Ressence Type 11: First Proprietary Movement Unveiled

Belgium-based watchmaker Ressence has announced the Type 11, a new timepiece that marks a significant technical milestone for the company with the introduction of its first proprietary movement, the Werk RW-01.

Since its founding in 2010 by industrial designer Benoît Mintiens, Ressence has been known for its design-led approach to timekeeping. The company utilizes a patented Orbital Convex System (ROCS), which replaces traditional watch hands with rotating discs that orbit the dial to indicate the time.

Until the launch of the Type 11 on April 7, 2026, Ressence relied on third-party base movements, specifically the ETA 2824 and ETA 2892, to power the ROCS module. While these off-the-shelf movements allowed the brand to implement its unique visual system, they presented mechanical limitations due to the high energy requirements of moving a convex dial and sub-dials.

Technical Specifications of the Werk RW-01

The Werk RW-01 is a fully integrated, automatic caliber designed from the ground up to drive the ROCS module more reliably and efficiently. The movement was designed by Ressence in Belgium and produced by the Swiss movement developer Concepto.

A primary improvement offered by the RW-01 is the extension of the power reserve. Previous Ressence models, limited by the energy demands of the ROCS module on ETA bases, often featured power reserves of approximately 36 hours. The RW-01 increases this to 60 hours.

The Type 11 allows users to monitor this power reserve directly on the dial via ceramic micro balls.

The new movement also addresses previous challenges regarding the winding and time-setting process. Earlier models featured a winding zone that was described as tactile and finicky. The RW-01 eliminates this restriction, allowing manual winding to be performed via the caseback without constraints.

The ROCS Architecture and Visual Design

The Type 11 maintains the brand’s signature streamlined minimalism and utilizes a regulator layout. In this configuration, the minute indicator is a large revolving domed platform that carries the hour and second indicators along with it.

To achieve its distinct visual effect, the ROCS module is hermetically sealed and filled with a clear silicone-based oil. This fluid medium cancels out total internal reflection, creating an illusion where the rotating discs appear to sit directly under the crystal, similar to the appearance of an OLED screen on a smartwatch.

To manage the energy expenditure required to rotate the entire dial assembly, Ressence employs specific material choices:

• Lightweight titanium is used for the module to reduce energy consumption.
• Ceramic bearings are used to allow the dials to revolve with minimal friction.

The transition to an in-house movement allows the mechanical internals of the watch to serve as an aesthetic mirror to the distinctive dials, aligning the movement’s design with the brand’s overall industrial design philosophy.