Crafting the Future: Ressence and Japanese Artistry Unite
Unveiling the Masterpiece: Ressence's Innovative Vision
Ressence, a brand synonymous with groundbreaking time-telling, is not typically associated with traditional artistic crafts. Yet, their latest creation, the Type 9 IKE, shatters these preconceptions. This timepiece marks a significant departure, integrating painstaking human-centered artistry into its modern industrial design. This blend of seemingly contrasting philosophies results in a truly exceptional product, reminiscent of past successes like the 2024 Type 8 'Indigo' for Shellman, which featured a dial crafted from indigo-dyed silk thread.
The Essence of Type 9 IKE: A Canvas for Craft
The Type 9 IKE redefines handcrafted luxury. Its foundation is Ressence's most streamlined design, featuring a 39mm case, bezel, dial elements, and caseback, all meticulously coated in black DLC titanium. This dark, stealthy base serves as an ideal backdrop, allowing the exquisite métiers d'art components to truly shine. Ressence founder Benoît Mintiens partnered with Japanese artist Terumasa Ikeda, a master of raden, to create a dial that is nothing short of a visual spectacle.
Terumasa Ikeda's Vision: A Galactic Dial
Terumasa Ikeda's expertise in traditional Japanese urushi lacquering and raden mother-of-pearl inlaying transforms the Type 9 IKE's dial into an ethereal display. His distinct style, often described as futuristic or Matrix-like, perfectly complements Ressence's innovative approach. The dial evokes the imagery of an alien spacecraft, a testament to Ikeda-san's ability to imbue traditional techniques with a contemporary feel. A closer inspection reveals the meticulous effort involved in placing each minuscule, iridescent mother-of-pearl fragment, which are then expertly cured with black urushi lacquer.
The Art of Inlay: Overcoming Design Challenges
The unique curvature of the Type 9 dial presented a significant challenge for Ikeda-san. To ensure a seamless integration, the delicate shell fragments had to be carefully soaked and gradually shaped to conform to the dial's subtle slopes. This intricate process culminates in a stunning iridescent light show, set against the profound blackness of the Type 9. As the planetary dial system gracefully rotates, the dial's appearance subtly transforms throughout the day, offering a dynamic visual experience. Each timepiece is a limited edition of 8, priced at CHF 32,000.
A Collector's Dream: Fusion of Craft and Innovation
Ressence's continued exploration into small batches of highly specialized timepieces is commendable. The Type 9 IKE, much like its predecessor, the Type 8 'Indigo', stands as a triumph. Its appeal lies in the captivating duality of a mesmerizing, Cyberpunk-inspired starfield when viewed from a distance, and an up-close appreciation of its intricate craftsmanship. The Type 9's minimalist design proves to be the perfect canvas for such a collaborative endeavor. The subtle variations within each of the eight dials, influenced by the unique hues of the mother-of-pearl fragments, add to its exclusivity. While the price point is considerably higher than a standard Type 9, the Type 9 IKE is undoubtedly a coveted item for dedicated Ressence collectors and anyone seeking a timepiece that embodies a truly distinct artistic vision.
Key Specifications: Ressence Type 9 IKE
The Ressence Type 9 IKE, reference Type 9 IKE, boasts a 39mm diameter and an 11mm thickness. Its case is crafted from polished grade 5 titanium with a DLC coating. The dial, a fusion of DLC-coated titanium, raden mother-of-pearl, and urushi lacquer, is adorned with mother-of-pearl indexes and lacks traditional lume. With a water resistance of 1 ATM, it is paired with a black horse leather strap featuring a water-repellent lining and a titanium ardillon buckle.
Precision in Motion: The Ressence Caliber
Powering the Type 9 IKE is the ROCS 9 module, built upon an ETA 2892 movement. This automatic caliber displays hours and minutes, offers a 36-hour power reserve, and operates at a frequency of 28,800 VpH with 31 jewels. It is not chronometer-certified.
Pricing and Availability: An Exclusive Offering
The Ressence Type 9 IKE is available at select Ressence retailers with a price of CHF 32,000. This exclusive timepiece is part of a strictly limited edition, with only 8 pieces produced globally.