The Ressence Type 2 | family history
The Type 2 is the most technically ambitious Ressence: a photovoltaic-cell-powered electromechanical module (87 components) that sits between the mechanical movement and the ROCS 2 display. It reads the time optically, sets the ROCS display automatically, and syncs via a companion app. The first self-setting mechanical watch in serial production.
Ressence’s e-Crown line: an electromechanical module (87 components, photovoltaic-cell power) sitting between the mechanical movement and the ROCS 2 display, enabling automatic time-setting. The first self-setting mechanical watch in serial production.
2018 · e-Crown launch
Ressence launched the Type 2 in 2018 as the e-Crown concept: an electromechanical layer grafted between a mechanical movement and the ROCS 2 module. The module is powered by a photovoltaic cell in the dial (no battery to replace); it reads the mechanical movement's output optically and adjusts the ROCS display to correct for any rate error. The app connection allows timezone setting by location.
How to read this family
Two honest questions for any Type 2 buyer:
- Is the e-Crown reliable? Early production had app-connectivity issues that were addressed via firmware updates. The photovoltaic power system requires ambient light to maintain the module; extended storage in a dark drawer can require a reset procedure. The mechanical movement beneath it is conventional and robust.
- Type 2 or Type 3 as a flagship statement? The Type 2 is the technical statement; the Type 3 is the visual one. The Type 2's self-setting function is a genuine convenience; the Type 3's oil-filled case is a sensory experience. Neither is a conservative choice.
Related families: Type 1 · Type 3
References in this family
Which ref to buy
The Type 2 introduces the e-Crown: an electronic crown-setting system that uses a capacitive touch sensor and a small app to set the watch without a physical crown. The mechanical movement runs independently; the e-Crown system adjusts it electronically. A hybrid mechanical-electronic watch that solves crown placement on the oil-filled case.
- 1Open
Type 2 e-Crown -- solves the crown problem for oil-filled watches elegantly, adds a battery dependency.
- The case for it:
- The e-Crown is a thoughtful engineering solution: the oil-filled case cannot have a conventional crown piercing the case without seal risk. The electronic setting system is clever and the app integration is clean.
- Consider instead if:
- A battery-dependent setting system adds a failure mode to a mechanical watch. If the e-Crown battery dies, setting the watch requires service. For buyers who want a purely mechanical Ressence, the Type 1 is the correct choice.
Rankings last reviewed 2026-06-07. Editorial perspective only. Not financial advice.