Horological Meandering

The New LINDE WERDELIN SpidoSpeed Chronograph

LINDE WERDELIN prides itself in their watch-design. The SpidoSpeed Chronograph 2011 which evolves from their first fully skeletonised time-only watch, the SpidoLite faced a challenging issue with their prototyping piece ( as shown in our Basel 2011 ) . Actuating the pushers would require some effort as the surrounding pusher-guards did not provide relief for the finger to travel through.

After receiving feedback during the BaselWorld, LINDE WERDELIN design team works fast to tackle the issue head on and revise the design of the case and pushers to provide a "buttery" chronograph pusher tactile response and maintaining the harmony of the case design.

Last week, the Chief Designer and Co-Founder, Morten Linde was in town to personally deliver several production pieces of the newly modified SpidoSpeed Chronograph ( for the latest press release, please click here).

Some pictures of the two versions of the morphed SpidoSpeed Chronograph 2011 ..

Let's begin with a few pictures of the construction of the SpidoSpeed Chronograph...

Case is of 3-part construction. Caseback is not here.

An illustration of how the movement-chamber is housed (top down) into the caseband.

A clearer view of the multi-layered dial with the base-layer, perlage-finished like the dashboard of the sports car. While the subdials and the minute-track are on another layer.

The rotor of the SpidoSpeed, looked like sport-rim resting on top of the screw-down sapphire-caseback.

The engine inside the SpidoSpeed - The Concepto C2251 Chronograph.

Some pictures of the SpidoSpeed Black DLC

Note the subtle stippling done on the dial ...

Subdials with through holes to resemble car ventilated brake discs ...

Case dimension is 44mm (w) by 46mm (l) by 15mm (h). The height is 3mm more than the earlier SpidoLite.

A glance of the modified pusher-section ...

A picture of the area being modified (taken by Marcus) for comparison ...

The new 'cam-shaped-pushers' replacing the previous 'pedal-shaped-pushers'.

The protruding 'cam-shaped-pushers' reduce the travel of the pushers to activate chronograph push-pieces. Beside, the angle of the pushers are adjusted to ensure a linear directional force onto the push-pieces for positive chronograph actuation.

Hands are diamond cut and coated with SuperLuminova.

Integrated straps seamlessly connecting into the casing.
This DLC model blends really well with this textile strap. The round cut-out details on the strap takes reference from the driving gloves.

The opposite side of the case ...

The edgy outlines give a feeling of speed and shaped like supercars!

Screw-down Sapphire caseback. Case water resistance rating is 100m.

The alternative - SpidoSpeed Steel ...

Without the DLC Coating ...

Movement from Concepto Watch Factory, the C2251 Chronograph.

Serial number engraved with a numbered series starting with series A of a 100 pieces per option.

Morten Linde with the Steel SpidoSpeed.

Aesthetically the SpidoSpeed Chronograph is stylish, really pleasing to the eyes and also when worn. Functionality wise, with the modification to the pusher area, the feel of actuating the pushers is really positive and smooth.
In term of legibility, some improvement will be welcomed, especially at the 30-minute-subdial. Reading off in between minutes is challenging. The minute-hand may also block the 30-minute-subdial at a certain time. Perhaps removing the luminescent would be the work-around.

Between the above two, from the pictures, which would you prefer more?

Kong

Related Read:

Morten Linde – the lead in the pencil at Linde Werdelin Design Studio – part 1

The Deepsea Creatures of Linde Werdelin

The Black & White of LINDE WERDELIN

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2011-07-07 09:46:31

Added the Concepto Chronograph Ref no. & Case drawing.

This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-07-10 10:11:46 This message has been edited by MTF on 2011-07-11 05:48:26

This message has been edited by Kong on 2011-07-11 21:48:58 This message has been edited by MTF on 2011-09-22 20:42:40

two bad boys I must say!

By: playtime : July 7th, 2011-08:58

nice improvement--and great pics! thx for sharing J

There's a third one :-)

By: Kong : July 7th, 2011-10:38

Did not see it, it is of the RG/Ti combo Kong

!!!

