Launching in 2006 with the Biformeter sports watch, Linde Werdelin has taken the idea of a luxury watch brand and infused its watches with tool watch DNA. Their current lineup includes the 3 Timer which is aimed at explores, the Spido for mountaineers and skiers and the Oktopus which is inspired by the diving universe.
At first these two ideas (luxury and sports) seem incongruous with one another, but this is not a new concept. With the launch of Gerald Genta’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in 1972 and his Patek Philippe Nautilus in 1976 the idea of a robust, bold, water resistant, refined high end watch was born. Linde Werdelin is clearly traveling in some refined company. I was able to ask Jorn Werdelin if he felt that his watches leaned one way or the other, sports vs luxury, his response sums it up perfectly; “I would say a fusion of the two; a beautiful mechanical timepiece in the traditional sense of the word – artisanship and craftsmanship – with the potential to use the watch under extreme circumstances, as with our explorers.” I really feel that the use of the word “potential” is the key to understanding these watches. For more on the luxury sport watch check out this great article from Monochrome on the Top 5 Iconic Luxury Sport watches. Personally, I feel that Linde Werdelin should have been mentioned in Monochrome’s article.
Of the 3 lines that Linde Werdelin offers the 3 Timer, which is based on their first watch the Biformeter, is in my opinion their most effective offering merging luxury and sports. I especially like their most recent launch in the 3 Timer line the “Nord”. All Linde Werdelin watches are produced in limited editions of 1-99 and the Nord is no exception with a limited run of just 55 units. The Nord is named after the changing colors of the North Sea and includes two firsts for the 3 Timer line, a fume dial, and a sand blasted case.
While we are on the subject of recent launches Linde Werdelin also just launched the Oktopus MoonLite with an in-house moon phase complication. This 59 piece limited edition is also cased in ALW (Alloy Linde Werdelin) which reportedly has twice the strength of steel and half the weight of titanium. The five layer skeletonized dial shows off the MoonLites unique mechanics and works well with its three piece rugged case design. I especially like how the Lume is applied to the dial, check out the picture below. If your in the market for a Moon Phase dive watch as far as I know the Oktopus MoonLite is the only game in town. If there is another one leave a comment and let me know.
In the Spido line the newest offering is the Spidolite Titanium available in blue and green. I really like the skeletonized case to save weight as well as the LW04 movement made in collaboration with Concepto. These two watches feel like the tougher more capable versions of the 3 Timer line.
Linde Werdelin watches start around $6,000 US for the 3 Timer line and range as high as the mid $30,000’s for the precious metal special editions. When compared to an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or Patek Philippe Nautilus, Linde Werdelin watches are a real bargain. I would have a hard time adventuring, diving or skiing with a hundred thousand dollar watch on my wrist, even if I had the means, but I could totally see myself rocking a 3 Timer Nord or Spidolite Titanium on my next adventure.
While we are on the topic of affordability, Linde Werdelin is the only watch manufacture that I’m aware of that is promoting the idea of a circular economy with the inclusion of used Linde Werdelin watches on their website. I really like this idea, not only can you get a Linde Werdelin for less than the new price but you all get the peace of mind that your used watch is coming from the manufacture and will be in tip top condition. Also, by having a vested interest in each watch after manufacture Linde Werdelin is producing less waste and maintaining a quality aftermarket environment for their watches. I sincerely hope more companies start to consider their products lifecycle and begin playing an active part in those products after the initial sale. Check out their Pre-Owned section, here!
When it comes to rugged watches pretty much anyone can afford a Casio G-Shock. Only a privileged few with the means can afford a Royal Oak or Nautilus. But, if you’re a watch guy and are looking for a bespoke adventure watch, you need to take a serious look at Linde Werdelin. With about 6 releases per year on the books plus some new projects in the works slated for 2021 and 2022 I’m excited to see where this amazing brand will go next.
Keep on a Watching!
Edward