LW gets sexy…

Favorite of the house and oh-so-hot Swiss watch brand Linde Werdelin announced the launch of its first women’s watch today — a 51 piece limited edition run being called “The White Watch”.  Far as I can tell, we are talking a simple change of color to the standard 3-Timer model and that’s about it.  LW says the model has been softened up a bit but really the modifications seem subtle.  Also, so far as I can tell the size of the watch is unchanged from the previous (men’s) models – 46mm x 49mm x 12mm, though LW is quick to point out that it “wears like a 42mm”.  Not that I am complaining — I like the look of a 42mm watch on a feminine wrist, particularly a watch like this:

Linde Werdelin White Watch

Limited to 51 pieces worldwide, get yours soon at LindeWerdelin.com for €4,680 (taking wait-list now)

Seems to me that the launch of this watch is all about about having a feminine, hip and sexy color looking 3-Timer for the ladies who have been asking for such a version, and kudos to LW for delivering.

Come to think of it, this watch would pair up nicely with the some of the fair ladies one might see hanging poolside on oh, say, a Saturday at Wet Republic (caution: BSFW)…don’t you think? 

Singapore Grand Prix…

Just got word of a couple cool new Linde Werdelin watches.  These special edition 3-Timer Racing series are based on LW’s 3-Timer GMT watch and will be sold at haute horlgerie retailer E’collezione in Singapore as well as at LindeWerdelin.com.  Price is SGD10,800 at E’collezione and €5,280 on the website.  Limited to just 9 in each color and offered in one of the most avid watch collecting markets in the world (Singapore), I don’t think these will last long so LW fans you better get on it!

It is no coincidence that these racing-inspired models come just in time for the always popular Singtel Singapore Grand Prix, Formula 1’s famous night race which will take place September 24-26, 2010.    More broadly, I’m excited about these watches because my guess is that this will be just the first of several new “Racing Series” watches we see from Linde Werdelin…stay tuned!

Linde Werdelin 3-Timer Singapore Racing Series

46mm x 49mm x 12mm case, ETA 2893 – A2 mechanical automatic movement, 24 hour bidirectional turning bezel, model name “Racing” engraved on caseback

Close Up

Be sure to check out my other coverage of the always exciting Linde Werdlin brand here.

As seen at Baselworld 2010…

Regular readers of this blog know that I am a big fan of the astounding moon phase function on the new Linde Werdelin Oktopus Moonphase diver.  See my write-ups Baselworld 2010: Linde Werdelin Oktopus Moonphaseand Linde Werdelin’s Photorealistic Moonphase for more detail.  Frank @ Monochrome snapped this great pic of the watch on display at Baselworld, and I wanted to share it because it shows you quite well that this watch is everything I have built it up to be:

Great looking watch…

You may recall that I first showed you pics of 2 new variations on Linde Werdelin’s popular Spidolite watch last October.  Courtesy of Frank @ Monochrome, here are a couple “in the metal” pics of the beautiful looking rose gold version that is on display at Baselworld 2010.  If you would like to learn more about Linde Werdelin’s Spidolite collection, I suggest you watch my video review of the Spidolite SA Titanium and you can also read my October 19, 2009 post mentioned above.  Enjoy the pics!

Octopus spotted hands…steel case fully engraved with an octopus tattoo design by Danish tattoo artist Henning Jensen…

I’ll refresh with more det’s later today, but for now, but here’s a first look:

Linde Werdelin Oktopus Tattoo

Limited edition 82 pieces, Frederic Piguet Caliber 1150 movement

The coolest moonphase….ever?

When I shared with you the first look at watch and instrument maker Linde Werdelin’s new Oktopus Moonphase, my sixth sense had already told me that the defining aspect of this watch would be its “photorealistic moonphase” created in collaboration with master watchmaker Svend Andersen.  While others did a great job of pointing out the watch’s upgraded Frederic Piguet Caliber 1150 movement and the ostensible oddity of having a moonphase on a dive watch (two thumbs up, Hodinkee), I could not stop wondering what the “photorealistic Moonphase” might actually look like in the dark.  Well, I wonder no more!

Behold, the most unique and masterfully executed moonphase I think we may see for quite some time.  Really, this one is in such a class of its own I don’t even know what else to say!  Here:  if you can show me one that tops this, I’ll send you $20 in the mail

The Photorealistic Moonphase Ring

Now as you may recall, the other cool thing about this moonphase function is that it can be adjusted manually with the use of the crown.  Morten Linde keenly points out that this “allows for a fast and easy way of setting the moon disc to the current moon, even if the watch has not been worn for some time and has stopped. No need to send it back to our service centre for regulation…”  Brilliant, gentlemen, brilliant!

Linde Werdelin Oktopus Moonphase (titanium case, pink gold bezel)

Now, my sources tell me that the watch you see here will become available for pre-order starting next week, at Baselworld.  The price is substantial – $21,700 here in the U.S. – but a watch like this is rightfully meant to be in the hands of just a lucky few and only 29 pieces will be made.  What I am saying is that a watch like this is worth paying top dollar, and for those of you who have the cash, I think this would be a fantastic piece to add to your collection.  In fact if you are interested, ping me kyle [at ] perpetuelle.com and I’ll put you in touch with LW’s Man here in the U.S.

