Introducing Ressence Unveils the Type 9 IKE

Ressence has long been recognized for its signature pebble-shaped cases and revolutionary time displays, and the Belgian brand has offered numerous editions over the years. The Type 9, introduced in 2024, represents a streamlined and refined evolution of the Type 8. Displaying only hours and minutes, it is the brand’s smallest, lightest, and most accessible watch to date.

The Type 9 has already inspired several collaborations, from the sand-covered dial of the Ahmed Seddiqi 75th Anniversary Edition to the salmon-colored model for The ARM. The latest iteration, the Type 9 IKE, is a limited-edition timepiece that fuses ancient Japanese craftsmanship with futuristic design, developed in collaboration with renowned Japanese artist Terumasa Ikeda.

Ikeda is a master lacquer artist who brings traditional Japanese lacquerware into the 21st century. Using the time-honored raden technique and materials such as urushi lacquer, hinoki wood, mother-of-pearl, and gold leaf, he bridges the past and present. While honoring tradition, Ikeda also incorporates modern technologies, including laser-cutting abalone shell and digitally designing his compositions, before meticulously placing each element by hand.

The 39mm Type 9 titanium case, measuring 11mm in thickness, maintains the aerodynamic silhouette of the Type 9 collection, with no protruding crown interrupting its flowing “flying saucer” profile. This edition features a fully black DLC-coated titanium architecture, encompassing the case, bezel, dial components, and caseback. The orbital convex dial is enhanced with luminescent elements that shift dramatically under changing light, while the caseback bears Ikeda’s signature.

On the dial, Ikeda applied urushi lacquer and raden inlay to create a sci-fi-inspired composition. The hour and minute indicators are highlighted with small, colorful squares to enhance legibility and visual intrigue. Ultra-thin pieces of abalone shell were carefully soaked and bent over rubber sheets to follow the dial’s curvature, ensuring the integrity of the intricate raden inlay. This “heliocentric” design draws inspiration from the orbital mechanics of Ressence’s patented ROCS 9 display, likened by Ikeda to a planetary system.

Powering the Type 9 IKE is the innovative ROCS (Ressence Orbital Convex System), mounted on a customized ETA 2892-2 caliber. Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement provides a 36-hour power reserve. The ROCS 9 module, driven by the minute axle, incorporates jewel ball bearings for long-term, oil-free operation.

The watch is completed with a glossy black horse leather strap and a titanium pin buckle. Limited to just 8 pieces worldwide, the Type 9 IKE is priced at CHF 32,000 which is approximately equivalent to AED 151,600.

For more information visit the Ressence official website.