Well - some might have noticed that I'm a little interested in Linde Werdelin (LW) watches.
I don't have one - well not yet - but I have been interested in these watches for about 1-2 years now. Looking at every picture and photo I could find on the net, on different forums, etc. It was not easy. But sometimes there was a "pop-up" on a forum with a single picture - else it was only on the Linde Werdelin website I could check out the models.

It has become a little better - but not much. And personal I would have loved a place to find some more detailed information besides the "official" webpage.

And because LW is a web based business - you will only be able to find their watches in very few selected shops around the world, it is very difficult to have real hands on and try a watch on your wrist.
They do have the opportunity to have a "Test Set" send to you - but it could be a little overkill for some.

Well that is why I have selected to ad this page on my watchblog even if I don't have one. This is basically because I have had the very nice opportunity to visit the Linde Werdelin R&D in Denmark - a very positive little tour that gave me some hands on on some of their watches and hear some stories about the watches and development.

I will try to collect as much information as possible here and link to external sites, forums, photos etc. Both from the official webpage but hope to have "real" peoples feelings and photos of the watch in real action - and not just product photos.

Links to the following information:

Links to the following information:

The Linde Werdelin Factory Visit in Denmark

The Factory Tour...

The Linde Werdelin Catelog - both the past and present:

The Old...



The Latest...

Unofficial Photos of Linde Werdelin watches:

Here I will put all photos I can find on the net that is of Linde Werdeling watches but is not part of any "official" product shoot.

The official Photos of Linde Werdelin watches:

Here I will put all photos I can find of Linde Werdeling watches that is from Linde Werdelin - this means product shoot, news, etc...

Found some links to some web tv where Linde Werdelin is presented.

Check out the following links:

• Danish web tv in borsen.dk -
• Linde Werdeling 3-timer review
• Watch Review: Linde Werdelin SpidoLite Skeleton
• Linde Werdelin SpidoLite SA Watch Review
• LINDE WERDELIN in Basel
• Linde Werdelin 3-Timer in the snow

I will put what I can find of external links here

Check out the following links where Linde Werdelin is presented:

• Danish article - high tech for the ski tour
• The new graphic layout of the Linde Werdeling catelog
• Linde Werdeling named one of the 10 most important watches for the future
• Linde Werdelin facebook group
• Linde Werdelin Watches and Instruments

Not really a review - but I have received relative much feedback on the photos and my reviews of the watch that I want to share.

In general people are split into 4 groups on this watch.

• Like it, know it and want it
• Like it, don't know it and want to know more
• Like it, maybe they know it and maybe they want it
• Don't Like it and don't want it

Don't Like it and don't want it
The people that don't like it are mainly people that will focus on Rolex and Panerai watches, they like the "history" of the watches, the look and the general just want to stay true to know brands.
The design of the LW watch is also something very special - and something you need to like.
The design can look like that of watches to about 100-200 Euros - a cheap fashion watch - not easy to recognize for a non-WIS.
That is not a problem with Rolex or Panerai - these watch designs are "well known" by many people.


Like it, don't know it and want to know more
Then we have the people that like it but don't know it. These people are becoming more and more. The LW brand is slowly becoming a relative "known" brand - is on the radar of many people.
But these persons would like even more information on the brand - even asking about the price (easy to see on the LW website), and where to get the watch.
These people are not close to getting this watch but they are starting to "knowing" the brand.
Up front they like the look, the design and the size.


Like it, maybe they know it and maybe they want it The we have people that know about the brand, they are keeping a eye on this brand, the new models, the stories, etc.
These people maybe want this watch - they are 70-90% close to making a deal on a LW watch - but they keep falling back to known brands with known resale value and known by other people than die-hard WIS.

They like that the numbers of LW watches are limited, that the brand is upcoming, the use of high end ETA movement (on some models) and the idea behind the brand (design and vision).

But there is a need for taking the final step - they need to try out the watch - the try-out program by LW is not enough - sometimes when shopping around for a watch you return to a store many times - try out the watch - compare it to other watches, and come back again to try one more time.
You can easy go back to a shop 2-3-4 times to try out a watch before you "pay the bill".

I have the same feeling about the Rolex Deep Sea - that is one I need to try out a few times before jumping into.

