Meislergeisler offers a hands-on review of the Linde Werdelin Oktopus II, providing live impressions that go beyond official renderings. As an owner of the first-generation Oktopus, the author brings a unique perspective, detailing the evolution of the design and the tactile experience of this high-end sport watch. This review highlights the brand's innovative approach to dive watches, particularly the controversial decision to omit a rotating bezel.
I had the pleasure to lay my hands on one of the first Oktopus II watches from Danish manufacturer of high-end sport watches Linde Werdelin. I believe this watch has been introduced here before, nevertheless I'd like to share my impressions of the final product. 3D renderings and top-photography are great, but handling a watch 'live' always adds another layer of information that pictures just can't.
Anyway, I've been the proud owner of he first gen. Oktopus so I'm obviously biased. Nevertheless I have to say that I was a bit sceptical when the first sketches of the second generation Oktopus watches appeared. And the fact that such a dedicated dive watch didn't even feature a rotating bezel had me scratch my head more than once. In the meantime though I've thought about LW's reasoning, that any hardcore diver relies on a dive computer anyway, and with one of the finest ones, LW's "The reef", in their portfolio, it makes sense to me after all.
On to the watch: as expected it has a strong presence on the wrist, but actually it's very light due to such none-corrosive materials as titanium (case) and ceramic (bezel). A pleasant surprise.
What amazed me are the various surfaces that are either brushed (in different directions) or bead blasted (micro bille). The case edges stand sharp and crisp and it's fascinating to explore all the small details such as the brushed hands, the ceramic bezel or the blue rubber sealings beneath the screws (even the ones holding the strap). If you wouldn't know you couldn't tell that the case is made out of several parts - it's rock solid!
Here it is alongside my Oktopus moonphase, which feels heavier - most likely due to the gold bezel. Both watches share the same LW-specific footprint that allows the combination of one of LW's instruments to any of their watches. Visually it's sometimes feels different, but take the effort to measure and you'll realize it's exactly the same. The readability of the date is not perfect, but better 'in the flesh' than could have been feared based on the first press images. The name "Double Date" doesn't make a lot of sense to me - I guess it's related to the fact that the date is being displayed by means of two rotating discs. Or "eyes" of an octopus if you like. Unfortunately I forgot to take a close-up picture of the date display.
Seen from the side you notice some minor differences. In this case the lack of the helium escape valve, which is visible on the moonphase. The Oktopus II is a bit higher due to the thicker solid case back (glass display on the Okto I)
Detail of the three dimensional nature of the case with it's facets and edges.
A neat detail is the octopus-symbol on the large crown. Notice the cutaways around the crown which I believe have been implemented based on the initial feedback post-Basel and improve functionality without compromising compatibility with the instruments.
The caseback with a beautiful depiction of an octopus - a bit like "tattoo" for beginners...
The two generations from a different angle. The rubber strap is very smooth & soft.
Final wristshot:
Overall I think the Oktopus II represents a great evolution for LW, giving it an even sharper & edgier look & feel. The presence on the wrist is great and it feels distinctively fresh and unique. I look forward to additional versions in the future.
Thanks for looking, hope you enjoyed this.
Martin
