As I mentioned last Friday, Linde Werdelin’s Oktopus II Double Date is now available, including a new titanium case with blue color-set that will accompany the titanium/yellow and rose gold models.  I posted a review just a few weeks ago of the prototype that was shown at Basel back in March, but the final version has undergone several changes — some functional, some cosmetic — that you should know about.  And of course I have some thoughts on these changes and whether or not they are good (most are) or not-so-good.  I also thought it would be helpful for those of you considering a purchase to have a better understanding of why certain aspects of this watch “are they way they are.”

First, and I think most importantly, the crown guard now has a curved section on top which allows for easier access to the crown.  Contrary to what other bloggers have reported, this only change here is to the top of the crown guard (the bottom was always open).  This is a positive functional change in that it will make it a bit easier for the wearer to access the crown.

Now, on to the cosmetic changes, first let’s start with the case and bezel.  The titanium case body has a nice brushed finish, a bit “rougher” than the original prototype in order to achieve more “masculine” look; basically the case looks more “brushed” than it did before, and I like it.  The bezel has likewise been given a satin finish, with a polished edge.  The polished facet (on the outer side) is a fairly subtle, but interesting nonetheless.  Even better, the ceramic bezel has been widened around the bezel screws allowing for a modestly greater amount of the eight colored tension disks (seen here in blue) to be seen.  The color accents are important to the overall look of the watch, so I think it was prudent of LW to incorporate this into the final production pieces.

About that Double Date…

Linde Werdelin claims that the “Double Date” complication has been “visually amplified” by opening further the construction of the two independent date wheels.  In my earlier review of the Okto Yellow, this was my one (and only) criticism of the watch — the sometimes challenging to read date-window.  I’m not sure that opening up the date windows is what was needed here, and I don’t really see much improvement in date legibility.  This is not a deal killer for me, but I am surprised and disappointed that with all their attention to detail LW still does not have a more legible date function.  After all — “Double Date” is even part of the watch name — so you would think a bit more attention would be given here.  Just make the date “more legible” instead of “visually amplifying” (and drop the marketing babble).

You can look at the photos, including those provided by the brand, and decide for yourself what you think of the date.  At least LW could put forth images which have a legible date on them!!! (i.e. what date is shown on the model below????) It just is not as solidly executed as I suspect it could be.

Date Legibility:  Needs Improvement (still)

The rest of the dial is great – the upper dial has been given a circular satin finish to catch just a bit more light, and it contrasts nicely with the circular Cote de Genève finish on the lower which gives the “water ripple” effect.

All in all, I think the LW Oktopus II dive watches are great and I think that the final result is a fantastic high-end dive watch, distinct amongst its dive watch peers both in form and function.  Bold, unconventional design and the ability to be used with Linde Werdelin’s sophisticated clip-on dive instrument make this watch a winner in my book (though perhaps dropping “double date” from

The Oktopus II is priced at about $9880 in blue, $10,580 in yellow, and $20,580 in rose gold.  Yellow option remains my favorite.  Check ‘em at http://www.lindewerdelin.com/watches/oktopus