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Linde Werdelin SpidoSpeed Gold Watch

James Stacey — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:00:01 +0000

Linde Werdelin is a brand with a very focused energy. Their watches are technical, masculine, and all exhibit their unique perspective on modern watch design. Few of their watches better express their brand DNA than the very cool SpidoSpeed Chronograph, which was launched at BaselWorld in 2011. The SpidoSpeed represented the combination of both the SpidoLite case design and the LW03, an exclusive automatic chronograph movement made by the Swiss manufacturer Concepto. Linde Werdelin has now announced the newest member of the SpidoSpeed family, aptly named the SpidoSpeed Gold.

With the new SpidoSpeed Gold, Linde Werdelin has taken the hugely complex case design of the original SpidoSpeed and then produced the entire 32 piece case in 18k gold. The precious metal exterior is then satin finished and ready to be worn. Linde Werdelin has managed to preserve what made the original SpidoSpeed so great: lightness; an avant-garde case design; and a sophisticated but rough-and-tumble demeanor which begs to be worn on a wrist. Weighing in at a reasonable 126g and measuring 44 mm across and only 15mm tall, the SpidoSpeed Gold will be comfy for most wrists and capable of fitting under most cuffs.

The calling card for the entire SpidoSpeed series is the dramatic case design which I think is both radical and beautiful. I think case design is a bold pantomime which changes its tone depending on the type of finish. While the DLC version of the SpidoSpeed is rather stealthy, this new gold version exhibits a very muted luxuriousness. The matte satin finish does not hide the gold's color but rather reins in its overall bling factor, making it an excellent choice for those who could never understand the appeal of a gold Rolex Datejust. More to the point, Linde Werdelin has managed to make gold cool. In almost any instance, I won't give a gold watch a second look, as my taste lies in stainless steel or titanium. There is something about gold watches that always seems to be too flashy or too cruise-boat-chic for my tastes, but the SpidoSpeed Gold looks youthful, aggressive and the satin finish is an excellent match for its complex case and detailed dial design.

Hidden within the futuristic skeletonized case is the LW03 Concepto, an automatic chronograph movement which provides a power reserve of 48 hours and even incorporates the use of a ceramic bearing for the oscillating weight which winds the movement. This fully-decorated caliber can be viewed through the SpidoSpeed's sapphire display case back.

The Linde Werdelin SpidoSpeed Gold is limited to only 100 units in its initial run, which will be available starting later this month. The base SpidoSpeed Steel carries a price tag of $15,000 USD but, with gold being gold, the new SpidoSpeed Gold will carry a price tag of $38, 500 excluding VAT. I think that there is a considerable group of buyers (myself included) who shy away from gold watches because they are fearful of the flashy or even cheesy image that they may project while wearing a gold timepiece. I am a big fan of the original SpidoSpeed and this new gold version proves that when it's done correctly, gold can be a fitting platform for a modern and aggressively styled sport watch.

Written by James Stacey

Linde Werdelin Oktopus II Double Date Watch

admin — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 08:02:29 +0000

I've seen where Linde Werdelin has come from and I see where it is going. Quickly adapting to the market the small brand is a unique example of both flexibility and independence in an industry where such concepts are not as common as they might seem. Their major timepiece launch for 2012 is the Oktopus II, and I recently spent some time on a call with the brand's co-founder Jorn Werdelin to discuss the new watch.

The Oktopus II is not a singular piece but part of a new family. While conceptually the same, the II it is a very different watch compared to the original Linde Werdelin Oktopus timepiece. Starting with the II it is clear that the Oktopus range will be a more or less long-term member of the Linde Werdelin family. Almost none of the original watches from the brand are still made, but each is being carried on thematically in more interesting ways. What is still consistent among all their pieces is use of the special case design that allows for the LW wrist Instruments to be attached on the top. The case design looks as good as ever - and is in one of its more complex forms here.

Looking at the Oktopus II you see the first use of ceramic for the brand. Here the bezel is ceramic, as well as the case side on some models. This version of the Oktopus II is equipped with a specially produced movement module from Dubois-Depraz. On top of the base ETA is a really cool big-date indicator. This watch also represents the first time Linde Werdelin has worked with the well-known module maker Dubios-Depraz. If you have been following LW, you know that over the years they have offered watches with movements sourced or specially made from all sorts of suppliers. I understand that they will likely work more with DD in the future.