People are also glad to read review of the LW watches - from people that have it in real life and can describe the watch in "true" words.

These people are close to becoming a LW owner - some will back down when - some will move ahead.


Like it, know it and want it Here we are very close to having a new LW person - but again the thing to stop these people is the same as the group above - They see the positive aspects of the LW brand is would like one - they just need to "justify" it.


To sum up the LW in pro and cons from peoples feedback.

Pro:

• The Design - it is new - looks cool and is just the right size.
• It is unique - limited numbers is a plus - if not then the ETA movement in a case is way overpriced
• The Movement - ETA is a BIG plus - easy to get fixed all over the world.
• The idea behind the brand - people like that there are people behind the brand.
• Unique designs on "new" watches ...

Cons:

• The price - well this is often the saying - I have to select between rolex/panerai and a LW - ???
• Unknown second hand price - if I want to sell this watch - what will I loose ( second hand price for Rolex / panerai and other brands are well known)
• Have only see pictures - I like it - but will I like it in person - and this is when the price and other brands "win".

Have been away from my PC - so just some photos of my new Linde Werdelin in the Wild. What can I say - doing this with a deployment clasp is "NOT" recommended. Somehow the small sands get into the clasp and makes the "release" of the clasp impossible.

It was not possbile to open the deployment clasp before I got home and washed the watch very well under the tap.
So If you plan to make these kind of photos - I suggest you use a normal strap with buckle.

Well back to the fun - som photos of my Linde Werdelin Elemental in the Elements near my summerhouse.

Photos of the watch with both the textile strap and the metal strap.

This time let look at some of the finer details of the Linde Werdelin Watch. I have made some more close-up photos of the watch and some of the finer details. I will also try to explain my feelings about the finer details after a little more than a week on the wrist.

The Elemental in general:
Lets start with the not so close photos.
The complete watch - with its sharp edges just look so special. But the watch is also very "bling - bling", the shiny edges makes the watch look not so "macho" as I think the watch would do if the case was mat, black, Ti, etc. The polished steel could be a little to much for some. I might like a version of the steel version with a mat case or a case made of Ti.
I know I can get the HARD II (DLC) version - but the price is a little over my level. So I would like the option of a standard Ti version of this "simple" watch (The One/Elemental).




The dial in close-up: The dial is something special - it is VERY glossy - and VERY black. The writing on the dial looks very high quality.
The LW logo on the dial looks like silver print on the dial. The Inner ring is used for minute indicators.

The date window is small and don't make any "noise" on the dial. That I like - if you need to know the date is there - but on a daily basis you don't notice it.




The case and screws: The case has the sharp "look" but the shape of the case makes it fit perfectly on your wrist.
The back case is also very simple and the black color of the case back does make a nice contrast to the very clean steel look.
The writing on the back is simple and based on the LW information of watch type.

• B1=Bifometer
• E1=Elemental (T1=two-timer)
• 2=Steel case
• 2=Steel roating bezel

The screws for the wrist-strap is simple and yet one of the distinct features and looks of the watch.
I do thing that making the screws with more contrast would give the watch a extra nice look.
How about black screws (Ti screws)?

The watch strap is still the one thing I would like to challenge - I really need a rubber strap!
I will NOT be able to dive with any of the straps I have - not the metal strap or the textile strap.
I will come with my suggestions for "improvement" in a later review. It is only some minor issues - but something that would put this watch an extra notch up.



I think the watch will continue to "grow" on me - even if the wife says it looks a little to "gay" compared to my Panerai 25C ;-)
But then maybe a new "hardcore" strap could change this - as I say the strap is easy 50% of the complete watch look.

This is the real deal for me - the design of case and the dial is something very special and something I have not seen in many other watch brands.

The Case:
The very sharp edges on the case makes this watch a "tough" watch to look at - it looks masculine.
The look of the case is what really makes the watch - I would say that the look with a "leather" strap on this watch makes it look like a AP royal Oak off-shore.
And the strap fixture is also what makes this watch a easy to spot watch. It is what can be seen from a distance - also a nice design feature but also a feature that WORKS very well.
One of the best strap changing functions in any watch - It will keep you strap IN place on the watch all the time. Not like the simple "metal" bars seen in most watches (Rolex MilSub not in this league).



