# Ressence TYPE 1 Squared – A Square Take on the Orbital Dial The Ressence TYPE 1 Squared arrived in 2017 as the brand’s first departure from the round‑bubble silhouette that defined its early “beyond‑hands” watches. Built around the same orbital‑disc display that made the original TYPE 1 a cult favourite, the Squared swaps the classic sphere for a cushion‑shaped, stainless‑steel case that feels both familiar and startlingly new. At $24 800 it sits at the top of Ressence’s price ladder, promising a blend of avant‑garde engineering and a more conventional wrist‑presence. Below we break down what the watch actually offers, how it behaves on the wrist, and whether the price is justified. --- ## Heritage — the model's place in the brand's line and its launch context Ressence entered the modern horological scene in 2010 with a clear mission: to rethink how time is read on the dial. The company’s first breakthrough, the **TYPE 1** (reference TYPE 1W), launched in 2014 with a 41 mm round case, an automatic movement and the now‑iconic orbital disc system that replaces traditional hands. That model established the brand’s “beyond‑hands” language and secured a niche among collectors who value pure conceptual daring over conventional aesthetics. Three years later, the **TYPE 1 Squared** was unveiled at SIHH (the now‑renamed Watches & Wonders) in 2017. The name itself signals a direct lineage – it is still a “TYPE 1” in terms of display principle, but the “Squared” suffix denotes the radical case redesign. As the brand’s **dressier** evolution of the orbital concept (a phrasing taken directly from the manufacturer’s own description), the watch attempts to bridge the gap between the avant‑garde and the more traditional dress‑watch market. It also claims the title of the **thinnest** Ressence to date, a claim that underscores the engineering effort required to keep the orbital mechanism within a slimmer profile. In the broader context of Ressence’s catalogue, the Squared sits alongside the **TYPE 2** (a larger, more sporty sibling) and the **TYPE 3** (a chronograph‑focused model). While the TYPE 2 and TYPE 3 retain the round, bubble‑like case, the Squared is the brand’s only square‑or‑cushion‑shaped offering, making it a visual outlier that still adheres to the same underlying philosophy. --- ## Design & Case — case dimensions, materials, dial ### Case - **Diameter:** 41.5 mm (the primary source lists 41.5 mm; a secondary source cites 41 mm, but the official specification is 41.5 mm). - **Material:** Polished stainless steel, finished in either a classic silver or a matte black variant. - **Shape:** Cushion‑styled, with softened corners that give the watch a “square‑ish” silhouette while avoiding harsh right angles. The case is a clear departure from the brand’s earlier round, bubble‑shaped housings. - **Water resistance:** 10 m (suitable for accidental splashes but not for swimming or diving). ### Dial The dial is a continuation of the orbital display that defines the TYPE 1 family. Two concentric discs rotate independently: one carries hour markers, the other carries minute markers. The discs are driven by the in‑house **ROCS 1.3** (Ressence Orbital Clock System) module, which translates the movement’s power into the smooth orbital motion. Four dial colour options are offered (black, white, and two additional shades per the brand’s website), each featuring a **circular graining** texture. While the texture is intended to add depth, some owners have reported that it can make the dial appear “cheapen” and slightly reduce legibility—a point that appears repeatedly in user feedback. The watch is **crown‑less**; winding is performed via a patented case‑back winding system that requires the wearer to rotate the case back in a clockwise motion. This “no crown, no harm” approach is a hallmark of Ressence’s design language and reinforces the minimalist aesthetic. ### Finishing The overall finishing is polished and highly reflective on the case, yet the dial’s circular graining has drawn criticism for appearing uneven under certain lighting conditions. Positive remarks focus on the “perfect execution” and the “intense reflection on every detail,” indicating that, for many, the finishing meets the brand’s high standards despite the noted drawback. --- ## Movement & Performance — caliber, power reserve, accuracy The **TYPE 1 Squared** is powered by a **self‑winding movement based on a customized ETA 2892**. Ressence has taken the reliable ETA base and added its proprietary **ROCS 1.3** module, which drives the orbital discs. The result is an automatic calibre that retains the ETA’s proven time‑keeping foundation while delivering the brand’s signature display. Key points confirmed by the source data: - **Base calibre:** ETA 2892 (customized). - **In‑house module:** ROCS 1.3, responsible for the orbital rotation. - **Power source:** Automatic (self‑winding) – no manual winding crown is present. No official figures for power reserve or accuracy were provided in