How On Earth Does a Ressence Watch Work?

[@watchfinder]

We know you want more watches…. click here: linktr.ee/watchfinder

[@luizgustavomayrinkcarvalho4399]

This watch is a showcase for engineering methodology: solve one problem by creating five new ones!!!

[@azz710]

But consider the result!

[@alexandredeoliveirapenna198]

It is exactly the opposite. The end result that brings engineering find each solutions

[@clemluler]

a

[@KienDLuu]

Boeing took that methodology to another level.

[@theoldman8877]

Just like EVs , in the case of EVs we must wait a few decades to find out what the new problems are ! Just like ICE CARs they make all citys cleaner and much healthier by removing a city with lawyer of horse manure. Often more than a foot deep full of bugs and flies. In other words an open sewer.

[@michaelhathaway2399]

Absolutely bonkers level of engineering in this. So many radical rethinking of concepts. Love the design orientation as well. And this was a fantastic video - love the tone, love the style of walking through the design, just a pleasure to watch.

[@111yohan]

a pleasure to "watch" 😎👌

[@SachaKDrums]

Wow. The rotation complications alone are fantastic but the final oil glass-effect and presentation of the dial is off the chain!

[@brad7571]

My two Ressence watches are the most favored in my collection. They are worn most often as well. Fantastic company. Incredible product, and is a really nice refreshing break from normal watches. Nothing like them in the world.

[@mrlazli]

I adore my Ressence too! Real compliment getter.

[@GuyVanderAa]

Very proud of this one. Designed and made in my home city of Antwerp. The hand is indeed our city symbol.

[@montblancnoland4034]

Just started getting into watches and the amount of engineering that goes into it makes me respect watch making to a new level

[@barfymann362]

One of the main reasons I avoided Ressence is the same reason I'd never buy a U-Boat. Whilst I can appreciate the engineering behind Ressence, the HYT debacle is a cautionary tale. Something I appreciate about F.P. Journe, JLC, and VC (and a few others I might have forgotten) is that they'll service any watch - no matter how far back it goes, since they keep all the blueprints and equipment required to service those watches.If those companies failed to exist, a watch maker could possibly repair it. Where as with Ressence, whilst the movement may be basic ETA - the Oil component would be a difficult and tedious task for a watch maker to deal with and one would rely only on Ressence to service the timepiece. As a concept, it's cool - but down the line, is there sustainability in this?

[@jbmpmanagua]

My heart wishes I had never read your comment, my head thanks you for it and my wallet has already made it's mind against it some time ago.

[@Unc0mmonSense]

This is one of my grail watches but your comment is making me rethink it now....

[@mitchmitchell9588]

Smart. It's the same reason I won't buy that 1973 Citroen SM with the hydraulics...

[@johngalt5205]

@@mitchmitchell9588 My first car was a 1965 Citroen DS21 that my father (a hydraulics engineer) had refurbished. Fantastic car with a fantastic ride with an engine from the 1930s. I would love to have an SM as well, but an Italian engine in a French car, brrrrr.

[@mitchmitchell9588]

@@johngalt5205 Your dad was a hydraulics engineer! That may be the coolest job I've ever heard. And he restored Citroens. He is definitely the coolest dad ever. We can only aspire to be that awesome ​I have come so close to pulling the trigger on an SM on more than a few occasions. It's so beautifully engineered and way ahead of its time. But try to find someone who knows how to repair/maintain those hydraulics? In California? There are maybe 3 mechanics qualified to do the work, and they aren't getting any younger. Which is what @barfyman362 is saying. Vintage Citroens, and these watches, deserve and require more care than I am capable (or desirous) of providing.

[@rohanjoshi40]

How can anyone not love this watch. So complex and still simple..absolute marvel

[@chasemer6]

As an auto enthusiast, the designer had me at BBS wheel shaped gears. Everything else is icing on the cake.

[@REAPER3fitty]

Exactly why I came to comment. I saw the gears and heard him saw BBS and saw it instantly. Such an amazing little detail buried beneath another thousand amazing details.

