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.