Antwerp-based Ressence has shown us time and time again how it’s one of the most progressive independent brands in watchmaking, building a reputation around crownless cases and orbital time displays that look more like kinetic art than traditional timepieces. Ressence aesthetic finally gets a bit serious now with their most unexpected collaboration yet, partnering with Hong Kong and New York menswear institution The Armoury to transform its smallest watch into something you could actually wear with a bespoke suit.
Surprising Sophistication
The Type 9 ARM “Scattering Sun” takes Ressence’s 39mm Type 9 — already the brand’s most compact offering at just 11mm thick and 39g — and layers in classical codes that would make a Savile Row tailor proud. The most notable addition is a polished titanium fluted bezel that doubles as the functional minute track, replacing the more technical graduated bezel of standard editions. The fluted design perfectly complements the sophisticated dial that still maintains the watch’s signature orbital time display.
The salmon-colored dial runs on Ressence’s patented ROCS 9 (Ressence Orbital Convex System) with a sandblasted titanium finish and PVD coating. The effect is remarkably warm, especially when paired with the chocolate suede strap that The Armoury co-founder Mark Cho selected for its tactile appeal and connection to menswear textures.
The ROCS 9 module, powered by a customized ETA 2892/2 automatic movement, delivers 36 hours of power reserve with 28,800 vibrations per hour.
Not Your Average Dress Watch
The real conversation starter lies in how Ressence retained its futuristic ethos while embracing classical styling. The orbital time display still operates through rotating discs — the main dial completes one revolution per hour while the smaller subdial tracks twelve-hour cycles — but the scale and finishing make it surprisingly formal. You could actualy wear this to a dressed-up event. Additionally, the titanium construction keeps the entire package feather-light, addressing Cho’s philosophy that “the best watches are the ones you’re wearing the most.”
However, practical considerations remain. The watch offers only splash resistance (10m) and still requires careful caseback manipulation for time-setting and manual winding. These quirks have long been part of Ressence’s crown-free approach but still might limited daily wear compared to your more conventional dress watch.
Spec Sheet
Case Material: Polished Grade 5 titanium
Case Size: 39mm
Case Thickness: 11mm
Movement: ROCS 9 (customized ETA 2892/2 base)
Power Reserve: 36 hours
Water Resistance: 10m
Band: Chocolate suede strap
Limited Edition?: Yes, 20
Pricing & Availability
Available exclusively through The Armoury’s website and boutique stores, the Ressence Type 9 ARM “Scattering Sun” has a price tag of $19,000 and is limited to just 20 pieces.
Recap
Ressence x The Armoury Type 9 ARM “Scattering Sun”
Ressence collaborates with menswear retailer The Armoury on the Type 9 “Scattering Sun,” which transforms the brand’s futuristic orbital time display into a surprisingly formal dress watch through classical design elements like a fluted bezel and salmon dial.
