Launched as Dubai Watch Week opens its door, the Type 1 Slim DX2 is a limited edition created for Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the biggest watch retailer in the Middle East.

Like its 2019 counterpart, the Type 1 Slim DX2 is inspired by the region. The polygonal geometric pattern on the sand-coloured dial is inspired by the decorative motifs found in the architecture of the Arab world, which have their roots in Islamic ornamentation.

Initial thoughts

The DX2 is a design variant, but it manages to look quite different from standard Type 1 Slim. It’s perfect for anyone who admires the brand’s technical ingenuity while seeking something more elaborate in terms of design.

While the typical Ressence watch is all about unadorned, plain surfaces, the DX2 is decorative – and appealing for that.

The dial brings textures, colour, and reflective surfaces that are not usually found on Ressence watches, which are either appealingly minimalist or mundane depending on your perspective. So the DX2 is more engaging, while retaining all of the mechanical ingenuity that sets Ressence apart from the competition.

Because it’s mechanically identical to the standard model, the DX2 is also powered by an ETA 2892, a movement robust yet thin enough to fit the case. But the movement does come with the downside of a short, 36-hour power reserve. Still, the movement contains much impressive technical innovation, though that is all contained within the time-display module.

Patterns and textures

The copper-hued dial is finely engraved with a geometric pattern composed of polygons shaded with finely-spaced, parallel lines. Because the lines within each polygon are aligned at different angles, they catch the light differently, creating a variation in tone across the dial depending on the angle and lighting.

The rest of the watch is standard Type 1 Slim. Made of polished titanium, the case is well, slim, standing just 11 mm high. It has minimalist lugs that give the watch a compact outline, while the sapphire crystal is slightly domed to accommodate the planetary time display.

The Ressence Orbital Convex System (ROCS) is proprietary to the brand and indicates the time with a series of discs that orbit around the central axis of the dial. With the discs, the dial indicates the hours, minutes, seconds, and day of the week. All that is driven by a separate module that is driven by the minute wheel of the ETA 2892 base movement within.

Another key feature of the watch is the crown-less case. Instead winding and setting are accomplished by a wide lever that swivels out of the case back.

Key Facts and Price

Ressence Type 1 Slim DX2

Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 11 mm
Material: Titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 10 m

Movement: ROCS 1
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and day of the week
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 36 hours

Strap: Tan calfskin and olive-green rubber

Limited edition: 25 pieces
Availability: Now, direct from Ressence or its retailers
Price: 22,500 Swiss francs

Price excludes taxes

For more information, visit Ressencewatches.com.