What is the Ressence Type 9 IKE?
It is a collaboration between Ressence, the independent Belgian watch brand, and Japanese Artist Termasa Ikeda. Based on the the brand’s Type 9, it “draws on ancient Japanese craft techniques, yet delivering an unmistakably futuristic design.” The brand is renowned for its patented Ressence Orbital Convex System (ROCS) that displays time using rotating discs.
“When I discovered Ikeda’s artwork, I was immediately attracted to its extremely futuristic style, which is simultaneously an ancient craft. The result of this artistic language, when applied to a Ressence watch, gives you the feeling of viewing something from another galaxy – a code, or signal, from another civilisation, beamed back to us from the future.” – Benoît Mintiens, Ressence’s Founder and Creative Leader.
Who is Terumasa Ikeda?
He is a lacquerware artist. He respects tradition by using past and present Raden technique (a traditional decorative craft) and traditional materials such as Urushi, hinoki wood, mother-of-pearl, and gold-leaf while implementing digital technologies such as laser-cutting abalone shell and design.
“For a long period, Japanese decorative art based its designs on graceful images of the seasons, poetry, or songs. However, my work uses a shared image of the vast quantity of information that exists in the present day, and which cannot be expressed in traditional ways. It is difficult to employ the techniques and aesthetics passed down from the past to create an eternal beauty, but I believe that by reflecting the ‘now’ I am continuing the tradition.” – Terumasa Ikeda. (Source: “The Raden of Terumasa Ikeda,” Tokyo Ippodo Gallery, July 2021.)
Does it have a conventional dial?
Not exactly conventional, but a dial nevertheless. It is made from DLC coated Grade 5 titanium. It features hand-applied Raden (mother-of-pearl) and Urushi (black lacquer).
“What was very difficult was attaching Raden to a curved surface,” Ikeda-san explains of the process where ultra-thin shell pieces were cut and placed on the watch components with extreme precision. “Raden is basically flat, and it breaks easily, like eggshell. So, we soaked it and bent it gradually on rubber sheets, little by little, so that it would follow the curvature.”
What type of movement powers the Type 9?
It is powered by the patented Ressence Orbital Convex System (ROCS) 9 module that is driven by the minute axle of a customised ETA 2892/2 base automatic movement. Functions: Hours and minutes. Jewels: 31. Gears: 20. Ball bearings: 4. Frequency: 4 Hz or 28,800 vph. Power reserve: 36 hours.
Is the case made from titanium?
Yes. Its case is made from DLC coated and polished Grade 5 titanium. It measures 39 mm (diameter) * 11 mm (thickness). Dial side features a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inside. Splash resistant up to 1 ATM or approximately 10 metres. It comes with a black shiny horse leather strap featuring an inner lining of moisture repellent leather and fitted with an ardillon buckle made from titanium.
What do we think?
Terumasa Ikeda’s brilliant artistry and craftsmanship have transformed his namesake Type 9 IKE into an unreal design. I am sure it looks as amazing in the flesh as it does in images. Any Ressence watch would be a conversation piece; the Type 9 IKE perhaps more so. The brand’s watches provide a superb canvas for collaborations, such as the Type 3 Marc Newson we covered recently. At only 8 pieces, the Type 9 IKE promises rarity and should easily find homes with collectors who appreciate unique design, watchmaking and art.
Additional Details
Name: Type 9 IKE
Price: Swiss Franc (CHF) 32,000 (excluding taxes)
Limited to 8 pieces.
Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.
