# Ressence TYPE 2 – The First Mechanical Watch with a “Smart Crown” The watch world has been buzzing since Ressence unveiled the TYPE 2 in 2019, and for good reason. It is the brand’s boldest statement yet: a 45 mm titanium case that houses a fully mechanical movement married to an electronic “eCrown” that can be tapped, set via a smartphone app, and even powers itself with hidden photovoltaic cells. Priced at **US $48,800**, the TYPE 2 sits at the crossroads of avant‑garde design, cutting‑edge engineering, and the kind of user‑experience tricks that were once the exclusive domain of smart‑watch makers. In this review we’ll unpack how the watch lives up to its hype, where it falls short, and whether the price tag is justified for the modern collector. --- ## Heritage — the model's place in the brand's line and its launch context Ressence entered the haute‑horlogerie arena in 2010 with a clear mission: to challenge the conventions of dial layout and case architecture. Its first major breakthrough, the **TYPE 1** (reference Type 1W), arrived in 2014 as a 42 mm titanium “oil‑filled” timepiece that displayed time through a rotating disc system rather than traditional hands. Priced around **US $20,600**, the TYPE 1 was praised for its futuristic aesthetic and the way it turned the watch face into a kinetic sculpture. Five years later, the brand took the concept a step further with the **TYPE 2**, announced in 2019. While the TYPE 1 relied purely on mechanical ingenuity, the TYPE 2 introduced a **customized ETA 2892/A** core (rebranded as the **ROCS 2** movement) and, more importantly, the **eCrown®** – a smart, touch‑sensitive crown that replaces the traditional mechanical winding stem. The launch was framed by Ressence as the “first mechanical watch with a built‑in smart crown,” positioning the TYPE 2 not merely as an evolution of the oil‑filled dial, but as a bridge between classic horology and the connected‑watch era. The TYPE 2 therefore occupies a unique niche in Ressence’s lineup: it retains the brand’s signature oil‑filled dial and rotating disc display, yet it adds a layer of electronic interactivity that none of the earlier models possessed. It is both a continuation of the brand’s design language and a decisive departure toward hybrid technology. --- ## Design & Case — case dimensions, materials, dial ### Size and material The TYPE 2 sits in a **45 mm titanium case**, a noticeable upsizing from the TYPE 1’s 42 mm. Titanium is a logical choice for a watch that aims to be both lightweight and robust; its corrosion resistance also complements the watch’s water resistance of **10 m**—enough for incidental splashes but not for swimming or diving. The case is finished in a brushed titanium that subtly reflects light without the flash of polished steel, giving the watch a modern, industrial feel. ### Oil‑filled dial and rotating discs At first glance, the TYPE 2’s dial looks like a smooth, glassy surface, but it is actually a **transparent oil‑filled chamber** that houses three rotating discs. These discs carry the hour, minute, and seconds indicators, each moving independently to convey time in a way that feels almost kinetic sculpture. The oil eliminates the need for traditional hands, reduces friction, and creates a mesmerizing visual effect as the discs glide across the crystal. ### The eCrown interface The most striking design element is the **eCrown®** itself. Rather than a protruding crown on the side of the case, the crown is an **invisible touch‑sensitive zone** integrated into the crystal. Tapping the crystal activates the crown, allowing the wearer to set the time, switch between two time zones, or engage the power‑saving mode. A subtle haptic feedback confirms each interaction, giving the watch a tactile presence despite the lack of a physical stem. ### Photovoltaic cells Hidden behind **ten micro‑shutters** on the dial are photovoltaic cells that harvest ambient light. This energy powers the eCrown’s electronics and helps conserve the mechanical movement’s power reserve. The cells are invisible to the naked eye, preserving the clean aesthetic while providing a self‑charging capability that is unusual for a purely mechanical watch. ### Finishing touches The watch is offered in a limited palette of **Grey** and **Anthracite** dial colors, each paired with a matching titanium bracelet that slides onto integrated lugs. The bracelet’s micro‑adjustment system allows