[@boxingfan5742]

This is my favorite watch video of all time. I design equipment for a living, so this was 24 minutes of exquisite eye candy for me. This design engineer gets a roaring standing ovation from me. Also, I can't say enough as to how well you've narrated it. Thank you for this in-depth look into such a fascinatingly innovative approach to watchmaking. As the co-narrator points out, it's quite something to pursue this level of innovation in such a well-established field of technology. KUDOS!!!

[@ultimaetsolder]

What things have you designed?

[@boxingfan5742]

@@ultimaetsolder I design interventional medical device features, manufacturing processes and test equipment.

[@sardendibs]

I love this channel. The interworking of wit, insights and humour is a mechanical masterpiece in its own right.

[@jlg395]

I agree 100%. These are so much better than the regular WatchFinder episodes, by a factor of roughly ten million.

[@mahmoudiamir]

I have seen this watch in your blog 5 years ago and since then, I was completely mesmerized by the looks and now I understand the technology and its amazing, its simply my most favorite watche and I wish I can buy one of this one day

[@CaptainXanax]

When I was a watchmaker in a jewelry store we had a guy bring in his Bell & Ross Hydromax to send in to the factory to get refilled with oil as it had developed a bubble. It's an expensive service, especially for a quartz watch. Then you really gotta ask yourself, how badly do I need a watch that has 11km of water resistance?

[@S3dINS]

Maybe he was aquaman

[@mattmiller237]

If I had 40k to spend on a (one) watch, I wouldn't buy this one. But, if I had a collection of 40k+ watches, I'd definitely like to include this one. It's such a sick watch

[@billhanna2148]

Which ONE would you buy ???🤔🤔🤔

[@sqwale7]

I'm so curious, what watches would you pick over this? It has aesthetic is refreshing, its movement is based on an ETA but we can all agree its been taken to the next level and true it complication is date time temperature but its done in a unique way.

[@mattmiller237]

If I had 40k to spend on one watch, I'd probably try to get a Vacheron Constantin Overseas, though I've never seen one in person

[@sqwale7]

@@mattmiller237 they are nice looking watches but not particularly unique! The reason i think this is amazing is because it's innovative.

[@mattmiller237]

@@sqwale7 if you want unique, you should look at MB&F. They have some crazy pieces but most aren't really my taste

[@SadanWani]

That's a remarkably beautiful looking watch. The thing that I find fascinating is that it looks so much like a smartwatch with an analog display.

[@sanjeen2503]

that's kinda the reason why not-so-rich me decided to buy the Google Pixel watch 2 and create a black Ressence type 3 watchface for it. works wonders!

[@ryanbrown5499]

This is what I’ve been asking for for ages thank you so much for finally featuring this watch brand on your channel ❤️

[@rondobeyondo14]

The Type 2 is basically what you were asking for when you talked about a model that can do what that FP Journe does by basically setting itself after not being worn for a while. That ecrown is amazing!!

[@fullspectrum2752]

I have seen a few videos on Ressence watches and I just love the whole idea. This video looked at the watch type in a very different or in a more complete manner then other videos I have seen, so thank you. What you showed is spot on for those who enjoy watches for the mechanics and what it takes to just tell time. I would like it to have its own movement but then when you point out ALL the work for everything else I think many can get past the movement. I think certain watch collectors will want to have this watch for all the ways it approaches problems in telling time for the owner that makes it so cool to have. Its a flex move to have one, if you ask me, between watch collectors and not the larger watch world we are currently in. THE ONLY think I kind of wish you all had looked into, and it came about while listening to your video, was the service needs or aspect for this watch. Due to everything you pointed out and how oil can fail over time what is the process or when would one expect the process need to happen with these watches. I would love to own an example but it would be sad if these are kind of toss outs or fail more often then not due to the complexity. What would not be great is if they do service them but due to all the effort you would be better off buying a new watch for the price of the repair. Love some thoughts on this as since this is a newer brand I have not seen much on maintenance needs. Thanks for the video on this, really cool info you all shared on a cool watch!

[@TOakenshield]

Unreal. This deserves so much more shock, awe and respect.

[@frankpentangeli7945]

Let me start by saying I love this watch! The engineering and problem solving involved is off the charts! And the esthetic design is stunningly beautiful! But 5 degrees below zero Celsius is NOT THAT COLD. Can you not wear this watch outside in winter? That is an extremely limiting specification in my view. Still, if someone gave me this watch I would be a happy man, and would only wear it indoors from December to March. But I WOULD wear it!

