Wearables

Ressence Type 3 watch features a fluid-filled display

Ressence Type 3 watch features a fluid-filled display
The Ressence Type 3 watch's fluid-filled display gives its mechanical indications a two-dimensional, projected appearance
The Ressence Type 3 watch's fluid-filled display gives its mechanical indications a two-dimensional, projected appearance
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The luminous “hands” are engraved into rotating discs that line up with numbers on rings surrounding them – the watch doesn’t have any actual mechanical hands in the traditional sense
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The luminous “hands” are engraved into rotating discs that line up with numbers on rings surrounding them – the watch doesn’t have any actual mechanical hands in the traditional sense
Not only do the individual indicator discs rotate, but so does the entire gathered display of them
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Not only do the individual indicator discs rotate, but so does the entire gathered display of them
The Ressence Type 3 watch's fluid-filled display gives its mechanical indications a two-dimensional, projected appearance
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The Ressence Type 3 watch's fluid-filled display gives its mechanical indications a two-dimensional, projected appearance
Users wind the Type 3 and set the time by twisting one of the nested rings built into the back of the watch
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Users wind the Type 3 and set the time by twisting one of the nested rings built into the back of the watch
Separate mechanical dials indicate hours, minutes, seconds, AM/PM and date
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Separate mechanical dials indicate hours, minutes, seconds, AM/PM and date
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On a regular analog watch, there’s a small pocket of air between the face of the watch and the inside surface of the crystal. On his new Ressence Type 3 watch, however, Belgian designer Benoit Mintiens has filled that space with a clear refractive fluid. As a result, its revolving indications appear to be projected right onto its domed crystal. You could almost think of it as the Magic 8 Ball of high-end timepieces.

The main components of the 57-jewel watch are made almost entirely of titanium, with the exceptions of its sapphire crystal and 28 gears. The fluid is a type of naphtha, which is composed of a flammable mixture of hydrocarbons – so you wouldn’t want to break it. A thermal valve compensates for the expansion and contraction of that fluid, as caused by fluctuations in the ambient temperature.

The refractive index of the fluid and the crystal is such that the indications appear as a two-dimensional display that follows the inside curve of the sapphire.

Separate mechanical dials indicate hours, minutes, seconds, AM/PM and date
Separate mechanical dials indicate hours, minutes, seconds, AM/PM and date

Those indications consist of separate mechanical dials that indicate hours, minutes, seconds, AM/PM and date. The luminous “hands” are engraved into rotating discs that line up with numbers on rings surrounding them – the watch doesn’t have any actual mechanical hands in the traditional sense.

For added fun and complexity, not only do the individual indicator discs rotate, but so does the entire gathered display of them. Exactly how the rotating discs are able to accurately keep time while being part of a rotating display themselves is something of a mystery, although Ressence explains it simply by stating, “Information [is] transmitted from movement to indications by micro-magnetic fields.”

Users wind the Type 3 and set the time by twisting one of the nested rings built into the back of the watch
Users wind the Type 3 and set the time by twisting one of the nested rings built into the back of the watch

Along with lacking regular hands, the Type 3 also has no crown. Instead, users wind it and set the time by twisting one of the nested rings (pictured above) built into the back of the watch.

All this innovation does come at a price, however. Should you be wanting one, expect to part with €23,000 (US$30,000).

Source: Ressence via Cool Hunting

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5 comments
5 comments
Arahant
I think this is cool idea, i like how it looks, i might get one-woah, 30,000$?!?
Might be worth that much but not to me, i think id rather buy a rolex for that much as i bet it would hold its value better.
The Skud
Brilliant until something goes out of kilter when you overheat it by leaving it in the sunshine or whatever! You can buy a boot full of $500 dollar watches all in different colours, for that money.
Dave B13
Think I'll get a tokyoflash model with a rhenium band. It'll cost a lot less total.
Rudy
$30,000?!?!?!!!! WTF?! for that I'd buy a new truck, with a built it clock...! and GPS..., and radio/CD/DVD player..., with Bluetooth..., and heated seats...., and air conditioning...., and cup holders...!!!
tallos
I love this timepiece and what people don't seem to understand is the complexity in developing this,also it won't be made in large quantities and so it must be expensive that's what makes luxury special. I am a little surprised however in the cheap looking strap.come on guys you can do better ...this is no 1950 timex