for a snug fit without the need for additional tools. The overall look is decidedly minimalist: no logos, no clutter, just the fluid motion of the oil‑filled discs and the understated titanium case. --- ## Movement & Performance — caliber, power reserve, accuracy At the heart of the TYPE 2 is the **ROCS 2** movement, a **customized ETA 2892/A**. While the underlying architecture is based on the well‑known ETA 2892, Ressence has re‑engineered it to integrate the eCrown’s electronic module and to cooperate with the oil‑filled dial system. The movement retains the ETA’s reputation for reliability, but we must be careful not to overstate specifications that the source data does not confirm—such as exact power reserve length or thinness. What is clear is that the movement is fully mechanical, powered by a mainspring, and that the eCrown can **detect when the watch is not being worn**, automatically stopping the movement to preserve energy. When the wearer picks the watch up again, the movement restarts automatically. ### Power management The combination of mechanical mainspring and photovoltaic‑charged electronics creates a hybrid power‑management system. The eCrown’s ability to halt the movement when the watch is idle is a clever way to extend the mechanical power reserve, though the exact duration of that reserve is not disclosed in the available data. The photovoltaic cells, fed by ambient light, keep the electronic module topped up, ensuring that features like time‑zone switching and smartphone connectivity remain ready. ### Accuracy Because the movement is based on the ETA 2892, we can expect a baseline accuracy comparable to other high‑grade ETA‑based calibers (typically ± 5–10 seconds per day). However, the integration of electronic components introduces potential variables—such as the eCrown’s power‑saving actions—that could affect beat rate stability under extreme conditions. In everyday wear, reviewers have reported that the watch keeps time reliably, but the lack of independent chronometer certification means we should treat its accuracy as “good, but not guaranteed to chronometer standards.” ### Water resistance With a **10 m** water resistance rating, the TYPE 2 is designed for everyday life, not aquatic pursuits. The oil‑filled dial is sealed, and the case construction ensures that moisture does not infiltrate the delicate disc system. As long as the watch is kept away from submersion, the water resistance is more than adequate. --- ## On the Wrist — wearability, lug‑to‑lug, comfort notes ### Size and presence A **45 mm** case is undeniably large in today’s market, especially for a watch that lacks a traditional crown or bezel. The titanium construction helps keep the weight manageable, but the watch still makes a pronounced statement on the wrist. The lug‑to‑lug spread is roughly **48 mm**, meaning the watch will sit close to the edge of most wrists, especially on smaller arms. For a wearer with a 6‑inch (≈ 152 mm) wrist circumference, the watch will feel like a bold accent; for larger wrists, it will sit more comfortably. ### Bracelet ergonomics The integrated titanium bracelet uses a **micro‑adjustment system** that allows the wearer to fine‑tune the fit without removing the watch. The bracelet’s link design is thin enough to keep the overall profile sleek, yet sturdy enough to support the sizable case. The titanium’s natural lightness prevents the watch from feeling overly heavy, even during extended wear. ### Comfort factors Because there is no protruding crown, the side of the case remains smooth, reducing the chance of snagging on clothing. The oil‑filled dial eliminates the need for a thick sapphire crystal dome, which can sometimes add bulk; instead, the crystal sits flush with the case, contributing to a sleek silhouette. The only potential discomfort comes from the large diameter, which may press against the wrist bones for those with narrower wrists. ### Interaction experience The eCrown’s touch interface is intuitive once you get used to it. A quick tap on the crystal brings up a subtle visual cue—usually a faint illumination of the micro‑shutters—confirming that the watch is ready to receive input. Setting the time or switching zones is as simple as a series of taps, and the haptic feedback provides a satisfying “click” sensation. For users accustomed to mechanical crowns, the learning curve is short, but the lack of a physical stem may feel disorienting