First introduced in titanium with a black dial, then in a functional black-on-black guise, the Ressence dive watch is now given a restrained palette with the Type 5G that matches the face and the watch case, in keeping with the minimalist approach of the Belgian watchmaker.

The dials and bezel of the Type 5G are in sandblasted titanium, just like the watch case, though with a different grain, resulting in a slightly different colour. That aside, the Type 5G is identical to the other versions of the diver.

Rated to 100m, the case is 46mm in diameter, without a crown; winding and setting are done via the rotatable case back. Inside is where it gets interesting. In the lower module of the case sits a customised ETA 2824 movement, which drives the time display via magnets.

The constituent parts of the Ressence Orbital Convex System (ROCS) time display

The time display module is physically separate, being a sealed capsule that contains oil. This results in the optical effect of the dial appearing to be printed on the underside of the crystal, while also boosting mechanical performance of the watch by reducing the friction during function. And the oil is also incompressible, improving the water-resistance of the watch.

A tiny bellows system inside the oil-filled module compensates for changes in the volume of oil due to ambient temperature. The temperature of the watch is indicated on a sub-dial on the front, with pale green being the optimum temperature range.

Price and availability

The Type 5G is priced at US$35,800 or €31,500.

TAG Heuer‘s top selling wristwatch is the Carrera Heuer-01, a chronograph featuring an appealing see-through dial that reveals the mechanics below.

Priced at under SFr5000, equivalent to US$5000, the skeleton dial Carrera Heuer-01 is a large 45mm in diameter, making unwieldy for some. Now the same aesthetic is available on a more manageably sized 43mm model.

While the 43mm case was first introduced late last year, it was not available with the skeleton dial that makes its larger brother such a compelling watch – the styling does bring to mind pricey brands like Richard Mile and Hublot.

The downsized Carrera Heuer-01 may be smaller, but everything else stays the same, from the details of the dial to the movement inside. Visually it’s difficult to distinguish the 43mm model from the 45mm, as both share the same design.

While the 45mm version is available in a plethora of guises ranging from black ceramic to Manchester United livery, the Carrera Heuer-01 43mm is offered in three variants for now: blue, black or brown, with various options for the strap.

The 43mm case is steel, with a ceramic bezel to match the dial colour. But as the case construction is modular, being built out of 12 separate parts, allowing for a degree of mix and match in styling, for instance combining a titanium case band with rose gold lugs.

That degree of variety isn’t yet available on the 43mm model, but going by what’s available with its larger sibling, it’ll will happen.

And the watch is powered by the calibre Heuer-01, a movement produced by TAG Heuer but originally conceived based on the construction of a Seiko chronograph movement, the calibre 6S37.

Price and availability

The Carrera Heuer-01 43mm starts at SFr4850 or S$7100 for the version on a rubber strap. And the models on a steel bracelet or alligator strap are SFr5000 or S$7300.

They will be available starting June 2017 at TAG Heuer retailers and boutiques.

Update February 23, 2017: Price and availability added.