Linde Werdelin Introduces the SpidoLite II Gold North America

Most of our readers know the young and innovative watch brand that originates from Denmark by now. Indeed, we’re talking about LINDE WERDELIN. They gained fame because of the very unusually styled mechanical timepieces with attachable digital sports instruments for diving and skiing. LINDE WERDELIN was founded in 2002 by Morten Linde and Jorn Werdelin and in 2006 they launched their first collection of timepieces and sports instruments. 

Excusively for the North American market they created an exceptional series of 15 pieces of the SpidoLite family, being the SpidoLite II Gold. The SpidoLite II features the iconic skeletonized case that is entire crafted in titanium. No simple job, as titanium is a nasty material to machine and machining is done extensively to create the skeletonized SpidoLite case. The titanium case features a rose gold crown and rose gold detailing on the dial, which makes a very attractive composition.

When I first met with Linde Werdelin, at Baselworld 2009, they had just introduced the very first SpidoLite. The watch featured the same skeletonized case and dial, albeit the engine in the very first SpidoLite was a movement from Svend Anderson. The case was skeletonized to reduce the weight and increase comfort on the wrist. All Linde Werdelin watches have strong technical looks, but the SpidoLite has probably the most technical looks of the entire collection.

The titanium case measures 44mm (w) by 46mm (l) and 15mm in height. The entire case has a microblasted finish and bears hand satin finished facets. The 18 carat rose gold screw down crown is also microblasted and afterwards satin finished by a hand. The watch is water resistant up to 100 meters.

The dial consists of two skeletonized layers. The Côtes de Genève lower black dial carries the LINDE WERDELIN logo. The upper dial is in a rose gold treated (probably by PVD) with luminescent indexes; the same applies for the three hands. The date wheel is black coated and features laser engraved numerals.

Inside ticks the LW 04 movement, which is a proprietary-made Concepto caliber 2251. It offers 42 hours of power reserve and beat at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour.

The movement is visible through the dial as well as through the sapphire crystal case-back, and shows circular spotting, also called “perlage” in French, on the main plate and bridges. One of those little details that is the Spido icon that is engraved in the back of the main plate, and can only been seen through the sapphire case back. The black coated rotor bears a rose gold Linde Werdelin logo.

All screws are heat-blued steel and have been used because of their high anti-corrosion properties and, of course, to enhance the beauty of the movement.

The SpidoLite II Gold US is available in a limited series of 15 pieces, retailing at USD $ 12,900 from July 2013 exclusively from Linde Werdelin’s North America authorized retailers.