Ressence, a brand synonymous with innovation and modernisation in the world of horology, is headed by Benoît Mintiens, who continually strives to push the borders of conventional watchmaking. Marking the company’s 15th year, Mintiens recently shared his journey, from the importance of watch trade shows like Watches and Wonders, to the challenges he faced in constructing a company that wasn’t solely reliant on one persona.
Despite the digital age, Mintiens emphasises the significance of human interaction in propelling the industry forward. He believes that the tangible encounters with watches and their makers continue to stir the zeal for mechanical timepieces. Moreover, he draws attention to the unexpected “show business” aspect of running a watch brand, a necessary evil that’s unexpected by many in the industry.
With the holiday season in full swing, some leading figures in the horology world have been offering glimpses into their preferences for timepiece gifts this year, selecting their favourite watches from the shining class of 2025. Their choices, while varied, all embody the magic of timekeeping - the alchemy of precision, design and craftsmanship.
For one admiring connoisseur, the epitome of 2025 horological beauty is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds. This exquisite design harkens back to an era of elegance, with its vintage-inspired aesthetic proving particularly appealing. Adorned with a pink gold Milanese bracelet and a fine-grained matte gold dial, this timepiece offers more than mere surface appeal. Crafted from 16 whole meters of hand-soldered gold wire, this is a testament to expert craftsmanship that would comfortably enhance any wrist.