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 Skeleton 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.

A sharp looking piece from a brand that “gets it”

Check out Linde Werdlin‘s “Hard Black DLC II” below.   Looks good, eh?  I love the yellow stitching on the strap and the look of the DLC case with yellow accents is well, awesome!  Of course this watch is fully compatible with Linde Werdelin’s instruments – the Rock (for you Alpinists and other extreme-adventurists) and the Reef (for you Divers), making it full on ready for all out adventure.  If you like this watch I would recommend that you get your order in fast (supposedly the watch is available for pre-order on LindeWerdelin.com, but I do not see the link!!) because LW does seem to have a strong following and it produces limited quantities of each of its watches (in fact there will only be 88 of the Hard Black DLC II watches made).  One thing that would make this watch better is if it had a manufacture movement in it rather than an ETA 2892 (what can I say — I’m a sucker for independents who produce their own movments!).

Linde Werdelin’s Hard Black DLC II

(That’s DLC as in “diamond like carbon” for all you watch newbies – it makes the watch more scratch resistant and it looks cool)

46mm x 49mm case, 300m water resistance

I think it is also time to say that Linde Werdelin  is a brand on the rise, and for all the right reasons.   First and foremost, the brand’s namesake founders, Morten Linde and Jorn Werdelin, are producing some very exciting watches that are harmonized with specialized instruments for the adventurous.  The watches have their own unique look and are designed with function in mind as well.  Form and function – 2 things any watch enthusiast should appreciate – particularly when they come together.

Another reason that Linde Werdelin excites me is that they “get it” when it comes to online and social media – something that very few watch brands do today.  They are actively engaged on Twitter (follow @aphroditek) and Facebook, they publish their own blog, and they also have a fairly functional website.  And finally,  you can buy their watches online (direct through their website) or through an authorized dealer, and they have a really cool “try before buy” program in which you can test one of their watches and instruments risk free for 5 days (something I hope to do myself).  Bottom line:  they are positioned well for the watch world in which we now live, and have the hallmarks of a brand that exudes “customer first”.  If you operate a smaller/lower volume, independent watch brand today, these things are essential, in my view.  Keep up the good work, Linde Werdelin, and keep those watches coming!

If you have any first-hand experience with Linde Werdelin watches, leave a comment below with your thoughts!

Now here’s an exciting development from the world of watches – Linde Werdelin, maker of fine luxury watches with attachable high performance digital instruments – has launched its own blog.  The blog is called “The Lab – where creative thoughts flow” and you can visit it by clicking the logo below.

“The Lab” is written by LW’s creative director and co-founder, Morten Linde.  The theme of The Lab seems to be to give readers a look into the window of Linde Werdeln through Morten Linde’s eyes, and so far the content fits this concept.

Linde Werdelin joins another independent, “high horology”, watch brand that also maintains an excellent blog that I look forward to reading – MB&F’s A Parallel World.

More broadly, I think that having a blog is one of the best things that small production, independent watchmakers/brands can do to help create greater brand awareness.  If published regularly, they are an excellent way to constantly reach out and “touch” (and even expand) your audience (for an independent watchmaker that offers web sales, these are potential customers, after all!).  This is especially true for someone like me who can’t live without my Google Reader (and the 65+ watch blog feeds I follow).  Also, a blog is a perfect platform for helping to shape and fine tune the identity of a brand beyond just the pictures.  And finally, a blog is a great point of differentiation vs. the “big brands” who I think are unlikely to run their own blogs, because these brands have grown way beyond the individual(s) who are behind the brand.  Truly offering that high level of customer contact and interaction with watch owners, collectors & enthusiasts that the big brands can not and will not ever offer!

So well done, Linde Werdelin – I look forward to following “The Lab – where creative thoughts flow.“