42.9mm
Case Thickness: 11mm
Movement: ROCS 8 (modified ETA 2892 automatic)
Power Reserve: 36 hours
Water Resistance: 10m
Strap: Pink or turquoise rubber, and blue leather
Limited Edition?: Yes, 40 each
Pricing & Availability
The Ressence Type 8 Daniel Engelberg editions launch in August through Ressence’s online store and select retailers, priced at $22,500 each — about $6,000 more than your average Type 8. Both colorways will be limited to just 40 pieces worldwide.
Recap
Ressence Type 8 Daniel Engelberg Editions
Ressence taps its Type 8 for this collaboration with German artist Daniel Engelberg, turning its radial watches into swirly works of art with multiple shades of turquoise and pink in tow.
