Ressence and Marc Newson Unite for the Stunning Type 3 MN

Partners in Time

Ressence and Marc Newson have joined forces to create a new masterpiece: the Ressence TYPE 3 MN. This collaboration brings together two of the most influential figures in industrial design, with Ressence known for its groundbreaking ROCS (Ressence Orbital Convex System) innovation and Newson celebrated for his diverse portfolio across industries such as automotive, aviation, nautical, timepieces, and furniture.

The Ressence TYPE 3 MN is limited to just 80 pieces and comes with a price tag of USD$54,500. It features a striking color palette of grey, black, yellow, and celadon green, blending Newson’s signature design flair with the exceptional engineering that has made Ressence a standout in the world of horology. As part of an ambitious year for the Belgian brand, this watch marks a perfect culmination of their impressive releases.

Collaboration and Vision

To create the TYPE 3 MN, Newson worked closely with Ressence founder Benoit Mintiens, aiming to combine their approaches to design while creating something innovative and distinct. Newson expressed his admiration for Mintiens’ pioneering engineering and unique approach to watchmaking at Ressence.

“As a longstanding admirer of Benoît’s pioneering engineering and unique approach to watchmaking at Ressence, this collaboration provided a wonderful opportunity to synthesise our approaches,” he explained. “Ressence watches are a technical tour de force and remain unique in the industry. The original TYPE 3 in particular balances clarity with sophistication. With the resulting TYPE 3 MN, the perfect representation of my original vision has been realised; the result of a deeply gratifying, collaborative process.”

Mintiens echoed Newson's sentiments, highlighting the unique opportunity to work with a peer in industrial design whom he had long admired. He revealed, “I wanted to merge our universes. Knowing Marc Newson’s design universe, I saw a pioneer of industrial-design thinking in fine watchmaking, and that really interested me. I wanted to bring Marc’s and Ressence’s vision of watchmaking into one perfect product. How often do designers work together on one product? In my eyes, one plus one can become more than the sum of its parts.”

Ressence TYPE 3 MN Key Specifications

• Case Diameter: 44 mm
• Case Material: Grade 5 titanium
• Caseback: Closed with a winding mechanism
• Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal
• Bracelet: Grey premium rubber strap with ardillon buckle
• Movement: ROCS 3.6
• Power Reserve: 36 hours
• Dial: Convex Grade 5 titanium dial (125mm radius) with four eccentric biaxial satellites inclined at 3° (hours), 4.75° (thermal gauge and day) and 6.25° (runner)
• Markers: Engraved indications filled with grade A Super-LumiNova®
• Edition: Limited to 80 pieces

Case Design

The TYPE 3 MN’s case is constructed from Grade 5 titanium and features an ergonomic, elliptical silhouette, a form that Newson has refined over decades of work. The dial’s reshaped hands also serve as a playful tribute to Newson’s famed Ikepod watch designs of the 1990s.

While Newson’s influence on this new timepiece is clearly undeniable, the TYPE 3 MN remains unmistakably Ressence. Sporting the pebble-like aesthetic established by Mintiens, the watch also features a gorgeous domed sapphire crystal that encases an oil-filled chamber. This enables the unique ROCS mechanism beneath to be viewed with perfect readability from any angle, thanks to the magnified projection effect, creating the illusion that the dial’s information is displayed directly on the glass.

Movement and Functionality

The ROCS system in the TYPE 3 MN is powered by ROCS 3.6, which handles hours, minutes, runner (180 seconds), day, date, and oil temperature functionalities. The self-winding movement offers a 36-hour power reserve and is constructed using 44 gears, 47 jewels, and 4 ball bearings.

Day, date, and time setting is accessed via an intuitive caseback winding mechanism, and the movement produces 28,800 vibrations per hour, features magnetic transmission, and a compensating bellows system.

Price and Availability

The Ressence TYPE 3 MN is now available for order and will be delivered to just 80 lucky watch enthusiasts. For the price of USD$54,500, you can own this historic piece of industrial design, made possible by the collaboration between two incredible minds.

For more information, visit the Ressence website.