Linde Werdelin has announced two new limited edition models for their SpidoLite II series of luxury sport watches. The new LW SpidoLite II Tech features two variations of a watch that takes the recognizable SpidoLite II platform and moves it into the next generation as far as case construction and materials are concerned. The SpidoLite II Tech boasts case composition which employs both forged carbon and Linde Werdelin’s own ALW, a proprietary metal alloy that is the result of two years worth of research and development.
The first generation Founders watch was, at its heart, a GMT watch with the intention of being a solid time-zone jumper. Then they followed it up using the GMT Biformeter and the 3-Timer, together with the 3-Timer taking the idea of a GMT watch to another level with the addition of a complication to get a third time zone. Linde Werdelin considers this 2006-2009 age their “First Generation” and also the functionality of these ancient pieces finds its way to the new lineup. The “Second Generation” watched the launch of the Spido and Oktopus pieces, with a focus on skiing and diving usefulness, both passions of the company’s founders.So where will the Linde Werdelin LW 10-24 GMT match into the lineup as the “Third Generation?” Maintaining its position as a GMT view, it preserves that functionality with a few interesting changes. To begin with, the instance is redesigned to improve legibility and features a well recessed bezel that seamlessly blends into the case allowing more of the 36mm dial opening to be viewed. Concerning dimensions, the 44mm broad, 46mm long, and 15mm thick instance is right in line with previous versions. The hands are skeletonized with what Linde Werdelin calls the “Trigon” routine, and the lume used on the dial hails from precisely the same formula used on the Oktopus Frogman which actually has roots in watches used in Danish military diving units. Speaking of diving, the watches are water resistant to 100m each.The Linde Werdelin LW 10-24 GMT can be obtained in two variants, one in an 18k rose gold outside case and another with a 3DTP outer case, each housing a domed sapphire crystal. Not ones to overlook their GMT legacy, in addition, it features a 2nd time-zone complication displayed digitally via a window at 3 o’clock, along with a day/night indicator at 12 o’clock and also an AM/PM indicator at 6 o’clock. Overkill for some, but this is a Linde Werdelin, after all. Regardless of your taste when it comes to their watches, it’s not difficult to imagine there are buyers for the 192 pieces, and then some.
The Tech series shares the same 44 x 15mm case proportions as the rest of the SpidoLite II family and shares a similar look with a two-piece skeletonised dial, sub seconds at nine, and a date display at three. What sets the new Tech models apart is their high tech case construction, which is comprised of an inner case made of ALW (Alloy Linde Werdelin) and an outer case fashioned from forged carbon fibre. ALW is an metal alloy that Linde Werdelin reports to be 50% lighter than titanium while still being as strong as steel. The inner case assembly of the SpidoLite II Tech is hardened to offer a final assembly that is not only stronger than steel, but also colored either red or green (the colorful inner case can be seen through the skeletonised elements of the forged carbon exterior, very cool).
The outer case may carry the same skeletonised design that we’ve seen on past SpidoLite models, but it is now produced out of extremely light and strong forged carbon. The design then branches off to create two distinct variations including the Gold, which is fitted with an 18k rose rose gold bezel and crown, or the Green, which has a stealthy black ceramic bezel and a titanium crown that has been treated to a ceramic coating. The movement used for the SpidoLite II Tech is the same LW 04 used in other SpidoLite II models and is manufactured for Linde Werdelin Spidospeed Replica by the Swiss movement maker Concepto.
Second, with a strong DLC-treated titanium case back, the strength of the watch is perhaps increased by creating a solid foundation for your circumstance. Bear in mind that Linde Werdelin watches are made as serious sports watches. The Oktopus is designed as a dive watch, although the SpidoLite was created as a ski and hiking view. For every, the exceptional Linde Werdelin advantage is the capability to include in an LW electronic instrument: the Reef for diving and also the Rock to get climbing.While summertime where I live in the San Francisco Bay Area is a time for ski, even in the beautiful peaks of the nearby Lake Tahoe area, I did take the Linde Werdelin SpidoLite 3DTP Carbon mountain biking and trekking. I did not doubt it would during my simple couple 1000-foot hikes, but what was surprising was how well it would perform throughout the mountain biking ride.You see, the quick switchback trails I use make for not just a hard and bumpy ride but also one that tests your watch. Not only because of the bumps but also, importantly, whether the watch seems comfortably enough for it to disappear while riding. I cannot stress this enough: very few watches pass this test because of me. Essentially, half way into my journey, when I want to be concentrated going up and down my twisty and somewhat dangerous path, the last thing I need is to feel the watch wearing my wrist down or digging into my hands.To my surprise, the Linde Werdelin SpidoLite 3DTP Carbon performed. The light weight and attractively comfortable strap and incorporated case design enabled me to strap it tightly and completely forget it… Except for some pics I wanted to take to remember the moment and show to you, I forgot I was wearing it as I attempted to beat my Strava record.
The end result looks really cool and is unmistakably part of the SpidoLite family. Both the Gold and the Green versions will be limited to 75 units each, with the serial number displayed within the frame of the skeletonised outer case. The SpidoLite II Tech will be available from July with the Green version costing 13,000 CHF (before VAT) and the Gold claiming 17,500 CHF (before VAT). I am a big fan of the entire Spido family, both Lite and Speed, and the SpidoLite II Tech looks to be a logical and successful expansion of the range into more advanced uses of exotic materials. We are excited to be seeing the new SpidoLite II Tech at BaselWorld next week and we will be sure to get some live pictures and impressions from the show floor. Until then, what do you think of the Linde Werdelin SpidoLite II Tech? lindewerdelin.com
