Ressence's watches are a uniquely tailored blend of classic principles of watchmaking and personal design guidelines. Behind both lie the mind, hand and sense of humour of founder and CEO Benoît Mintiens.
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Type 8

As I am walking into Ressence’s booth at some watchmaking trade show, I hear a loud, amused, and frankly unsettling declaration. Benoît Mintiens, the brand’s mastermind, is in the middle of a presentation, all smiles, and let out a roaring ?But of course we don’t have a loupe (emphasis on don’t). We’re not watchmakers here!? How odd to hear someone from the watch industry bragging to be an outlier. But then again, this is really the essence of that exciting brand called Ressence. They are not Swiss, but their watches are entirely Swiss-made (except for straps and crystals). They are not part of the watchmaking establishment, although they are a recognized member of the envied independent watchmakers club. Not one member of its staff knows how to craft, assemble, tune or otherwise deal with a movement. They were not born from a watchmaking decision, tradition or inspiration. Nor are they from a marketing concept, that would act upon targeting, strategising and managing some desired brand equity. They have nothing to do with the resurrection of some long-dead, half-forgotten name from the 18th or 19th century, justifying some ne...