[@catlikearcher9955]

I think you could wear it below -5, but it would get an air bubble. Once you went back inside the air bubble would disappear. Although I think for most people -5 is pretty cold. Bear in mind it’ll also be on your wrist which is at about 27 C

[@DrBovdin]

Exactly. It is not a piece that should be left outside on its own on a cold day, but who would do that anyway? If you have the cash flow to comfortably own one of these, you will have other time pieces you would strap on while climbing mountains in sub-zero temperatures. I can’t really think of a reasonable real world scenario where you would still be alive and you would risk having the watch you are wearing cool down that much, even on the face side. Your body heat will conduct through the piece and most likely keep it within working specs in almost any use case. To cool it down that much while being strapped to it you most likely would also have to expose it directly to the elements at a much colder ambient temperature than -5°C for an extended period, and you yourself would likely try to take measures to stop exposing your wrist to them as well, well before the watch face manages to reach the critical temperature. I may be wrong, in my assumptions, but I guess someone will have to either do the simulations or just try wearing it at uncomfortably cool circumstances. I would actually be more concerned about the upper limit, as that could actually be an issue in the summer, even in places with much more sensible summers. Keep in mind how hot a car, especially with dark furniture, can become in the summer. The oil filled face bit is then, just as is the case in winter (which is why I do have to say I am not 100% sure the previous statements hold entirely) will be partially insulated from siphoning heat off onto your wrist by the contained air in the power section of the watch. If I were to guess, it will be more units failing due to overheating than to hypothermia. Cheers

[@frankpentangeli7945]

@@DrBovdin You may be right, but I don't know how much the dial side of the watch would be affected by one's body heat, particularly since it's pretty much isolated from the movement by ... a layer of titanium? In any event, I live in Canada. Fortunately I'm in the warm part, but this winter the temperature did go down to -12. Other parts of Canada experience -20 to -30 on a regular basis in winter, so I wouldn't attempt to wear the watch outdoors in those places, regardless of how warmly dressed I was. I lived in those regions for 25 years, and it's not pleasant. 😁

[@nobass_stub1394]

yeah its a tough choice when its minus 15C outside and the drive way needs shoveling .. Do I wear the $400 Hamilton or the $40k Oil Bubble watch .. hmmm ?

[@nobass_stub1394]

KEK Neither ,, you get the maid to do the damn shoveling and wear the OilBubble watch and drink brandy in your hand made leather recliner by the fire :)

[@jtiptonevo2490]

I always get excited when I see a video start with some mics im like this is gonna be a great upload.. love the channel!

[@balesjo]

Well, this definitely isn't your father's old Rolex! It's interesting to see that there are still innovations in horology still to be made. The engineering of this watch movement is fascinating, as is the face if the watch. There are pros and cons to owning and wearing a watch like this, and the price of it ensures it will be a collector's watch. Anyway, two thumbs up for the vision becoming a real physical product available for sale.

[@scottbends640]

Pretty incredible. Great description of how each feature resulted in the next challenge. The sign of a great leader - to envision such a strategy and not be deterred by any constraints.

[@9804216]

There are definitely a lot of things to consider at this price point but end of the day, its a question of whether one would rather own an innovative rarely been done before timepiece or another timepiece that relies solely on its heritage and finishing as the main marketing tool behind it. I personally own a Ressence Type 1 and though it isn't oil filled like the Type 3 or Type 5, it is still one of the coolest timepieces I own in terms of overall design. I love the orbital display, two dimensional dial and the organic design of the watch. Personally I appreciate brands like Ressence that challenge the way time is displayed and the innovation they bring. The Type 2 is one of the best marriages of a mechanical and smart watch combined. And yes; I do think when its picked up after a long lull period, its orbital display will do its magic dance before adjusting to the correct time and day.

[@robertland2616]

The review is on the same level as the watch, well done! Best new design in watches since H-4, if you know you know😉

[@livedadyt10]

The engineering and detail are just amazing. I want one. Thank you for showing this.