The Lumen:
The lume on the dial is very good - I have no seen the Rolex Deep Sea in real life with the lume - but the lume on the Linde Werdelin is very very good.
And what I like is the lume on the rotating bezel - nice to have lume spots every 10 min on the bezel.



The Dial:
The dial is very glossy - and this together with the very good glass - makes the dial jump out.
The dial is not that "big" when compared to the "big" case - see a side by side view of my Panerai 25C and my Elemental.

And when checking the Panerai 25C and my rolex and Panerai 1B - The dial is small compared to the other dials.
The dial is "about" the same size as a rolex dial - but with some extra writing on.
This extra writing on the dial is very nice - just about the right amount - much more and the dial is not possible to read.





The straps:
The metal strap is now my daily strap - it feels heavy and is heavy but feels very good. No problem with the strap pulling out my hairs on my arms.
The quality of the strap is very good - it feels solid and well done - but the work involved in removing links could be much better.
The integration of the metal strap to the watch case is second to none - I really think this is a super design - and after getting use to the extra weight - the watch with the metal strap now sits like a "glove" on my hand.
With the textile strap - I get a very nice look - it complements the watch very nicely - it almost looks like a AP Royal Oak Off-Shore.

If I could change one thing on my LW watch it would be the strap - it is somewhat funny that this "massive" tool watch, designed to be used with clip-on tools (Rock/Sea - Instrument) don't have a better security function - to ensure that the watch will STAY on the wrist - no matter what the situation is.

I would love to have a real super tool strap that is different from the standard strap with a deployment clasp.
How about a super Velcro strap like the one from the AP EOD watch - or the Omega Moon Speedmasters.

This is the one place where I would really put in some extra work - Agree that the watch is a nice dress watch - what the many gold versions also indicate - but it would be nice to be able to select a strap that for sure would keep the watch on you wrist - over the wet-suit, during climbing or any other very active life-style.

I see my LW Elemental watch as a dive watch, a tool watch I can used any place - any time - and not as a dress watch - just to be used with a suit.

So for one I can't use the metal strap on my wetsuit - the way to adjust the size is limited and difficult to perform.
The Textile strap with deployment claps - can't be used with my wetsuit either - no easy way to extent the textile strap.
So for my diving - I have to get a rubber strap with a normal buckle.

But still - I miss a way to secure the watch better to my wrist.
When diving and wearing a watch on my wetsuit - I have no feeling with it - I have to be very confident that it will stay on the wrist no matter what I can snag my wrist on during a dive.

So please LW - lets see that monster strap that for sure will keep your watch in place when diving.




Performing a strap change and adjusting the metal strap to fit my wrist.


On the LW the changing of the straps is very easy - and compared to eg. Panerai - no need to worry about the screws messing up the case - the screws are fixed into the strap - so if by chance you mess up a screw - the worst thing that can happen is that it is the strap you need to fix - no impact on the watch case.

Changing the textile strap is very easy - and the tool that you receive together with the strap makes the change easy - but I guess a normal unbraco key would do the job just as well.



Adjusting the metal strap to fit my writs toke some more work.
From the information sheet it is recommended that you contact your authorized LW dealer for this.
That is not so easy when I'm away in the summerhouse - and there is no easy way to adjust the strap by removing a screw and removing some links - this is a easy job on a Rolex metal strap - but on the LW there is a need to use force to drive the small pins out of the strap and to put these back in to put the strap back together.

My first 2 days with the watch - an my quick initial impressions of the watch.

I received it Friday and went to the summerhouse for some grill and to have some time "alone" with the watch.
It is a Linde Werdelin Elemental watch - the initial standard model from Linde Werdelin - with no special features - just a plain simple dive watch with date.
This was the model I have been looking at for some time - and the dial is special with some extra white writing on - not to much - just the right amount - this is the "same" watch as the LW "The One" - where "The One" has even less white writing on the dial.

Here are the "Elemental" and "The One" - side by side.



The white writing on the dial - was the reason for me not selecting the LW Two-Timer - here there is just a little to much text on the dial for my taste.



But back to my initial impressions of the LW Elemental watch - the complete package - more in detail reviews to come - so stay tuned.

The package - the box - Simple Box - nothing special - simple black box - "piano paint".



