Baselworld 2012:  Despite my love for the Linde Werdelin Spidolite watch (as I reviewed here), the Oktopus line is perhaps my favorite offering from the brand (see Oktopus Photorealistic Moonphase, Oktopus Tatoo), and it looks like the dynamic duo of Morton Linde and Jorn Werdelin have upped the ante once more with this robust looking new diver which will hit the market in 2012.  Details are still scant on this piece, but I was able to grab enough shots from a video the brand produced to offer a worthy first look at the watch. The story of the watch is told quite well in the video by the namesake founders of the brand.  As for me, I would say that the design of the watch looks fantastic.  Both in form (the “Octopus” design on the dial and case back, et al.) and function (the  multi-part case construction is inspired by a diving bell and is designed for optimum corrosion and water resistance), the Linde Werdelin Oktopus II will no doubt be a popular item at next week’s Baselworld show.  Oh–almost forgot–the piece is of course compatible with the “Reef”, Linde Werdelin’s custom designed dive calculator that fits over the watch case for an all-in-one solution.

Price on the Oktopus II – Double Date in titanium and ceramic will retail at CHF 8,800.  Oktopus II – Double Date in titanium, titanium DLC and ceramic with yellow accents in dial will retail at CHF 9,400; Oktopus II – Double Date Rose Gold and titanium will retail at CHF 18,500.  All exclusive of VAT.  Avail. autumn 2012 on LindeWerdelin.com or from any LW authorised retailer in local currency.

Linde Werdelin Oktopus II Dive Watch

46mm multi-metal case (titanium, gold, ceramic) (15.25mm thick), 300 meter water resistance, automatic mechanical Dubois Depraz caliber 14580

date window:

more looks:

VIDEO

It is my absolute pleasure to share with you that the SpidoSpeed Chronograph has now been ‘unleashed’ into the markets around the world.

Need he say more?  Not really!  But even so Morten did point out the slight design change that was made to the SpidoSpeed Chronograph since it was first unveiled at BaselWorld this past March (see my “before and after” analysis below).    Some may like it, some may not — but as for me, what to say except that the watch still looks AWESOME!  My congrats to the Linde Werdelin team on their continued success.  It’s been great watching the brand sprout and grow over these past few years.

100 pieces in each of steel, black DLC-finished steel and rose gold will be made, with prices starting at $15,200.

Be sure to also check out my prior extensive coverage of many of Linde Werdelin’s awesome watches HERE.

Linde Werdelin SpidoSpeed Chronograph

Limited edition 100 pieces each (individually numbered)

44mm multi-part skeleton-style case (15mm thick), two-part black dial with chronograph counters, automatic mechanical movement

A new spectacular looking chronograph from up and coming brand Linde Werdelin (founded:  2006) who brought us cool creations such as the SpidoLite SA (watch my video review), the Oktopus Moonphase and the Oktopus Tattoo.  Will be a limited edition run of 100 numbered pieces, also noted as an “A” series thus seeming to hint at subsequent SpidoSpeed variations.  The Linde Werdelin will carry a price of ~$15,000.

“I wanted the SpidoSpeed to be a complete 3-Dimensional experience no matter the angle you look at it from”, says Morten Linde.  “Whether this is the ten-layered dial, the skeletonised case, the see-through case-back or the strap. I wanted this model to be one holistic 3-Dimensional experience for the owner.”  Check it…

Linde Werdelin SpidoSpeed

Specs

Case: 44mm (wide) x 46mm (tall) x 15mm (thick) steel case, Movement: Concepto 2251 chronograph with LW designed oscillator, Water Resistance: 100m,  Strap: SpidoSpeed textile strap with steel ardillon buckle

actual dial parts:

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? 

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.

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:

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!

]]> http://blog.perpetuelle.com/watches/baselworld-2010-live-pics-linde-werdelin-spidolite-skeleton-rose-gold/feed/ 2 http://blog.perpetuelle.com/watches/linde-werdelin-oktopus-tattoo-march-16-2010/ http://blog.perpetuelle.com/watches/linde-werdelin-oktopus-tattoo-march-16-2010/#comments Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:35:17 +0000 Kyle Stults http://blog.perpetuelle.com/?p=3382 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

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.

]]> http://blog.perpetuelle.com/watches/linde-werdelin-photorealistic-moonphase-march-12-2010/feed/ 6 http://blog.perpetuelle.com/watches/baselworld-2010-linde-werdelin-oktopus-moonphase-complication/ http://blog.perpetuelle.com/watches/baselworld-2010-linde-werdelin-oktopus-moonphase-complication/#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:59:41 +0000 Kyle Stults http://blog.perpetuelle.com/?p=2870 “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