[@aalalex8365]

I was lucky to have my favorite AD in Dubai shown me last January a Ressence not yet on the market. You can see in this video, but it is difficult to really appreciate how amazing is the dial in reality. It looks like OLED. There are no visible gaps, it looks paper printed (it was a white dial). As I am restructuring my collection, I'll fit one of these in it as it is such a different watch. You really need to have one in your hands to really appreciate the looks.

[@lll9416]

This looks like a mechanical OLED display!🤯 amazing!👏👏👏

[@sebastianrutkowski7316]

"how complicated can you make a watch movement??" RESSENCE:"HOLD MY BELGIAN FRIES."

[@tbillington]

Been a big fan of Ressence for years, but never knew the insane level of work to keep the oil and movement seperate.

[@charlottejet4338]

It is another level of watch engineering and very pleasant to look at. I'd love one.

[@tomstanden5451]

I swear you guys are car geeks. Almost every video there’s a reference to cars and I love it. And I didn’t see it before but a few of those little gears are definitely modelled after the BBS LM wheel. So so cool

[@markhpluygers2226]

ha ha. Not about the watch, but about you guys!.... Lovely to see (and keep) some of your classic duets with Tom..... This was amazing..... The watch too!

[@doncady9874]

The graphics alone make it exceptional,I will never see one in real life,I so enjoy you allowing me to see how this thing works.

[@Mo340par]

Just ran across this channel via this episode. As an engineer, I love the complexity and simplicity of this watch. Definitely want one, but a tad too rich for my blood.

[@Brunomills]

One of the most unique watches I've seen. Would love to own one, someday.

[@MB-uw6eh]

The most amazing dial I’ve ever seen. Pure creative genius.

[@momentofclarity873]

I love this video format! You should make more casual videos like this one.

[@REAPER3fitty]

As soon as he talked about BBS wheels the camera showed the gears and I instantly saw it. This is fantastic

[@pavelgeaniiures1154]

Watch making is engineering at an extreme level of precision, this simply adds complexity. A beautiful piece of engineering, innovative watch making

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

Beautiful. I use oil in most of my quartz watches to achieve the same look. Effective for keeping water out and protect against jarring movement.

[@BrittPearceWatches]

This is one of my all time favourite watches and I’m so happy to see a video about it. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

[@RaphaelRousseau]

Fascinating! I already saw that piece, and I was sure it was a smart watch and the dial was a display! The engineering behind this is phenomenal! And the outcome is... (I'm speechless!)

[@carpandrei7493]

First: this is an amazing watch! I love it! The engineer in me can't stop drooling over it. I'll stop here, I just love it. Now here comes the part that's borderline heresy: I can't afford it, but I just might buy a smartwatch if someone could implement the dial design and concept into a functional watch face. Sure, only about 70% of what makes this watch what it is can be implemented on flat screen... but I'd take that... Seriously now: this is one formidable watch, I have massive respect for the mind behind the design and concept as well as the team that finally made it possible. As for the fact that the heart of the watch is "standard ETA"... the ones who complain about it are, in my humble opinion, missing the point. everything else around this movement, the dial mechanics, the oil filled upper half, the lack of a crown, that what makes this watch amazing... The actual time keeping movement is actually the least important part of it... Now, I do admit that this watch, due to its unique construction, is going to be a royal pita to service... and I would be bold enough to add that this price tag should include life time servicing.

[@bengriffin5146]

I’m loving this new form of videos! It’s like the old Top Gear of watches, just two English blokes having a laugh!

[@melody3741]

Im so glad someone else understands about the “holding it in your hand” thing

[@ricardoschneider5423]

“This is 40000 dollar watch, powered by an ETA 2824” had me literally spitting out my water. But I must say that by the end of the video I realised that it is still an amazing watch

[@mitchmitchell9588]

“This is a $200000 car with a moped engine…”

[@jonathanjones7681]

@@mitchmitchell9588 🤣

[@theonion3667]

40k now... Wow

[@richplant2205]

I nearly followed through

[@mitchmitchell9588]

@@jonathanjones7681 You picking' up what I'm puttin' down?!?!

[@samkelesandile4029]

This is absolutely the best watch I've ever seen

[@vijeykumar7429]

Absolutely magnificent! It's dial looks like the refined culmination of those of the classic nomos pieces and the Max bill chronograph.

