Thu 18 Apr 2013
To be introduced at Baselworld 2013, the new Linde Werdelin SpidoLite II Tech is sure to turn some heads. With their innovative styling and unique materials, these are going to be favourites for the gadget crowd that Linde tends to draw. Produced in extremely limited editions of 75 pieces each, MSRP is $14,800 for Tech Green and $19,300 for Tech Gold.
I personally dig the Tech Green.
These two series come in a new case, Alloy Linde Werdelin (ALW) which is comprised of carbon, ceramic, gold and a ceramic coating for titanium. ALW is an alloy of metals which is 50% lighter than titanium. The inner case, which originally retains the same strength as steel, receives 25 microns treatment to harden its surface, while achieving a radiant red or green color visible through the angular hollows of the skeletonised outer case sides. 2/3 of the treatment goes into the ALW, while 1/3 is applied onto the surface, resulting in a composite stronger than steel.
During the last two years Linde Werdelin (LW) has tested and developed new materials and composites that best suit the purpose of each timepiece. The new SpidoLite II Tech is a result of this experimental approach.
For weight reduction the new ALW, a strong composite of metals, has been conceived for the inner case, while the outer case is crafted in forged carbon. The inner and outer case and the bezel have undergone numerous tolerance tests to find the optimal relation between the three materials. A further challenge has been to establish the correct balance between the strength and lightness of the skeletonised carbon case.
Movement is the Swiss automatic Linde Werdelin caliber LW04 with a power reserve of 42 hours, which is custom made by Valérien Jaquet of Concepto.
The dial consists of two skeletonized layers. The Côtes de Genève decorated lower dial carries the LW logo and is laser-cut, revealing angular hollows conveying depth to the dial. The upper dial bears the Luminova indeces. The red or green date wheel, with opening at 3 o’clock matches the second’s sub-dial numerals at 9 o’clock.
