Ressence Taps Marc Newson for a Special TYPE 3 MN Timepiece

Spotlighting an ergonomic, elliptical silhouette, a shape the celebrated industrial designer has refined over decades of work across various fields.

by · Hypebeast
Marc Newson/Ressence
Marc Newson/Ressence
Marc Newson/Ressence
Marc Newson/Ressence
Marc Newson/Ressence
Marc Newson/Ressence

Summary

  • Ressence has revealed the TYPE 3 MN, a collaborative watch with Marc Newson
  • Limited to 80 pieces, the timepiece features a titanium case, domed sapphire crystal, suspended dial with satellites and a 36‑hour power reserve

Marc Newson and Ressence have unveiled their collaborative TYPE 3 MN timepiece, a rare convergence of two modern names known for their distinct design philosophies — seamlessly fusing the pioneering industrial design approach of Newson with the innovative horological vision of Ressence founder Benoît Mintiens. The resulting timepiece is more than a mere collaboration; it represents a commitment to “Simplication,” the belief that good design achieves clarity and functionality without sacrificing beauty or soul.

The watch’s dial is crafted from Grade 5 titanium discs arranged across four eccentric bi-axial satellites, including a runner disc, with engraved indications filled in blue and green Grade A Super‑LumiNova® for legibility. Its bold, minimal hands nod to Newson’s iconic Ikepod designs of the 1990s, while the colour palette – celadon green, gray, black and vibrant yellow – balances clarity with elegance.

The upper chamber is filled with 4.15 ml of silicone oil, eliminating light refraction and producing a magnified projection effect that makes the time appear to float directly beneath the crystal. This “dematerialised” display, enhanced by Ressence’s patented ROCS 3.6 system, delivers a unique visual experience where only time itself is visible.

Technically, the watch is powered by a customized automatic caliber driving the ROCS module via magnetic transmission. It offers hours, minutes, day, date, oil temperature and a 180‑second runner function, with a 36‑hour power reserve. The case measures 45mm in diameter and 15 mm thick, crafted from Grade 5 titanium with a double‑domed sapphire crystal and anti‑reflective coating.

Despite its complexity, the TYPE 3 MN weighs just 95 grams, including strap and buckle, underscoring its ergonomic precision. The caseback winding and setting system further reinforces Ressence’s philosophy of functional innovation, while the integrated synthetic rubber strap and titanium ardillon buckle ensure comfort and durability.

Limited to 80 pieces worldwide, the TYPE 3 MN is available through Ressence’s webstore and select retailers, priced at 46,000 CHF (approx. $57,438 USD).