Linde Werdelin SpidoLite SA
Mechanical Meets Modern
If Bruce Wayne or his nocturnal counterpart, the Dark Knight, selected a watch he’d feel comfortable wearing with either ego, we’ve got a good notion it would be the Linde Werdelin SpidoLite SA. The SpidoLite SA is one of those rare combinations of proper classic mechanical watchmaking and modern technology. Since the droolfest, known as Basel World, it has been firmly planted on our Holy Grail of Watches Wishlist. With a perfect storm of opportunity, reputation, and a recommendation (big thanks to Ben Clymer from Hodinkee), we had the opportunity to get Linde Werdelin’s most advanced model, the SpidoLite SA into the Gear Patrol Labs. Our take? Gotham goodness.
See and read why after the jump.
The history behind the SpidoLite SA is a simple story. One sentence simple. When Linde Werdelin sponsored mountain climber Leo Houlding returned from Everest pleased with the performance of his Linde Werdelin, but requesting it if could be made lighter. Linde Werdelin was more than excited to accept the the challenge. Result? The SpideLite SA.
Starting with a block of super light titanium, Linde Werdelin set about skeletonizing the case. Shaving away as much excess titanium as possible while still maintaining its integrity. The results are not only a featherlight watch, but one that is stunning to look (drool) at (on), in addition to being an engineering masterpiece. The finish on the case is a near-gunmetal gray, not dissimilar to older military watches we’ve seen here at Gear Patrol, almost as if parkerized. It gives the SpidoLite SA a very unique look, only adding to its tactical/stealth bomber appearance (Dark Knight approved).
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The SpidoLite SA is powered by a vintage 1970’s A.S Caliber 1876 movement that’s been modified by Svend Andersen (hence, the “SA”). The beautifully finished movement clearly displays its exclusive blue gold rotor through the sapphire crystal caseback, and a skeleton dial lets you sneak a peak at the normally reclusive front of the movement. For the strap, Linde Werdelin has equipped the SpidoLite SA with a water resistant alligator leather strap, attached by allen screws. We found it to be very comfortable despite its thickness. If there were a nitpick we had to offer, it would be our wish for Linde Werdelin to provide an option to have a titanium deployment mechanism.
Like the rest of the Linde Werdelin line, the SpidoLite SA adheres to founder Morten Linde’s ethos, “Analogue is how you read time; digital is how you assimilate information”. Well said. As such, it is built to seamlessly integrate with two add on instruments called “The Rock” (Nick Cage not included) and “The Reef” for your expeditions on the mountain or the ocean. A great idea that we wouldn’t be surprised to see popping up with other manufacturers in the future.
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Linde Werdelin was founded with the idea of creating the ultimate modern sports watch. After spending a business week with it we’d say they’ve done it with the SpidoLite SA. It’s an incredible example of contemporary watch making, and is officially planted on our Holy Grail Watch wish list. But don’t take our word for it, Linde Werdelin is happy to let you audition one of their timepieces through their Try It Program.
Author’s Note: If you’re ready to take the jump for a SpidoLite or any Linde Werdelin contact TWI: Totally Worth It, they’re the exclusive distributor of Linde Werdelin to the US. Tell them GP says hi.
Cost:$12,000
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Great photos of the watch on the nails - awesome idea!
sweet photos jon! watch looks great.
Great photos and a good, solid read– thanks. 12k though? Yikes (someone's gotta say it, sorry). I'm constantly fascinated and perplexed by the cost of some watches. And don't get me wrong, I'm a massive fan and drooler too, and if there was anyone who had a house deposit sized stash of cash with nothing better to spend it on than a watch, it'd be me. With this example though, is a fair criticism of the price that it only has a "modified" AS movement. I mean, you can buy a watch with a standard AS movement for 240 dollars (OLLECH & WAJS) and it just gets me wondering about how the rest of the price is justified. Is there a simple answer I can memorize and tell my wife? Thanks for a great read!
You nailed the photos!
I am definitely interested in picking up one of these. I was talking to Ben (Hodinkee) and he says its one of the better watches he's seen this year.
The 12k price point is a little steep, but I'm willing to pony up the money because
a) looks gorgeous
b) Very few are going to be made
Another concern I have is the fact that most watch retailers, atleast the ones I have dealt with, have a 25-40% mark up. I have bought a Glaushutte Original and a JLC for about 25-30% off. I'm hoping if I can convince TWI to cut me a deal.
Also, how was the the "try our watch out experience?" could you shed some light on it? Does the box come with a prepackaged shipping box?
Shubs,
Glad to hear you liked the review! The SpidoLite SA is an amazing watch, it would be my pick of the high end contemporary watches available. Obviously I can't speak for TWI, but in general markup on all watches is pretty steep, but my opinion is always ask, the worst they can say is no.
The try out the watch experience was pretty easy. We had to sign a release taking responsibility for the watch, and were allowed to keep it for five days. From the Try It site (http://www.lindewerdelin.com/get-one/try-it) it says they put a 1000 euro charge on your credit card as collateral and they handle all the shipping logistics. Hope this helps and let us know if you pull the trigger!
Cheers,
Jon
My wallet is burning a hole through my pocket in lust… mechanical lust.
The photos are awesome! Jon perfectly translated the feeling of strength and lightness the SpidoLite SA has. The text as well is easy to read and mixed with humor.
I would love to ship Jon The Rock and our favorite watch of the collection: the SpidoLite Black DLC with yellow crystal – what could he come up with to photograph it and make it as striking as the piece above?!?
For all of you lusting over the Linde Werdelin collection ($4,180 to $19,850), drool no more: info@totallyworthit.com – just have your check books handy for the hottest watch around as it is Totally Worth It!
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