Ressence has released a limited-edition Type 9 watch in collaboration with Japanese artist Terumasa Ikeda, featuring a colorful mother-of-pearl dial. The timepiece, part of the brand's Art Watch Series, showcases Ikeda's intricate laser-cut techniques on a domed surface. Only eight pieces were produced, and they have already sold out.
The Ressence Type 9 Ikeda marks the Belgian watchmaker's latest collaboration in its Art Watch Series, following a Type 8 partnership with German artist Daniel Engelberg last year. This edition involves Japanese artisan Terumasa Ikeda, known for his detailed lacquered boxes adorned with laser-cut mother-of-pearl (raden) using urushi lacquer. Adapting his flat-surface methods to the watch's curved dial required soaking and bending the delicate pieces to fit.
The dial incorporates thin lines, tiny squares, and Ikeda's signature Arabic numerals, all in mother-of-pearl, including the Ressence hand logo referencing Antwerp. Beneath lies a Grade 5 titanium base with seven layers of black lacquer, enhancing the vibrant colors. The 39mm case, also Grade 5 titanium, receives a glossy black DLC coating to draw focus to the dial, paired with a shiny black horse leather strap. At 11mm thick, it remains Ressence's most compact model.
Powered by the patented ROCS 9 system, connected to a customized automatic ETA 2982-2 movement, the watch operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a 36-hour power reserve and 31 jewels. The brushed titanium case back, engraved with Ikeda's signature, allows manual winding and setting.
Priced at CHF 32,000 or US$41,500 excluding taxes, the eight limited pieces sold out quickly. Observers note its hypnotic appeal, with one commenter describing it as "a fantastic piece" of wearable art, though others question its practicality for time-telling due to the intricate design. Ressence plans to display it at Watches and Wonders Geneva in April.