[@rbmwiv]

If I had the money I would definitely buy one one because it is very unique and very cool and the other thing is that he made the gears designed as different BBS wheels. I have been driving since 1991 and almost every car I have had had BBS Wheels on it. My current car has BBS. when I heard that I was sold.

[@jollyjoker6340]

If I understand the pdf correctly, you can't wind the watch manually without changing the time as well. You can turn back and forth though. Setting the date is done by going back and forth between 23:45 and 00:30, the date will only go forward. The weekday is completely tied to time, so you set the time 24h in either direction for one weekday. Not sure if that's terrible or ingenious. You never need to turn more than 3 days in one direction for the weekday and you don't need to wind it much.

[@relfeaj91]

Looks like a similar mechanism as the Harry Winston Opus X . One of the best looking watches in my opinion!

[@edwardbakker2571]

It's a truly beautiful piece of arty-engineering, but one would have to take it off before entering one's Laura Ashly inspired drawing room and it would look odd on the wrist of a hunt master. Otherwise it's a spiffingly good looking time-piece.

[@ChrisLue]

Such a great video. I’ve had so many questions about it since seeing it. Thank you for answering them all.

[@andrewbarnes8475]

What a stunning piece of engineering and beauty in perfect synchronicity

[@chris5k132]

The engineering is just absolutely out of this world. How can someone even have the idea in the first place. and the amount of work and thinking that went to it... its mind boggling

[@davidhunternyc1]

Between the Ressence Type B and the Citizen 0100, I'm gobsmacked. In a way, too, it makes the old masters, like Michelangelo, Philippe Dufour, and George Daniels even more valuable.

[@Emilioh888]

It’s about time this watch got recognition. Such an innovative piece!

[@mcgitarz]

Excellent presentation - thank you!!

[@jpdemer5]

I think the idea of a desk clock/paperweight version is brilliant. It would sell spectacularly well.

[@michaelshuey1614]

I find it incredibly inspiring. I think it’s beautiful. Having solved so many individual engineering problems in such elegant fashion, a new horizon in mechanical watch design and functionality now lies before us. By implementing just one of the engineering marvels found in this watch, the average watch can now be improved in ways yet to be discovered. The fact that he used the ETA movement as a foundation proves this. I mean really, if I’m going to reinvent the motion works, calendar works, dial, case, and crystal WHY on Gods green earth would I bother with slogging through the redesign of a movement or the use of a much more expensive movement if functionality and performance didn’t demand that I do so? This watch and it’s designer deserve a toast and a hearty, “Thank you”. However, that “thank you” will not be coming from me in the form of cash any time soon. I can’t afford it.

[@borisbuliak3626]

I dig the white dial model, a lot. I usually don’t like white dials

[@TK-gz2sl]

The white version looks much better than the all black. With the black version, I'm afraid it's just a matter of time before people walk up and ask "is that the new Google watch?". That would probably drive me nuts!

[@BestTeeth]

Everybody gangsta till the watch turns on the check engine light

[@pgVeritas]

The angled cogs will result in premature wear unless some form of hardened alloy has been used. Even still, there will be greater wear especially due to the gravitational effects on the movement when the wrist is in motion.

[@TheLkoler]

Excellent video. You guys are great! Watches are a perennially intriguing slice of the technical world that always surprises.

[@friskjidjidoglu7415]

1:32 you are right about the engineer part! Look at that Accutron Spaceview!

[@tonyhoward7840]

very well explained, that watch is mind boggling, when i first seen it i had no idea it was mechanical, awesome watch

[@youroob]

Ironic that you said the bimetalic was akin to barometers. It's actually akin to dial thermometers and many thermostats because they bend with change in temperature. I say ironic because barometers have bellows, which change with pressure..... and are the other unusual feature of this particular watch. Bellows responding to change in air pressure is what powers the Atmos clock.

[@zbqb84a]

Of all the fascinating things going on here, for some reason, the nod to BBS floored me.

[@j2dlyc]

I've held one of these watches and they are utterly insane. My mind really struggled to grasp what I was seeing.

[@e.o9470]

i have a crush on this brand specially 3BBB model!