The movement in the watch is called the calibre 14580 automatic. The big date indicator is at 12 o'clock and uses very cool looking laser-cut discs. It is really well done and I love how the discs are a different color on each of the models. The dial is much improved over the original Oktopus with better looking numerals and a index ring that is reminiscent of some of the brand's earlier models. The face's mixture of shapes, colors, and textures is very pleasing, and still offers a bold legibility people have come to expect from a dive watch.

The new case design maintains a dive-worth water resistance of 300 meters, but is lower than the original Oktopus' "1,111 meters" of water resistance. That is OK, either will suffice for my purposes. The case is 44mm wide and 46mm tall. Still chunky at 15.25mm in thickness. On the back of the watch is a cool laser-cut engraving of a carton octopus you might have seen in some of the Linde Werdelin comics. This is also an homage to the LW "Tattoo" watches from a few years ago.

Dive watch purists will complain about the lack of rotating bezel. I agree, it would have been nice to have one given how common they are on diver's watches - especially since the original Oktopus had one. Linde Werdelin however simply wanted to be different. They said "screw it" we are gonna make a dive watch without a rotating bezel... and they did.

Another "I wanna be different" touch is the location of the brand logo on the dial. You can see how they cleverly integrated the Linde Werdelin logo into the 8 o'clock hour indicator - I thought that was nice. You also have to love the octopus style graphic engraved into the crown. Lots of screws on the case and bezel are going to be something you either love or hate. They looks pretty interesting to me - and I look forward to seeing the watch in person soon.

At launch there will be three limited edition versions of the Oktopus II Double Date watch. Each will be limited to 88 pieces. First is a titanium and ceramic model that will retail for 8,800 Swiss Francs. Then there is a DLC coated titanium and ceramic model (with yellow dial accents) that will retail for 9,400 Swiss Francs. Last is an 18k rose gold and titanium model that will retail for 18,500 Swiss Francs. Availability for the first Linde Werdelin Oktopus II models will start in late 2012.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Linde Werdelin SpidoSpeed Chronograph Watch Review

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:08:09 +0000

Linde Werdelin put a lot of time and effort into the release of their first chronograph model. I am pretty sure that the team spend a lot of time discussing the right movement, dial design, and other features of their new chronograph timepiece. Why so much effort? Whether you believe it or not chronograph models make up the bulk on non-diver sport watches sold and produced. Having a strong chronograph model in any collection is very important for a watch brand's strength in the sport watch market. That is of particular importance to a brand like Linde Werdelin that pretty only produces sport watches.

The movement they finally decided to settle on is the Concepto 2251 automatic chronograph. Likely based on some ETA architecture, the Concepto movement features a slick design and some modern looking finishing on all the bridge surface. The movement presentation is made complete by a custom skeletonized Linde Werdelin rotor. On the dial you'll notice that the chronograph measures 12 hours and offers a tri-compax subdial layout. No date is offered on this dial design.

The SpidoSpeed Chronograph case design is based on both the original Linde Werdelin case and the SpidoLite (reviewed here). The SpidoLite introduced the brands skeletonized case concept. That model was in titanium while the SpidoSpeed is steel for now. There are DLC black coated versions as well as this model in a sandblasted finish. The case is 44mm wide and sits large but comfortably on the wrist.

As it must hold a larger chronograph movement, the case is a rather thick 15mm. You can see via the diagram here in this article how the case is put together. The middle section and bezel holding the movement is like a barrel with the decorative structure placed around it.

This system works well, but looking through the side case you can rather easily tell how it was done. I would have appreciated a bit more of a seamless integration from the middle to the outer case elements where it looks like one solid structure. I also think that injecting black or dark colored elements into the "open holes" in the case would have called more attention to the skeletonized elements.

There is a bit of a controversial feature in the case design that relates to the chronograph pushers. I wouldn't have mentioned this unless it has been a topic of conversation among collectors. The original SpidoSpeed designs included unique chronograph pushers that sat more flush with the case design. These neat looking pushers suffered however from being difficult to press once the prototypes were produced and tested by the team members.

The fix seemed to be the addition of not larger pushers but rather those with extensions on them. This allows for easier operation of the chronograph, but the newer pushers unfortunately aren't as attractive as the original ones. It isn't a big deal and I am sure Linde Werdelin spent a fair amount of time concerned with the right fix. I have a feeling that in the future this element might be redesigned yet again.

The dial design is a highlight of the watch. It looks good and is also legible. The textures and small skeletonized parts are attractive, and the indicators are all easy to see. It is very Linde Werdelin in design and feels like what a chronograph from them would feel like. Color variations and such on the dial are sure to come. You can see the applied luminant, and thankfully it is placed on all of the hands.

