Announced on the eve of Baselworld 2015, Linde Werdelin Spidolite Skeleton 18k Rose Gold Replica has dropped a duo of Spidolite models that feature a new movement and updated dial designs. Officially launching the 4th generation of the Linde Werdelin Spidolite series, these limited edition pieces will be available later this month in either titanium or rose gold.
The form factor of the case remains unchanged from the Linde Werdelin Spidolite’s decidedly-cool older siblings, with a width of 44mm and a thickness of 15mm. These new Linde Werdelin Spidolite watches use anti-reflective sapphire crystals and have a water resistance of 100m (330 ft). The dial design has been changed over that of previous models with a more open view of the movement thanks to additional skeletonization. So much skeletonization in fact, that the new Linde Werdelin Spidolites offer a clear enough view of the (now open) mainspring that it can function as a simple power reserve, as indicated by the small red triangle on the dial (the mainspring is situated roughly between four and five on the dial).
For the time being, let’s only revolve around this Linde Werdelin Oktopus BluMoon, as it is also worthy of a daily sports watch which I found worked brilliantly for my Miami/South Beach vacation. First off, while the watch is relatively big at 15mm large, 44mm wide, and 46mm lug-to-lug, it wears really well – similar to how the Linde Werdelin SpidoLite Tech works so well on the wrist, though it is a large watch. This is totally opposite of another watch I typically take with me during holidays, my trusty Rolex GMT Master II (reviewed here). Don’t get me wrong, the GMT is great plus a very different watch, but the steel-and-gold band, although original class, leaves little room for alterations. And after a few hours through a long flight, I generally have an urge to remove it and free my wrist. That was not true with the Linde Werdelin Oktopus BluMoon, that is a considerably larger watch in pretty much all dimensions.With the Linde Werdelin rubber strap, I also never really had some issues in cool, humid, and the super-hot weather of South Florida over Christmas. That also included various trips to the beach where I wore it nonstop from the sea, sitting in the beach, in the restaurant, at parties, and so on. Only the fantastic South Beach watch – or to get any vacation location, for this matter. Additionally, that brilliantly unique case design made it stand apart from the other beach goers along with South Floridians.
The new LW07 movement was developed in collaboration between Linde Werdelin and movement maker Chronode SA. The LW07 is an automatic 4Hz movement with a 42-hour power reserve and 20 jewels. Unlike the LW04 seen in past versions of the Linde Werdelin Spidolite, the LW07 uses a central seconds hand that opens up a large section of the dial for a more expansive view.
The Linde Werdelin Spidolite Titanium features a grade 5 titanium case and bezel that have been treated to a satin and microbille finish. The dial is a matching mix of grey tones which, when combined with the blued steel handset, offers excellent contrast despite its visual complexity.
I really like the lighter, almost white, tone of the movement structure that makes up much of the “dial,” as it combines nicely with the warmer tone of the titanium case and allows the small arrow which indicates the mainspring tension to leap off the dial.
The Spidolite Gold swaps the titanium for an 18k gold outer case and an inner case made of DLC black titanium. The bezel is made from ceramic and has both polished and brushed finishing. While I am not generally a fan of gold watches, the Linde Werdelin Spidospeed Gold has always been something of an exception, as it’s one of the least grandpa-ish gold watches I can think of. The Linde Werdelin Spidolite Gold carries a very similar look that successfully juxtaposes the gold with the concept of a lightweight sports watch. Yes it’s too flashy for a sports watch, but that doesn’t diminish its cool factor in the world of luxury watches.
Both models have grey superluminova treatments for the hands and markers and the Titanium version comes fitted to a grey rubber strap while the Gold comes with a black calfskin strap. As the cases are similar to the rest of the Spido family, these new Linde Werdelin 3 Timer Gmt Replica Spidolites will also be compatible with the other straps that Linde Werdelin has on offer.
Each version is limited to just 75 units and, given the use of a new movement, the prices have increased over the previous Linde Werdelin Spidolite titanium models. The new 2015 Linde Werdelin Spidolite Titanium will retail for a price of 15,000 CHF (14,850 USD), while the Linde Werdelin Spidolite Gold will list for a price of 27,000 CHF (26,750 USD). With such a limited run of each version these will no doubt be popular among Linde Werdelin fans and we’ll be sure to have our cameras ready when we go hands-on next week in Basel. lindewerdelin.com
Keep up with our pre- post- and live Baselworld 2015 coverage here.
While I can conclude the Linde Werdelin One 2.6 Replica SpidoLite 3DTP Carbon makes for a great sports watch due to the sharp design and light weight, the Linde Werdelin SpidoLite 3DTP Carbon isn’t perfect. My main criticism comes from the difficulty of tackling the crown to manually breeze or to alter the moment. This is impossible with gloves and hard with naked hands. The crown, also in titanium but medicated with nitride, which makes it that yellowish gold color, is not a screw-down one, so I kind of expected it to be a lot easier to grab and use.The difficulty stems from how the Linde Werdelin SpidoLite 3DTP Carbon case design round the crown almost entirely protects it. Using my nail was the simplest method I could find to manipulate the crown. Notice, however, that this isn’t a difficulty I have with my Oktopus II, so this could be an issue with this generation of SpidoLite – not convinced. As an out-of-the-ordinary watch style, it pops out if wearing it and wore particularly well with blue jeans and simple late spring tops as well as shorts and t-shirt for summer. Since it’s not a watch you are very likely to see anyone else wearing, as only 75 will be produced worldwide, it’s the perfect accessory to distinguish you at the next hipster party or supper event.And that yellowish strap ensures it to be an eye grabber and dialogue starter, for sure. Naturally, like I do with my Oktopus, then it is possible to readily alter the strap to one of the LW options (e.g., black rubberized or even black alligator) to tone down the look whilst still keeping its fundamental contemporary design.