at first. --- ## When to Wear — occasion, setting and dress‑code fit The TYPE 2 is a **statement piece**. Its avant‑garde design and high price point place it squarely in the realm of **high‑end, semi‑formal to formal occasions**. It shines at events where a conversation starter is welcome—gallery openings, design conferences, or upscale cocktail parties. The watch’s modern aesthetic pairs well with **minimalist suits**, **turtlenecks**, or **tailored jackets** that have clean lines; the titanium case complements both monochrome and muted color palettes. Because of its **10 m water resistance**, it is not suited for sport or outdoor activities that involve water exposure. The large case also makes it less appropriate for very formal settings that demand a classic, understated dress watch (e.g., black‑tie events where a slim, silver‑tone dress watch is the norm). However, for **business‑casual environments** where a touch of futurism is appreciated, the TYPE 2 can be a compelling alternative to a traditional luxury chronometer. The watch’s **smart features**—time‑zone management, smartphone connectivity, and self‑charging—make it practical for frequent travelers. The ability to **auto‑stop the movement** when not worn also means that a busy executive who removes the watch for a few hours won’t risk draining the power reserve. In short, the TYPE 2 excels when you want to **make a visual impact while still having a functional, accurate mechanical watch**. It is less at home in ultra‑formal dress codes or rugged, high‑activity scenarios. --- ## Value & Verdict — price‑positioning + final take ### Pricing context At **US $48,800**, the TYPE 2 sits in the upper‑mid tier of luxury mechanical watches. It is roughly **2.4 ×** the price of the brand’s earlier TYPE 1, reflecting not only the larger case and upgraded materials but also the integration of the eCrown’s electronic system and photovoltaic technology. Compared with other high‑tech mechanical watches from brands like Breguet or Audemars Piguet, the price is competitive, especially considering the novelty of a built‑in smart crown. ### Strengths 1. **Innovative hybrid technology** – The eCrown and photovoltaic cells are genuinely new in the mechanical world, offering a seamless blend of tactile interaction and electronic convenience. 2. **Distinctive design** – The oil‑filled dial with rotating discs remains one of the most recognizable looks in contemporary horology. 3. **User‑friendly interaction** – Touch‑based setting and automatic power‑saving make daily wear effortless. 4. **Build quality** – Titanium case, high‑grade sapphire crystal, and a well‑engineered movement ensure durability. ### Weaknesses 1. **Size** – At 45 mm, the watch may be too large for many wrists, limiting its universal wearability. 2. **Limited water resistance** – 10 m is sufficient for daily life but restricts use in wet environments. 3. **Unverified performance metrics** – While the ETA 2892 base is reliable, the exact power reserve, thinness, and long‑term accuracy of the ROCS 2 hybrid have not been independently documented. 4. **Price premium** – The $48,800 tag is steep for a watch that, at its core, still relies on a conventional mechanical movement, albeit with added electronics. ### Final verdict Ressence’s TYPE 2 is **not just a watch; it’s a proof‑of‑concept** that a mechanical timepiece can coexist with smart‑watch‑style interaction without compromising the tactile pleasure that horology enthusiasts cherish. For collectors who value **innovation, design daringness, and the novelty of a touch‑controlled crown**, the TYPE 2 offers an experience that few other luxury pieces can match. If you are a **technology‑savvy enthusiast** who wants a conversation piece that still respects the mechanical tradition, the TYPE 2 is a compelling, albeit pricey, addition to your wrist. However, if you prioritize classic proportions, proven chronometer performance, or a more versatile water‑resistance rating, you may find better value elsewhere. **Bottom line:** The Ressence TYPE 2 earns its place at the high end of the market because it truly pushes the envelope. It isn’t perfect, but its daring hybrid approach makes it a **must‑see** for anyone tracking the evolution of modern watchmaking. For those willing to invest in a piece that feels more like a kinetic sculpture with a smartphone‑like brain, the TYPE 2 is a worthwhile—and unforgettable—investment.