Attached to the watch is a tapered textile strap with portholes. It would look good with a rubber strap as well. I really do love most of Linde Werdelin's straps and they also benefit from being comfortable. While a boutique brand with only limited edition watches, no doubt Linde Werdelin timepieces are on the pricier side. I feel that the uniqueness is merited however if you can budget for it. Limited to 100 pieces per model, this steel version of the Linde Werdelin SpidoSeepd Chronograph watch is priced at 11,760 euros.

Linde Werdelin SpidoLite II Watch

admin — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 07:08:14 +0000

Linde Werdelin follows up its brand defining SpidoLite watch with the new SpidoLite II. The original model was interesting for taking the brand’s Biformeter case and skeletonizing it. Skeletonized dials aren’t particularly rare, but skeletonized cases are much less common – especially in the way that Linde Werdelin does it.

The original SpidoLite was designed to deconstruct as much of the case as possible to retain its strength – but also offer an intriguing design. The SpidoLite (discussed more here), contained a vintage automatic movement that was specially restored and finished by the workshops of the talented Svend Andersen.

The SpidoLite was followed-up with the SpidoSpeed Chronograph – which is the where you might recognize the case design of the SpidoLite II to have originated from. Though I believe the SpidoLite II is a bit thinner at 15mm thick and 44mm wide. The case is does in titanium and will initially be offered in two versions. One version will be naked titanium while the other version will be in DLC coated anthracite titanium. The case is water resistant to 100 meters.

Creating the cases required a combination of clever design to ensure structural integrity as well as precision machinery. Several years ago it was simply not possible to machine watches like this using the CNC machines available to the watch industry. Advanced milling technology that utilizes sophisticated multi-axis machines with ultra-low tolerances are the key to making watches like this. I recall wearing the original SpidoLite watch and finding the look of a skeletonized case very interesting on the wrist. While the SpidoLite II is only available in titanium for now, I anticipate models in perhaps gold to come later.

Again the SpidoLite II has a skeletonized dial – though a bit different here compared to the original model. That of course has a lot to do with the movement used inside the new watch. For this series Linde Werdelin chose to work with Concepto and its owner the Jacquet family. Inside the SpidoLite II is the Concepto caliber 2251 automatic. Originally based on the Valjoux 7750 I believe, the 2251 is entirely made in-house by Concepto and features a subsidiary seconds, and date in addition to the time. The date is displayed on a specially design disc that matches the look of the dial and is quite attractively integrated into the dial design. For legibility and to soften the mostly monochromatic look of the watch, Linde Werdelin wisely chose blued-steel hands on the dial.

Through the back of the movement you can see the 2251 movement and a special Linde Werdelin automatic rotor. For efficiency, the rotor has been mounted on ceramic ball bearings. Watches with ceramic ball bearings in the rotor mount have rotors that spin more smoothly and thus offer more efficient winding. In contrast to the vintage nature of the movement in the original SpidoLite, the SpidoLite II has a more modern caliber inside of it.

Attached to the SpidoLite II is a textured calfskin strap. Linde Werdelin tends to impress me with their strap design and selection. If you have a Linde Werdelin watch there is no reason why you should not have a cool strap to go with it. I am not sure exactly how many SpidoLite II watches Linde Werdelin will produce overall, but the series A production will result in 100 pieces of both the naked titanium and the DLC coated titanium models. Price is 9,360 Euros for the titanium model and 9,960 Euros for the DLC coated model.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Linde Werdelin The Perfect V Comic Issue 2

admin — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:17:02 +0000

Actually both issues 1 & 2 are merged into the PDF that you can download below. Linde Werdelin continues "The Perfect Five" comic with another episode/issue. I first wrote about Linde Werdelin creating comics here, and now the fun continues. On pages 11 and 12 my likeness makes a cameo as a decapitated head. This pretty much sums up how many watch brand want to see me.

Download/read the PDF of Linde Werdelin's The Perfect Five comic here.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Linde Werdelin SpidoSpeed Chronograph Watch

admin — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 08:13:41 +0000

I think that the perlage polish applied base dial will be a stunning design element on this new watch from Linde Werdelin. With a release date of around May 2011, the new SpidoSpeed is the next iteration of the SpidoLite watch concept, and the brand's first chronograph model. The relatively svelte case needed to be increased by 3mm in height to incorporate the mechanical chronograph movement. I actually like that - as the design of the case can accommodate a chunky look quite well. The watch is now 44mm wide by 15mm tall.