The watch - very nice watch - has a kind of "bling - bling" over it - the very polished sides invites fingerprints. The initial quality feeling is much better that Panerai and my Heure but not at the Rolex level.
But the feeling is initial very good - nothing to worry about.
And the crystal is very good - it almost feel like there is no glass in the watch - the dial jumps out and is VERY clear.



The watch cont.- the finer details - the crown could be more easy to grasp - had some issues with it, and the crowns design almost cuts into your fingers - a very small detail - as I don't see the need to adjust this watch that often. And what I like the LW design is the "masculine look" - with the case design - so OK with the "masculine" crown ;-).



The straps - Ok textile strap for a watch - nothing special - same quality as the standard strap delivered with a Panerai. The metal strap is also OK - but nothing special - I used some time in getting the metal strap to fit me with a hammer and some small nails - and it worked ok - so now I have a textile and a metal strap with deployment claps.




Side by side shoot of the Watch with textile strap and metal strap.



Expect much more detailed review to come.

Expect much more in depth review of this watch. This watch has been on my "next watch list" for a long time.
Now I finally have added this watch to my little family and is looking forward to It "getting to know" this watch in much more detail.

I plan to make the following "reviews" - more can come.

• Review 1: Linde Werdelin Elemental - Initial Impressions of the watch
• Review 2: Linde Werdelin Elemental - The Linde Werdelin straps
• Review 3: Linde Werdelin Elemental - The finer details
• Review 4: Linde Werdelin Elemental - My Suggestions
• Review 5: Linde Werdelin Elemental - ?

But first some quick photos of this nice watch - and compared to my Panerai's and Rolex's it feels like its own kind.
It is NOT like a Rolex, its is not like a Panerai, etc - this is a special watch.

No more talk now - first some quick photos of this watch and the reviews to come.


The "package":





The watch:


The Elemental in the elements:

After some trouble in receiving the packet - I finally go it!!!
My newest member of the family is a Linde Werdelin Elemental watch - somehow this design has fascinated me for a long time.
So after many months of searching - I finally found what I was looking for - A LW Elemental and including a metal strap as well.

So here are the unpacking pictures for now - expect many photos and my views of this watch.

You might know that I from time to time have talked about the Linde Werdelin watches, and I even went for a little visit to their danish R&D north of Copenhagen.

Why do I feel that these watches are so nice - well I'm danish and the LW is a "Danish Design" watch.
The watch is also very nice in respect to being a real tool-watch. It is also a watch based on the fact that it should accept a clip-on tool. Either a dive computer or climbing/ski computer. This I think is a first for any watch on the market today.
I really hope to be able to add the Linde Werdelin Elemental watch (black dial) - somehow I feel this design "sings" best to me.

Below are some photos of my Linde Werdelin R&D factory tour as well as some pictures of the Elemental watch - a watch I think is very nice looking....

The Linde Werdeling R&D factory tour:




And then again some more few photos of the Elemental watch - a nice watch

By chance I found the following links on the Linde Werdelin homepage, where you can download their old cateloges from 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 as well as more detailed information on the LW products. This information is for the WIS only and anyone interested in LW products only.

But as I really like their products - it is always nice to have these informations avaliable for later referance ;-)




Information vedr. :

• The 2007 catelog - pdf
• The 2008 catelog - pdf
• The 2009 catelog - pdf
• The 2010 LW catelog - pdf
• The 2010 LW catelog /Jan 2010 - pdf
• The Web catelog - pdf

• The REEF Sea instrument - pdf
• The Rock Land instrument - pdf
• The Oktopus - pdf
• The Land Instrument - quick guide - pdf
• The Land Instrument - quick guide v2.0- pdf
• The One - Hard Black DLC II - pdf
• The 3-TIMER - pdf
• The Rock User guide - pdf
• The Rock User guide /Jan 2010 - pdf
• The SPIDOLITE - pdf
• The One (Hard Black) 3-TIMER - pdf

And some flash videos:

• The Land instrument - flash
• The Watch design - flash
• The Brand movie - flash
• The Rock intro movie - flash
• The Rock intro movie - flash
• The Rock Functions movie - flash
• The Sea Instrument movie - flash
• The Reef interactive - flash

Linde Werdelin will present a special version of their Oktopus watch - The Oktopus Tattoo

A "normal" Oktopus with red markings and Oktopus markings on the hour and minute hands.

