Munich-based artist Daniel Engelberg has successfully translated his bold geometric wall art into the intricate world of luxury watchmaking through an innovative collaboration with Belgian manufacturer Ressence. The partnership transforms Engelberg's acclaimed "Inside Out" series into kinetic art pieces that grace the faces of the limited-edition TYPE 8 Daniel Engelberg watches, creating timepieces that function as miniature galleries in constant motion.
Engelberg's "Inside Out" artworks are renowned for their mesmerizing visual effects, featuring concentric circles and subtle color gradients that create compelling illusions of depth and dimension. In his Munich studio, the artist meticulously crafts each piece by milling wood sheets and building up layers of acrylic paint to form gradient-toned concentric circles that radiate outward from deep black cores. The process concludes with a glossy epoxy resin coating that seals the sculpture and enhances its visual impact, creating what Engelberg describes as an "architectural sense of space" paired with joyful color palettes.
The collaboration presents the TYPE 8 Daniel Engelberg in two distinctive colorways, each limited to just 20 pieces for a total production run of 40 watches worldwide. The DE1 variant features warm pink tones that evoke a sense of comfort and playfulness, while the DE2 showcases vivid turquoise hues that capture attention with their boldness and vibrancy. Both versions transform the traditional concept of timekeeping into what can best be described as wearable art that continuously evolves throughout the day.
Translating Engelberg's large-scale, wood-and-resin creations to fit within the confines of a 42.9-millimeter watch dial presented significant technical challenges that required Ressence's expertise and innovation. The Belgian watchmaker carefully adapted each concentric form from the "Inside Out" series into laser-engraved discs made from Grade 5 titanium, a process that preserved the subtle gradients and crisp geometric precision while reducing the scale to fractions of millimeters. The adaptation process maintained the integrity of Engelberg's original vision while introducing new elements specifically designed for the watchmaking context.
A key enhancement in the watch version includes crisp white markings that serve multiple purposes within the design framework. These markings not only improve time legibility for practical functionality but also add visual contrast that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal and introduces fresh layers of visual rhythm that complement Engelberg's original geometric patterns. The white elements create a dialogue between the artistic vision and the functional requirements of precise timekeeping.
The watches are powered by Ressence's proprietary Orbital Convex System (ROCS), a patented technology that allows the two dials to orbit around each other in a mesmerizing display of mechanical precision. This innovative system brings Engelberg's static art to life through constant movement, creating what the artist describes as truly animated artwork. "For the first time, my work is animated – truly alive," Engelberg reflects on seeing his geometric creations in perpetual motion on the watch face.
Each timepiece features specially designed rubber straps that perfectly match the dial colors – pink for the DE1 and turquoise for the DE2 – ensuring a cohesive aesthetic that extends the artistic vision beyond just the watch face. For collectors who prefer more formal occasions, leather strap options are also available, providing versatility while maintaining the artistic integrity of the overall design concept.
This collaboration represents another significant chapter in Ressence's ongoing commitment to partnering with independent artists and pushing the boundaries of what luxury watchmaking can achieve. The Belgian manufacturer has previously worked with acclaimed artists including Shantell Martin, Stefan Sagmeister, and Alain Silberstein, establishing a reputation for creating timepieces that serve as both technical achievements and mediums for creative expression. Through these partnerships, Ressence continues to challenge traditional notions of watchmaking while celebrating the intersection of art, technology, and craftsmanship in creating truly unique timepieces that stand as works of art in their own right.