the source material, and therefore they are omitted from this review. What we do know is that the movement’s reliability benefits from the ETA’s long‑standing reputation, while the addition of the ROCS module introduces a mechanical complexity that is unique to Ressence. Owners have praised the watch as “very accomplished” and noted that the orbital display runs smoothly, confirming that the integration of the module does not compromise the base movement’s stability. --- ## On the Wrist — wearability, lug‑to‑lug, comfort notes The **41.5 mm** case lands in a sweet spot for many wrist sizes. While the watch is slightly larger than a classic 38 mm dress watch, the cushion shape and the lack of a protruding crown create a clean, uninterrupted profile that sits comfortably against the skin. Because the watch lacks a traditional crown, the **lug‑to‑lug** measurement is effectively the same as the case width, giving the piece a unified look. The absence of a crown also eliminates a potential snag point, which many wearers find improves day‑to‑day comfort. The **case‑back winding** system requires a clockwise rotation of the back of the watch. In practice, this action feels natural: a gentle twist of the wrist while the watch rests on a flat surface or a soft cloth is sufficient to wind the mainspring. Reviewers have described the watch as “more present while being also more subtle,” indicating that the orbital display adds visual weight without making the piece feel bulky. The stainless‑steel bracelet (or optional leather strap, though specific strap options are not detailed in the source) contributes to a solid yet flexible fit. The 10 m water resistance means the watch should be removed before any water‑related activity, but for everyday wear—office, travel, social events—the watch proves robust enough. --- ## When to Wear — occasion, setting and dress‑code fit The **TYPE 1 Squared** occupies a niche that straddles the dress‑watch and the avant‑garde collector’s piece. Its **cushion‑shaped stainless steel case** and relatively modest size make it appropriate for business attire, formal events, and upscale social gatherings. The orbital display, while unconventional, is subtle enough not to clash with a tuxedo or a tailored suit, especially when paired with the more restrained dial colours (black or white). Because the watch is **crown‑less** and features a clean, uninterrupted case front, it also works well in settings where a minimalist aesthetic is valued—think modern art openings, design‑focused conferences, or high‑end restaurant evenings. The watch’s **10 m water resistance** and lack of a crown make it less suited for sport‑heavy activities, but it can comfortably transition from a boardroom to a cocktail hour without appearing out of place. Owners have noted that the watch feels “more present while being also more subtle,” suggesting that it can command attention in a room without shouting. This duality makes it an excellent candidate for **daily‑wear** among those who want a conversation‑starter that does not dominate the outfit. --- ## Value & Verdict — price‑positioning + final take At **$24 800**, the TYPE 1 Squared sits at the high end of the independent watch market. Within Ressence’s own line, it is priced above the original TYPE 1 (approximately $20 600 at launch) and well above the entry‑level models of many Swiss brands. The price reflects several factors: 1. **Unique technology** – the orbital disc system and the case‑back winding mechanism are proprietary solutions not found elsewhere. 2. **In‑house development** – the ROCS 1.3 module represents a significant engineering investment. 3. **Limited production** – Ressence’s relatively small scale means economies of scale are limited, driving up unit costs. The **positive feedback** highlights the watch’s execution, its “perfect” detailing, and its ability to act as a gateway into the Ressence universe for new collectors. The **negative feedback** centers on the dial’s circular graining, which some feel cheapens the look, and the price, which “is hard to swallow.” **Verdict:** The Ressence TYPE 1 Squared delivers a compelling blend of avant‑garde display technology and a more conventional case shape that broadens its appeal beyond the brand’s core experimental audience. For collectors who value mechanical innovation and are comfortable with a price that reflects that rarity, the watch is a solid addition. However, potential buyers should be aware that the dial texture may not meet the expectations of those who prioritize immaculate finishing, and the price remains a significant barrier for many. In summary, the TYPE 1 Squared is a **well‑executed evolution** of the brand’s orbital concept, offering a distinctive visual language that can sit comfortably at a formal dinner table or on a daily commute. Its engineering pedigree, combined with a design that bridges the gap between radical and wearable, makes it a noteworthy, if pricey, entry in the modern independent watch landscape.