Even though most of you are very familiar with Linde Werdelin, we will share some background information about this amazing manufacture for those watchlifestylers that are still not quite familiar with it.
Linde Werdelin was founded eleven years ago in 2002 by two fine Danish gentlemen. The name comes from its founders Morten Linde and Jorn Werdelin. Since its conception, Linde Werdelin has focused on creating some of the most unique and fascinating timepieces with very avant-garde Danish design and fully Swiss made.
Linde Werdelin also produces digital instruments for skiing —the Rock— and diving —the Reef— that can be clipped to the top of their mechanical watches. Their watches are designed to carry the Reef or the Rock and they are made in very limited quantities making them super exclusive.
This time, we will be talking about the the SpidoLite II Titanium Red, a watch that was produced in a limited series of 75 pieces and that is a perfect example of Linde Werdelin's brand essence and values. This unique timepiece featuring a red and black dial, features the now traditional frame casing of the Spido collection and a bespoke charcoal gray strap with red stitching. To present our review, no other setting would've been more well suited than the top of the engine on a Ferrari 360 Modena with the perfect matching red.
This watch entirely made of titanium, features a double case construction where the inner round case presents DLC treatment and the outer faceted frame presents the traditional titanium grayish look. The case measures 44mm in diameter, 46mm in length and 15mm in thickness. Even though the measurements clearly depict a large watch, because of the faceted shape of the frame the watch wears and appears slightly smaller than its actual measurements.
The crown, case back and bezel have also been treated with DLC and are extremely nicely done. The case frame features very sharp angles, grooves and hex screws that make this watch look very Formula One engineered. The crown guard is quite sharp and makes it difficult to unscrew and pull out the crown to make time and date adjustments –not the biggest issue or a deal breaker. The case construction is solid but very light at the same time as this watch only weighs a 100 grams. The watch is waterproof to a depth of a 100 meters.
One of our favorite features on this watch is the extremely nice and well crafted bespoke strap. Even though the strap is described as black by Linde Werdelin, is really more charcoal gray. Made of a fabric that resembles Kevlar and lined with ultra fine soft black leather, the strap is finished with a perfect red stitching to match the dial and provide the ultimate contrast. The strap comes fitted with a pin buckle that is easy to use and also very comfortable. As you can see, the attention to detail is just amazing.
The automatic movement fitted on the SpidoLite II Titanium Red is the LW04 custom-made movement by Concepto that provides a power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound and features a red Linde Werdelin signed black rotor that is very sporty and automotive looking. The movement is nicely decorated with 'perlage' and a treat to the eyes. This beating heart is fully visible via the display case back.
The red and black glossy dial is a work of art with its amazing openworked multilayer construction and its very unique date aperture and date disc. Made of two skeletonized layers in red and black, the dial allows for partial view of the movement and of the calendar advancement mechanism. The dial features running seconds at 9 and a calendar aperture at 3 o'clock. All hands are treated with luminous material that unfortunately is not extremely bright at night.
As mentioned earlier, the only downside on this watch is the operation of the crown due to its crown guard. While the screw-down crown is very sturdy and nicely finished, it is very hard to unscrew it and pull it out —especially if you have big hands.
Overall, we really like the uniqueness of this watch and its exclusivity. Over a full week, the watch only gained three seconds per day, which is well within COSC standards. The watch wears extremely comfortably and the lightweight titanium makes it feel like it is not even on your wrist. If you want a very exclusive timepiece, look no further, the SpidoLite II Titanium Red is as good as it gets.
Sticker Price CHF 10,700 excluding VAT. For more info on Linde Werdelin click here.
