BENOÎT MINTIENS
FOUNDER
RESSENCE
“I believe mechanical watches are capable of generating more empathy because you can relate to it – even if you’re not technical, you would understand that if a little sand gets into the gear, the watch will stop working. You can imagine what the problem could be but in the case of a digital watch, if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. You then toss it aside because you don’t understand it.”
Benoît Mintiens is a Belgian industrial designer and the founder of Ressence, a brand renowned for its futuristic and innovative approach to watchmaking. Benoît’s background is in industrial design, where he worked on projects ranging from high-speed trains to medical devices before entering the world of horology. His transition into watchmaking was driven by a desire to rethink how time could be displayed more intuitively.
Ressence was founded in 2010 and quickly gained attention with its unique display system, which eliminates traditional hands in favour of rotating discs. The brand’s signature Type 3 watch, released in 2013, features an oil-filled dial that creates a perfectly legible display from any angle, a significant technical achievement. Ressence watches are characterised by their minimalist aesthetics, innovative engineering, and a focus on enhancing the user experience.
Benoît has successfully positioned Ressence as a pioneer in contemporary watch design. His work challenges traditional concepts of time display, blending cutting-edge technology with sleek, modern design. Ressence watches are now highly regarded in the industry for their ingenuity, offering a fresh perspective on how time can be represented mechanically.
GPHG 2013
Horological Revelation Prize
Type 3
RED DOT DESIGN AWARD 2023
Type 8