Belgian watchmaker Ressence has collaborated with Japanese artist Terumasa Ikeda to create the Type 9 IKE Limited Edition, a series of just eight pieces that combines the brand’s distinctive time display with traditional Japanese decorative techniques.
Based on the minimalist Ressence Type 9, the watch becomes a moving canvas for Ikeda’s work. Layers of urushi lacquer are combined with ultra-fine raden (mother-of-pearl) inlay, forming a complex composition that evolves visually as it rotates across Ressence’s signature convex dial.
Above and below: Two creations of Terumasa Ikeda
The constantly shifting display creates changing reflections that highlight the depth and detail of the handcrafted decoration.
Benoît Mintiens, founder and creative director of Ressence, described the inspiration behind the collaboration: “When I discovered Ikeda’s work, I was immediately drawn to its futuristic character, which is nonetheless rooted in traditional craftsmanship. Applied to a Ressence watch, this artistic language creates the impression of observing something from another galaxy — a kind of coded signal from the future.”
The project presented significant technical challenges. Raden, which consists of extremely thin pieces of shell, is naturally flat and highly fragile.
To apply it to the curved dial components of the Type 9, Ikeda carefully cut and gradually bent the material over rubber sheets until it could follow the required curvature without breaking.
The watch is housed in a 39 mm × 11 mm case crafted from DLC-coated Grade 5 titanium and topped by a domed sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective coating.
Splash resistance is rated to 1 ATM (10 metres / 33 feet).
Powering the watch is the patented ROCS 9 – Ressence Orbital Convex System module, driven by the minute axle of a customised automatic base calibre.
Beating at 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), the self-winding movement incorporates 31 jewels, 20 gears and four ball bearings, providing a power reserve of approximately 36 hours.
Time setting and manual winding are performed via the caseback, following Ressence’s crownless architecture.
The watch is paired with a black horse leather strap secured by a titanium ardillon buckle.
Limited to eight pieces, the Ressence Type 9 IKE is available through selected retailers worldwide at a price of CHF 32,000 (excluding taxes). ressencewatches.com
