In a world where tradition often dictates the rules of watchmaking, collaborations like the new Ressence Type 3 Marc Newson (Type 3 MN) feel almost inevitable. When two visionaries – Australia’s Marc Newson and Belgium’s Benoît Mintiens – unite, the result is more than just a timepiece; it’s the convergence of industrial design and avant-garde horology.
Newson’s design pedigree is legendary. From his early Ikepod creations in the 1990s to helping shape the original Apple Watch, his aesthetic vision has always skewed toward effortless ergonomics and minimalist clarity. For the Type 3 MN, Newson built on his design heritage, merging past ideas with cutting-edge watch technology.
The Type 3 itself is already ahead of its time. Introduced in 2013, it was one of the first mechanical watches to replace traditional hands with magnetically driven rotating discs displayed through an oil-filled upper chamber. This unique design eliminates optical distortion, making the time appear as if it is directly printed on the underside of the crystal.
What sets the Type 3 Marc Newson apart isn’t just surface design, but the harmony between two philosophies. Newson’s signature lug-less, ergonomic silhouette and muted palette of greys, yellows, and greens – a direct nod to his Ikepod years, give the watch a refined yet playful personality. Meanwhile, Ressence’s patented ROCS (Ressence Orbital Convex System) remains at the core, controlling the orbital discs and conveying hours, minutes, day, date, and even an oil-temperature gauge.
The case itself is a statement of lightweight luxury. Crafted from Grade 5 titanium, the watch measures approximately 45mm in diameter with a 15mm profile, and thanks to its seamless, integrated strap design inspired by Ikepod classics, it wears smaller and lighter than its numbers suggest. With only 80 numbered pieces available, exclusivity is guaranteed.
This limited-edition masterpiece is set for release on December 4, 2025, with a retail price of around CHF 46,000 (roughly £49,800 or over $60,000 USD). Collectors, design aficionados, and horological rebels alike are watching closely – because this collaboration isn’t simply about telling time. It’s about rewriting the language of timekeeping itself.
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