Ressence surprised us with a new Diver in a full lume dial when they released their new Type 5 L late last month.
Press Release information with commentary in italics.
New: Ressence Type 5 Diver full lume dial
The Ressence Type 5 Diver will retail at SGD 56,000 inclusive of GST.
Commentary
The Type 5 from Belgian independent Ressence is the Diver’s watch first seen in 2015. We covered this launch model and subsequent additions to the family. The Type 5 BB stealth watch in all black was released in 2016, the Type 5G in 2017. And the Type 5X in 2020, which was pitched as a driver’s (not diver’s) watch in the collaboration with Eugenio Amos, founder of Automobili Amos.
This novelty, the Type 5 L, as stated in the release notes, the L stands for “luminous”, where the entire dial is painted with lume to provide the fully luminous face under low light conditions. This is the first time Ressence has produced a full lume dial, which is possibly a trend which a few other maisons have tried. Notably Bell & Ross with their BR V2-94 FULL LUM (2021) and the BR X5 LUM this year. And of course from Sarpaneva way back in 2016 with their K0. Hanhart have their Night Flight, and Citizen have various releases with full lume dials in their Fugu collection.
What has not changed is the innovative use of oil in the movement – the ROCS 5 – Ressence Orbital Convex System is a module driven by the minute axle of a customised ETA 2824/2 calibre. What has also not changed is the case meeting ISO 6425 standards: 100m water resistance and unidirectional bezel (which in the Type 5 watches feature a precision mechanism for the clicks and a secure lock system for the gasket) as well as the lume requirements.
The watch’s aesthetics feature an attractive grey overall colour tone with accents in blue and yellow, but appearing almost monotone from a distance. In the dark, the entire dial lights up with the lume.
Pricing wise, the CHF 34.5k compares nicely to the Type 5 BB which had a launch price of CHF 31.5k back in 2016.
Release information
Picture this : you’re at an experimental art show. The room is dimly lit, filled with chatter and the clinking of glasses. As you check the time on your wrist, your luminous TYPE 5 L catches the eye of your neighbour. First, a brief eye contact. Then, a smile. And, in no time, here you are answering all their questions, exchanging ideas, and contact details to keep the conversation going.
In that moment, the TYPE 5 L proves our point — beyond functionality, a statement piece sparks connection, even in the most unexpected places.
Wait no more. The bright new TYPE 5 L is finally out in all its shine. And shine it does. At the movies or a wild rave, driving through a tunnel or exploring a bat cave, rest assured you won’t go incognito.
As clues are hard to ignore, you must have guessed what L stands for. Neither lemon nor lavender, but L as in ‘Luminescent’. Thanks to its full Super-LumiNova® inlay, the entire dial casts a strong glow when the lights are low.
“This new beamer and latest addition to our line of mechanical watches is as much a tool watch as a conversation starter, thanks to its superior legibility and unique design . It’s not just about functionality; the robust TYPE 5 L brings a sense of quiet assurance and singularity to its wearer, making it a true companion for any endeavor.”
Benoît Mintiens, Founder of Ressence.
And by the way, you can also dive with it.
The TYPE 5 Luminescent will complement the TYPE 5 Night Blue and Black Black. It will be available worldwide from June 2024, via Ressence’s official retailer network.
Oil-Filled for Optimal Legibility
The luminous enhancement of the TYPE 5 L is paired to the Ressence oil-filled upper chamber, a hallmark of every TYPE 5. The oil cancels out light refraction and makes the watch readable from any angle, providing a clear and crisp display that is essential for divers. The extra luminescent dial only further boosts this legibility.
Meeting Diver’s Watch Standards
The TYPE 5 L meets the rigorous ISO 6425 standard required for underwater exploration, adhering to the highest levels of safety and reliability. The watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters (10 ATM). It also passed tests of magnetic and shock resilience, among others. The robust Grade 5 titanium construction guarantees durability while maintaining a lightweight profile.
Precision Bezel and Secure Lock System
The TYPE 5 L features the unidirectional rotating bezel with an easy-to-grip tactile design, allowing for precise and reliable adjustments. This is a critical feature for divers who rely on their watch to track immersion time accurately. Additionally, every TYPE 5 caseback deploys the Ressence Compression Lock System (RCLS), a mechanism which enables wearers to lock the compression gasket for waterproofing.
Ressence Type 5 L Specifications
Functions
- Hours
- Minutes
- Runner 90”
- Oil Temperature
Movement
- Patented ROCS 5 – Ressence Orbital Convex System – module driven by the minute axle of a customised 2824/2 calibre
- Caseback winding and time setting with Ressence Compression Lock System (RCLS)
- Magnetic transmission
- Compensating Bellow System
- Self-winding
- 36 hours power reserve
- 28,800 vibrations per hour
- 41 jewels
- 25 gears
- 3 ball bearings
Dial
- Engraved indications and dial filled with green Grade A Super-LumiNova®
Case
- Grade 5 titanium
- Two separate sealed chambers with the upper one filled with 3.75 ml of oil
- Double-domed sapphire crystals top and bottom with anti-reflective coating inside
- Uni-directional bezel
- 46 mm (diameter) x 15.5mm (thickness)
- 10 ATM water-resistance / ISO 6425
Buckle & Strap
- Ardillon buckle
- Grey fabric strap with yellow leather lining (24/22mm) + Blue rubber strap (24/24mm)
Components & Weight
- 325 components / 85 grams