Switching topics somewhat, I remind you all that all the action will be taking place next week of Perpetuelle.com’s Official BASELWORLD 2010 forum.  We’ve already got 85 watches posted!  Check it all out here.

“Photorealistic Moon Phase” by Svend Andersen…

New for 2010 Linde Werdelin introduces the Oktopus Moonphase diver watch.

Titanium case, Rose gold bezel, helium escape value, 888 meters water resistance, 29 pieces limited edition

If you did not know, it was just last year that this up and coming brand led by Jorn Werdelin and Morten Linde announced its first “Oktopus” watch – a very exciting dive watch with a thick bezel and rugged looking titanium DLC case with hefty 1,111 meter water reistantance.  Later in 2009, they announced a similar version except with a black lacquer bezel which was a nice addition to the collection – you can read my take on this particular watch here.

So what’s new with the Oktopus Moonhpase?

Well a few things to note.  First, the thick bezel on this watch is rose gold, the first we see this metal in the collection.  Second, the water resistance is “only” 888 meters, not 1,111 meters like the other two watches – this is because the Moonphase version has a sapphire crystal caseback and relative to a metal caseback, the see through back reduces the water resistance rating. At the same time, however, you are able to see and enjoy the movement – a worthy tradeoff, in my view .  Third, the production will be limited to 29 pieces, not 88 like the other 2 models.  Finally, and what immediately grabbed my attention about the Oktopus Moonphase is well, it’s moonphase!  This feature (or “complication” in watch industry parlance) is developed by Svend Andersen and is different than your “typical” moonphase because of its photorealistic moons – and you can see they do look quite realistic!  Also what is neat here is that the moonphase is built on the “date” function of what is a Frederic Piguet Caliber 1150 movement (a nice upgrade from previous use of ETA-2892 movements) - and basically this lets you see the a countdown until the next full moon, not to mention that should be very easily adjustable using the crown!  Very cool!

Photorealistic Moonphase, by Svend Andersen

Now, if any of you are wondering, “Why a Moonhpase function on a dive watch?”, well I’ll just let Linde Werdelin co-founder Morten Linde tell you:

“moonlight creates the perfect conditions for afterhours sports activities and particularly diving. More and more people these days enjoy sports under the full moon. This is one of the reasons why we wanted to produce a moonphase complication for our diver’s watch. One can plan their next diving trip by checking when the next full moon is going to be, then clip the Reef for a safe dive.”

This kind of out-of-the-box thinking is what I am used to seeing from Linde Werdelin and I love it!

If you want to buy this watch, and I’m sure some of you will, Linde Werdelin will start taking pre-orders in September 2010.  Given that the other two Oktopus models go for about $7,700 and $8,000, respectively, I expect this watch will very easily be priced above $8,000 (perhaps even $9,000+)  given its new moonphase complication and very limited production.  Update:  $9,000+ was an understatement – this watch is priced at a hefty $21,600. A very pretty penny, I know, but I have no doubt thees 29 will find a home relatively quickly!

BASELWORLD 2010 is coming soon.  You can see all the hot new pre-releases on Perpetuelle.com’s Official Baselworld 2010 Forum, and many many more when the event starts on March 18th.  Just click here!

Technical Specifications - Oktopus Moonphase

Limited to 29 pieces

Size 46mm (w) by 49mm (l) by 14mm (h)

Movement Automatic mechanical Frederic Piguet movement calibre 1150,

Linde Werdelin & Andersen Geneve personalised oscillator

72 hour power reserve / 28 jewels / 28,800 bpm

Moonphase complication by Svend Andersen with luminous photorealistic moon

phases and moonphase countdown, manually adjustable by second crown position

Case Titanium gr. 5, microbille finish

Screw on case-back with sapphire crystal

Rose gold unidirectional turning bezel with 10 minute markings & Super Luminova

marker at 12 o’clock

3.8mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal

Screw in crown with LW logo

Helium escape valve at 9 o’clock

Dial Black matt dial

Arabic numerals rose gold plated applied indexes with Super LumiNova

Hands Rose gold plated, diamond cut rhodium plated with applied Super LumiNova

Water Resistance 888m / 2913 ft

Strap Black alligator strap with titanium ardillon buckle

As regular readers of First In Watches know, Linde Werdelin is a relatively new but rising star in today’s crowded watch world.  You can read the myriad reasons why I think so HERE, but first and foremost it is because they are making some outstanding watches with a look and character unlike anything else there.  Now they have gone and done it again – launching two new models to fill out the successful SpidoLite SA series launched earlier this year.   The new versions, limited to 88 pieces each, come in either all black titanium DLC coating or rose gold with black DLC details.  And wow do to they look GOOD!