The SpidoSpeed is in steel, not titanium. Will there be future models in titanium? Probably. What you see here is only the first "Series A" model of the watch. There will be 100 pieces of this version, and after that Linde Werdelin likely has a few tricks up their sleeve for other versions. You can see the complex make up of the case, and the nearly integrated chronograph pushers. Prone to now using interesting movements, inside the SpidoSpeed is a Concepto caliber 2251 - a movement I have never heard about. I suspect it is a maybe a base ETA or Frederic Piguet that has been decorated or redone by Concepto. Linde Werdelin does use their own rotor, which is quite neat looking with a web patter and done in black.

The steel case is done in what Linde Werdelin calls "steel microbille" That is fancy talk for it having a sand or bead-blasted case finish. There needs to be some serious naming standards in the watch industry applied to keep us from being permanently confused.

Linde Werdelin got the dial done right. It looks very nice, is legible, and has that skeletonized feel they were going for. See the little "R" in the chronograph hours subdial? That stands for the Reef or the Rock (the brands computerized sensor instrument). It is placed at about 4.5 hours, which is how long they take to charge. I am liking this watch a long and really look forward to spending some quality time with it. Just me, the SpidoSpeed, a little psychotropic drug action, and I am off to pretend I am in one of their comic books.

I will get some hands-on action of the SpidoSpeed Chronograph in March. Until then, if you like it, you can start saving up. Retail price for the limited edition of 100 pieces watch will be 11,760 euros.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Linde Werdelin The Perfect Five Characters: SpidoGirl

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:46:23 +0000

SpidoGirl - The mysterious character of the ‘Perfect Five’ story

Owns a Linde Werdelin SpidoLite SA rose gold watch

Not her real name of course, she was dubbed "SpidoGirl" by Mr. Linde after the quick number she tried to pull at LW headquarters, when she nearly succeeded in stealing two of the "Perfect Five" microchips tested in the firm's laboratory. Obviously, there's a face behind that mask, and a name behind that face, but nobody knows yet what goals she pursues, whether she works on her own or for some other parties.

All this shall be made clear in good time...

Part of a series of character introductions followed by comic segments as part of Linde Werdelin's "The Perfect Five" graphic novel (here in digital form).

Linde Werdelin The Perfect Five Characters: Sissi SAKI-FARIÃ‘A

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:57:37 +0000

Born: 5-7-1985 in Mumbai), Ph. D. in Computer Sciences

Owns a Linde Werdelin The One watch, in steel since November 25, 2009

Sissi SAKI-FARIÃ‘A got her Ph. D. in Computer Sciences, at the age of 20 at MIT. Sissi made a fortune free-lancing as a statistical analyst for the biggest search-engine company in the world during her studying years at the MIT however lost all of it in the 2008 financial debacle. She was hired as a scientific consultant by the south-Asian microchip factory last September, after the engineers discovered the trail of uncanny performances by the “Perfect Five” batch of microprocessors. Sissy was hired by the Linde Werdelin founders after a very exciting meeting in Copenhagen where everyone agreed that the NGX 5128 code would be the best project for the first “Summit”.

Part of a series of character introductions followed by comic segments as part of Linde Werdelin's "The Perfect Five" graphic novel (here in digital form).

Linde Werdelin The Perfect Five Video Trailer 2

admin — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 18:47:43 +0000

Linde Werdelin Continues the anticipation up to the release of their graphic novel series called The Perfect Five. Here below is a brand new video teaser/intro into the world of the Perfect Five. Don't worry if it is a little bit confusing at first - that is the point. It is a mystery. You can read more about what the the Perfect Five is all about here when I originally discussed it.

Stay tuned for more The Perfect Five content from Linde Werdelin watches.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Linde Werdelin The Perfect Five Characters: Mr. Al Fulan

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:49:03 +0000

Born in Egypt in 1972 and studied in the US

Owns a Linde Werdelin 3 Timer watch, bought September 12th, 2009

What's the fastest, cheapest, most secure way to get a kidney from Istanbul to the People's Republic of Bangladesh, or a customized piece of electronic wizardry from Shenzen to Kuala Lumpur? Ask Mr. Al Fulan, a "path finder" consultant for the global age. Born in Egypt in 1972 and educated in the USA, Al Fulan likes to tell his clients that "the shortest route from A to B is never a straight line, always an exercise in lateral thinking." Mr. Al Fulan discovered his vocation as a teenager, after reading "Around the world in Eighty Days" from front to back, during a strike, at a French airport.

Part of a series of character introductions followed by comic segments as part of Linde Werdelin's "The Perfect Five" graphic novel (here in digital form).