A bold design - And I must confess that even if I'm a simple watch guy - this bold design will be a watch to be owned by a man that can stand by this bold design.
I also hope that these watches will be used in real life and not spend their life in a box - packed away, out of light and out of sight.

Please no safe queen here....

Read here the information from Linde Werdelin.

LINDE WERDELIN, the leading sports watches and attachable instruments manufacturer, is proud to present the latest addition to the Oktopus family to be unveiled at BaselWorld 2010, the Oktopus Tattoo. A true example of art and craftsmanship, the steel case of the Oktopus Tattoo has been fully engraved with an octopus tattoo design especially drawn for the model by Danish tattoo artist Henning Jensen. Powered by a Frederic Piguet movement (calibre 1150) the new Oktopus model also bears distinctive dial details, which add to its unique allure of the LW diver watches.

Limited to 82 pieces

After the release of Linde Werdelins Oktopus Moonphase last week, and their SpidoLite models in different versions - I have some predictions for the future of Linde Werdelin and what models their will come in the years to come.

Now that we have seen a Linde Werdelin Extreme watch with a complication - I would predict we still have something on the horizon that still we be in the spirit of LW.

• Power reserve indicator.
• Ladies Size watches - as LW said would come in 2007 ;-)
• Additional straps - including new Metal straps and Nylon/Velcro straps
• Reintroduce of two-timer in new look
• See through dials in other models that SpiodLite
• The One - in more special variations - like SpidoLite/Oktopus models

Just received this newsletter from Linde Werdelin.

LINDE WERDELIN, the leading sports watches and attachable instruments manufacturer is proud to present of a new addition to the Oktopus family, the Oktopus Moonphase complication. Powered by a Frederic Piguet movement (calibre 1150) and with a moonphase complication built by Danish-born Svend Andersen, this is a unique combination of design and craftsmanship, which depicts the moon phases with photorealistic luminous discs and gives a countdown to the next half or full moon. Limited to 29 pieces, connoting to the days before the next full moon, the Oktopus Moonphase will be available to pre-order from September 2010 on LindeWerdelin.com.

What I think about this - well I think it was about time, putting something that is normal only seen in dress watches.
And why should the more extreme sports watches not have the possibility of features not normally seen in these watches - what can be next.

We are entering the world of online application and social networks.
I foresee that the social media and online application will be the next big thing for many watch brands.
What I like about Linde Werdelin (apart from their watches) is the fact that they have a idea with their watches.
And I hope they will be faithful to their "roots" and "DNA" of their idea.
Making tool watches based on their original idea.

Check out their Iphone App - if you have a Iphone and are interested in Skiing.

The Ski Guide offers their "insider knowledge" of a high quality ski holiday experience, providing a host of hand-picked favorites and recommendations for ski enthusiasts heading to a variety of resorts in Europe. The iPhone app gives you added value e.g weather forecasts and Geolocations, so you can carry the guide in your pocket and make good use of it throughout the ski season. Download the 'Lite' version for free!
Not for me - for one I don't have a Iphone - I have a Android ;-). (I do have a Ipod Touch - but not used it after I got my Android).

I still hope to get a LW watch this year if all goes well



This Watch I want !!

The Linde Werdelin watch is started to have some momentum - and this little video of the LW 3-timer with white dial - can give you a good idea on the size and look in person.
And the website hodinkee compares the Linde Werdelin watch to the AP and PP watches - and that I must say is very nice.
As we mention in our video above, we consider these watches a reasonable alternative to the likes of such heavyweights as the AP Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus, despite the lack of an in-house movement. This watch isn't about the movement (which happens to be a great ETA 2893), it's about the overall package, a package that puts the 3-Timer at the top of our wish list.
I would probably not go that far - but will agree that the background and design of the LW watches has something unique that can turn out to be a real winner.

Well check out the video here.

You all know that I have a little soft spot for Linde Werdelin watches - and I keep returning to their designs. Somehow their watches have a quality and a design that makes them stand out.