Now, you can check out some of the other cool Linde Werdelin watches that have been profiled here on First In Watches HERE (Dive with a Titanium Oktopus), and HERE (Unveiled: LINDE WERDELIN Hard Black DLC II), and be sure to watch my video review of the incredible SpidoLite SA HERE…but first, check out the 2 newest members of the SpidoLite SA collection below.  A bit more information about each watch below the photos.

SpidoLite SA All Black

SpidoLite SA Rose Gold

All the SpidoLite Svend Andersen versions come with a skeletonised titanium case and are powered by a “New Old Stock” (or “NOS” in watch parlance) 1970’s automatic movement, modified in the Andersen Genève Atelier.  The movement is further accented with a (Andersen Geneve exclusive) ‘Blue gold’ rotor plate bearing the Linde Werdelin and Andersen Geneve logos (shown above) – all viewable throught the sapphire crystal caseback.  300m water resistance.  Case is 46mm x 49mm.  Multiple strap variations are available.

Excited to see this today – the Oktopus Titanium black lacquer bezel – a nice new addition to Linde Werdelin’s Oktopus collection.  Well, actually there was only 1 Oktopus model prior to now (a black dialed, black DLC steel case model), so I guess now it is now “officially” a collection. Update: LW launched an all titanium model with the DLC in Basel; what is new here is the black lacquer bezel (Morten Linde felt that it made for a nicer addition to such a  masculine watch; I do not disagree). This is a cool looking watch, I like the look of the black lacquer bezel, and the fact that it is in titanium makes it even more desirable, in my opinion (in case you did not see it, I favorably video-reviewed another titanium-cased Linde Werdelin, the SpidoLite SA here).

The Oktopus is water resistant to 1,111 meters (3,333 feet) and is compatible with LW’s sports instruements – of course “The Reef” (diving instrument) is what you would want here.  If you want to indulge yourself – LW is accepting pre-order yours today - the Titanium Oktopus will set you back about $10,000, and is expected to be available from November 2009.

Here’s a couple pics, and the specs are below.

Linde Werdelin Oktopus 1,111m titanium

Limited to 88 pieces

Dial close-up

Technical Specifications

Size 46mm (w) by 49mm (l) by 14mm (h)

Movement ETA 2892-A2 elaboree 42 hour power reserve

Case Titanium gr. 5 case with microbille finish

Black lacquer bezel

Screw on stainless steel case-back

Unidirectional turning bezel with 10 minute markings 3.8mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal (backside coated)

Screw in crown with LW logo

Helium Escape Valve At 9 o’clock

Dial Black galvanic matt dial with silver print Arabic numerals rhodium plated applied indexes with Super LumiNova (C3 Blue Line)

Hands Diamond cut with applied Super LumiNova (C3 Blue Line)

Water Resistance 1111M / 3333ft

Strap Black soft rubber strap with titanium ardillon buckle

First In Watches Brings You Up Close and Personal With A Spectacular Watch

As you will see below, the limited edition Linde Werdelin SpidoLite skeleton dial with Svend Andersen movement (Ref# SPD.SA) is a truly amazing and unique watch.  Linde Werdelin is a brand I recently raved about for a number of good reasons (see “Related Posts” at the bottom of the post), and after spending some time with its marquee, “attention getting” watch, I am even more excited for the future of Linde Werdelin.

Now, if you don’t already know, the “watch review” philosophy here at First In Watches is that “photos are nice, but video is nicer” – and so I am also excited to bring you this exclusive review of the Linde Werdelin SpidoLite in full HD video!  One quick note before the show – one item discussed in the review is the magnificent “blue rotor” that comes with this watch, but unfortunately the particular watch you see in the video had not yet been fitted with one – so be sure to check out the photo gallery posted below the video for a look at this and other pics of the watch.

Pretty cool watch, eh?  In a nutshell, the SpidoLite SA is a limited edition watch (44 pieces) powered by an automatic movement that has been modified by highly respected watchmaker and AHCI co-founder Svend Anderson and that is packed into an ultra-light and stealthy-looking titanium case with 1,000 feet (300 meters) water resistance.  Oh yea!  There really is little, if anything, not to like about this watch.

Linde Werdelin SpidoLite Skelton Dial Photo Gallery

Photos:  K. Stults for First In Watches, except  “Blue Rotor” photo is courtesy of Linde Werdelin.

As for the brand, I would like to see them start making their own movements, but yes I know – this is easier said than done.  All in good time!  Either way, Linde Werdelin is making some spectacular watches right now that any watch enthusiast or collector should give a serious look.  And keep in mind that the SpidoLite Svend Andersen you see here is one of the most expensive watches LW offers (list price is about $12,000), but other collections/models can be yours for somewhere in the $4,300 – $9,700 range.  You can see them all at LindeWerdelin.com, or get in touch with North American distributor Totally Worth It, LLC – info@totallyworthit.com or +1 724 263 2286 / +1 212 828 7749 if you are interested in making a purchase.

In closing, if you want to leave feedback on this review or have any questions about the watch, you can click through to our YouTube channel and rate and comment on the video, or feel free to post a comment or query below.  You may also contact me at kyle [at] perpetuelle.com.  I hope you enjoyed the review.