In 2022, Ressence made an all-black version of its Type 3. Dubbed the Type 3 BBB (Black Black Black), this limited-edition release sported white and gray accents for a total chiaroscuro look. This differed from the standard Type 3 Black by having a fully black DLC case. 

Now, the Belgium watchmaker returns with a new take on this stealthy yet still funky variant. It’s called the Type 3 BB2 and it adds some other colors on the dial for contrast while retaining the same black case. This particular reference also just won a Red Dot Design award for 2024.

Ressence Type 3 BB2 Basics

Even if you’ve never heard of Ressence, you’ll either recognize their distinct bubble dial design language or you’re not into watches whatsoever. Essentially, the brand specializes in its oil-filled mechanical watches — of which the Type 3 was the first ever made — that allow the dial to be visible from virtually any angle.

Standard to the Type 3 series, the BB2 features a grade 5 titanium case at 44m across with a mere 10m of water resistance, matted here with black DLC coating. Underneath one of the layers of the double-domed sapphire crystals is 3.57mL of oil and the watch’s time is set by literally turning the caseback. Included is a black honeycomb textile strap with a titanium buckle.

The Color of Time (and Other Things)

Just like the BBB edition, the BB2 simplifies the outer dial ring by removing extra indices between every five marks. It also ditches the 180-second running subdial at the bottom corner, while still retaining the minutes, hours, day, and oil temperature dials. 

This time around, the added accents allow for a more practical wearing experience. Intuitively, the oil temp is given red and blue colors (for hot and cold, obviously), while the green on the day dial signifies the weekend (because you now get to spend money?). The rest of the markings are either gray or white as before. But the extra color allows for a tighter dial configuration as well, with legibility significantly increased. 

The Movement

As with all Type 3s, the BB2 runs on a the patented Ressence Orbital Convex System module (ROCS 3.5), which allows for the unique display invoving the minute hand which rotates on the same plane as the rest of the subdials. The ROCS 3.5 is a modified version of the ETA 2824/2 automatic movement, which now has 36 hours of power reserve.

Spec Sheet

Pricing & Availability

Not limited in edition size, the Type 3 BB2 is priced at a whopping CHF 38,200 (~$45,000), which is the same as the standard Type 3 Black, and surprisingly more than the limited-edition BBB from 2022. Head over to Ressence’s website to learn more.

Ressence Type 3 BB2

Ressence brings back the blacked-out Type 3 but gives it touches of color to enhance readability.