[@SamoScopom]

This us amazing! I hope this brand will become iconic. I have learned about them from Teddy mentioning it, and I'm glad you are covering it at least in this podcast way - can't wait to see a full review. Of course I can not imagine spending >10k on a watch, but what beauty!

[@jr.1372]

I have one 3G, definitely its a conversation watch. i love it

[@janalexandermyhrvold9554]

Amazing humour in this video

[@bbwt9991]

This watch reminded me of something. Then when OLED screen and feels like a pebble was mentioned, I suddenly got it. This is a Samsung Watch Active smartwatch design. I use one on the rowing machine. It feels exactly like a pebble in your hand and there are equally crazy watch faces available for a few dollars!!

[@brianmsahin]

That's exactly what it is, identical shape. My wife has one, and it feels very like a smooth rounded pebble that you want to skip across a pond. Of course I wouldn't do that with a $40k watch!

[@bbwt9991]

@@brianmsahin Yes, and there is very satisfying feeling about holding an object shaped in this way. It's a beautiful work of engineering though $40k is a bit much. I can't see it holding that value for long, and if it had a problem years down the road, I'd say servicing or repair would cost a pretty penny, assuming the company is still in existence.

[@dire67]

So it uses bellows to compensate for the expansion and contraction of the oil but how did they deal with l the oil's viscosity variations in the different temperatures? Just thinking aloud.

[@NDN_FTR]

Definately the coolest watch of the past decade. I'd never wear it, but it is pretty clever.

[@markhpluygers2226]

Back months later. Andrew, I really hope you are going to do a review on the Ressence. I edging to buying one!

[@mountainlife1200]

The reason mechanical watches interest me is the engineering and this watch wins on all aspects. Then you and add the oil filled display, an awesome look.

[@tubemcw]

AMAZING! Imagine it in Vanta black. A black hole with floating numbers and hands

[@rodsalvador3608]

Very cool. Kind of like what Lotus achieves with a Toyota Camry engine. I don't mind the ETA.

[@Guy_de_Loimbard]

There are so many watches out there with a value proposition I simply can't wrap my head around and I couldn't imagine ever buying one no matter how much money I had. This is the first watch I've seen where I'd jump at the chance to get one if I had "F-U" money.

[@geoffhamby9384]

Y'all need some sort of indicator in the title of these videos to let us know which ones are "standard" Watchfinder content and which ones are two-host versions like this. Great content!

[@donjuan150]

Totally worth the money...however U-Boat makes the Capsoil for a lot less money. It does have a bubble, but I kind of like that.....

[@10thMorales]

How does one service this watch?

[@stephenwhelan6117]

Thanks for bring this to us. I've been on their website a couple of months ago and just love this watch. Yes I'd buy it.

[@allennickles3970]

Awesome Content guys. Love it😉

[@paullb2440]

I think the concept is great and the non oil filled watch (type 1 slim) is a workable everyday watch. However the price point of around15k+ is far too high imho. Not being a cachet brand like Rolex, AP, Patek etc I can’t see who would want this as their “one watch collection” and it’s too expensive as a second watch for most folks. If the type 1 slim was 4-6k I’d buy one tomorrow.

[@nobass_stub1394]

Seriously WTF.... no I mean SERIOUSLY!!! WOOT THA LITERAL FARK?... OMG this thing blows my mind.. Truly outstanding craftsmanship and design.. Well done

[@erickm6134]

Incredible watch! I have seen this oil infused watch a few years ago. 👍 But it’s expensive and unique.

[@timhohmann9652]

Bravo, bravo, bravo. This is for the engineering of the watch and for the presentation in this video.

[@akinigiri]

So much detail! So cool! Thanks for making this vid. I tip my hat to the knowledge of "Hands man" Andrew!

[@waltersvandermerwe5310]

Great watch. Love to see how watch making is pushed in different directions.

[@dhruvpatel6604]

Finally you did a video on Ressence!🎉

[@adios2011]

I cant believe how cool That Watch is

[@davidpan2405]

Saw this years ago, liked it but forgot. Great to see this video.

[@RachidMolinary]

Analyzing the watch face, I noticed it's missing the seconds hand which other Type 3 seem to have. Anyone know what that's about?

[@thomaskunz3726]

I am blown away, first time since i saw a Uhrwerk!