Their SpiodLite model which drilled out case have had me in a dilemma - I like the LW design in general - and after having tried them on - I must say they do sit perfect on the wrist when thinking of the size and weight.

But back to the SpidoLite model, something about the dial layout have me think twice of that model.
I want a sports watch to be very easy to read (as their "The One" and "Oktopus" model) - but I had the feeling that the dial design was a little to "blank" to allow telling the time with a quick glance.

So I was focused on there more basic models, The One, Elemental, Oktopus and less on the dress watche (3-timer).

Lately I have started to look more and more at the SpidoLite model - somehow I could see myself with this model as a "dress" tool/sports watch.
A completely new niche for this brand.
The dressy sports watch. A watch that can be worn with the best suit, and still have the quality of a tough sports watch.

I will keep my eyes open for this model some more - but is still looking for the "classic" Linde Werdelin watch - The One or The Elemental watch.

As for the SpidoLite Girl in spandex - she was seen in real life this week - more to come ;-)

If your into Linde Werdelin watches - like me - I'm hoping to ad a LW watch to my collection in 2010 you will be having following the brand on the net - and if your lucky been able to try out their watches in a shop.

But of-cause you also have the possibility to try out the watch - or in reality multiple watch models via the Linde Werdelin very special TRY-IT program. The program still list the "Elemental" as part of the "try-it" set - but as of now the Elemental is no longer available :-(.

The pieces available in this set are Elemental watch and Land Instrument I from our Original Collection, and SpidoLite, Oktopus, 3-Timer, The One, and The Rock (Land Instrument II), from our New Collection.

I would love to have a go on this "try-it" set - but I'm probably as many other people - receiving a bag with that many watches, tools etc. I would feel a little unsure - when sending it back.
I know LW have done all in their power to remove the hassle from you as a potential buyer - but ....

Well I migt give it a go - Linde Werdelin PLEASE contact me ;-)

Back on track.
When you visit Linde Werdelin's home page you can only see their NEW line up - nothing will give indication of their "original" line up.

But if you dig a little deeper - You can still find their original line up of watches, The Elemental, The Two-Timer and The DLC versions.

The links to the new collections is here

But how about their Original Line up - have the gone missing - I have found the missing link.

Elemental line up - All sold out
Two-Timer line up - All sold out?
Hard DLC line up - All sold out?

Again this information is Only for the WIS.
I would love to have the Elemental - but as ALL sold out - I have to find one ....

Of Linde Werdelin's new line-up - I'm into "The One" and the "Oktupus", the Spidolite and the 3-Timer - don't sing to me as high. But have not had the possibility to try them out. And with LW watches - the quality is better than expected when you try them out.
I can refere to my little visit to the Linde Werdelin R&D in Copenhagen.




Old Line up - going - going - gone ...



New Line up...:

It is never a easy task to select you next watch when there are so many nice watches out there and many other nice things to spend your money on. I really could use a new digital camera - like a Nikon D300 or maybe something else to the home, etc. The list is long, but when the next watch is to be selected...
I will go for a Linde Werdelin watch - I have been walking around this brand for so looong. If I don't get one sooner than later I will forever think about it. Almost the same as when I toke the step into Panerai. I did that after many pro and cons, but have not regretted it ever since.

My little visit to Linde Werdelin R&D in Denmark also made had some impact on the quality of the watch, something very difficult on watches almost only available over the net.

The version I'm on the lookout for is the Elemental or Two-timer, the watches from their "original" collection.
Now I hope to be able to find one - if not I might have the get a newer model - "The One" would do fine, and if money was no problem - "The Octopus" would also do nicely.

Robert-Jan from the very respected fratellowatches watchblog recived his Linde Werdelin 3-timer - that lucky guy - and posted a review on TimeZone with some nice pictures.

That got me to think a little why I have gained more and more respect for this "little" watch brand over time.

To highlight my thoughts:

It looks like Linde Werdelin is basing their brand on a idea - and ant the same time focus on design.
They have made a GMT diving watch (the two-timer) - that I like - it this a first?
They evolve their design - not putting out to many models.
Limited numbers - somehow I can respect this.

I hope I can ad a LW to my collection in the near future - as that would really be something special.
It would be a nice change from my present collection that is mostly "classic" watches - some like a LW with its modern design could make a nice change.
Time will show....