Ressence Unveils a Cosmic TYPE 9 IKE Limited-Edition Timepiece
Japanese artist Terumasa Ikeda uses mother-of-pearl inlays to create a “signal from another galaxy” on the rotating convex dial.
Summary
- Ressence collaborates with artist Terumasa Ikeda on the limited‑edition TYPE 9 IKE, blending urushi lacquer and mother‑of‑pearl with futuristic design
- Only 8 pieces worldwide, featuring a black DLC‑coated titanium case and orbital convex dial
The Ressence TYPE 9 IKE is a limited‑edition timepiece that blends ancient Japanese craftsmanship with futuristic design. Developed in collaboration with renowned Japanese artist Terumasa Ikeda, the watch uses Ressence’s most minimalist canvas – the TYPE 9 – to showcase a sci-fi-inspired composition. Ikeda applied urushi lacquer and raden (mother‑of‑pearl) inlay to Ressence’s orbital convex dial, producing a sci-fi-inspired composition that shifts dramatically under light. The fully black DLC‑coated titanium case and convex rotating discs frame this intricate artistry, giving the impression of a cosmic signal or message rather than mere decoration.
The creation of the TYPE 9 IKE involved a painstakingly detailed process to adapt brittle, flat materials to the watch’s curved surfaces. Ikeda-san meticulously soaked and bent ultra-thin pieces of abalone shell over rubber sheets to follow the dial’s curvature, ensuring the raden inlay remained intact. The resulting dial is housed in a 39mm grade 5 titanium case with a polished black DLC coating, which provides a stark, dark contrast to the luminescent colors that shift as the watch moves under light. This “heliocentric” design was inspired by the orbital mechanics of the patented ROCS 9 display, which Ikeda-san likened to a planetary system.
Limited to just 8 pieces worldwide and priced at 32,000 CHF (approx. $41,377 USD), the TYPE 9 IKE is now available for inquiry through Ressence.