By: playtime : July 7th, 2011-11:12

I'm hearing and seeing more rose gold sports watches would love to see Linde Werdelin's! J

Thanks Kong

By: DaMctosh : July 7th, 2011-09:22

Very nicely designed chrono. A few questions if you dont mind - Is it a column wheel movement? Is the chrono minute jumping or continuous? What is the MSRP?

C2000 movement

By: MTF : July 7th, 2011-09:59

The Concepto 2000 movement was designed and produced as a new movement with inspiration from the Valjoux 775x family of movements. It is not a direct clone copy and has many variants to-order by the client as a one-stop-shop concept; GMT, power reserve, e...

Hi Damien ...

By: Kong : July 7th, 2011-10:36

MTF has provided the inputs. Non column wheel, and the chrono min is 'jumpin' type. MSRP from their website : " SpidoSpeed Steel, Black DLC and Rose Gold Titanium DLC will retail at €11,760, €12,360 and €16,560 inclusive of VAT". Better ...

Very cool indeed

By: Davo : July 7th, 2011-12:31

Been waiting to see real life pics of those models. As expected, they look fantastic. Thanks for posting, Kong.

Adding another ? :-)

By: Kong : July 7th, 2011-17:49

Hi Davo Another cool companion for your Hard Black. Or you like the Reds Thanks for viewing. Kong

Oh, I'm tempted

By: Davo : July 8th, 2011-17:39

There are a few I have on my radar now. This one for sure. And yes, a hot little Red Chopard as well.

Great report Kong

By: andrewluff : July 7th, 2011-14:26

I was lucky enough to see the final production models last week at LW's studio and I must say that they are beautiful. The finishing is really great and everything is well balanced on the face which cannot always be said on some chronos. The new design of...

shhhhh For divers.......there may be hope

By: MTF : July 8th, 2011-00:52

Andrew, If you are gettng The Reef dive instrument, then you need a watch/carrier tha can dive deep. That'll be the 'xxxxxxxxx' that may be coming up soon Stay tuned to PuristSPro for the 'rumours'.......... Regards, MTF

I like both pictured, but maybe slightly prefer the steel variant.

By: dxboon : July 7th, 2011-23:55

The contrast of colors is very attractive. I like the LW designs a lot, but I'm not sure if the watches meet with my personal value matrix. For me, I think the price point could be a little better, but that's just my opinion. Cheers, Daos

I tend to agree ...

By: Kong : July 10th, 2011-09:09

Hi Daos From the perspective of value (taking into consideration of the price), I'm also a bit apprehensive. It is placed with quite a few solid contenders. However, the market response could be surprising Thanks for viewing. Kong

Hi, Kong,

By: masterspiece : July 8th, 2011-00:43

Thanks for the great report. Love the pictures, too. I like the RG version with the contrasting subdials but would love to see the steel with their optional bracelet. How does it feel on the wrist? Looks like the way the band attaches to the lugs may leav...

Aloha!

By: Kong : July 10th, 2011-09:41

Hi Bob Thanks for the kind words. Can't say much, as the piece RG/Ti was not there during my shoot. So far all their models wear comfortably, the SpidoSpeed is the same. But to snugly fit, would require a certain width at the region of the processus stylo...

LOL! Thanks, Kong. Aloha. Bob nt

By: masterspiece : July 10th, 2011-16:15

I have the SS on order but not too happy with the change to the chrono pushers.

By: L(uke) : July 8th, 2011-06:33

Wish LW kept the same shape of the conceptualized pushers shown at BASEL and just made them protrude from the case to make the pushers functional. Anyway, nice write-up. Thanks for the post and photos!

Thanks for the input, Luke!

By: Kong : July 10th, 2011-09:46

Wonder if LW has an explanation if they have explored sticking with the'pedal-like' pushers instead. Thanks for viewing, and would be great if you could update us about your piece. Kong

UPDATE: SpidoSpeed pics included.

By: L(uke) : July 11th, 2011-19:12

My initial observations... The SpidosSpeed is beautifully crafted both fit and finish. The design is amazing and the movement (highly decorated and finished Valjoux 7750) visible through the exhibition caseback is beautiful. I am still disappointed that L...

Thanks for the additional pics, L(uke)!

By: Kong : July 11th, 2011-21:32

Nice pictures! I guess to ensure the watch not just not looks good but perform, the redesigning of the chronograph-pushers may have met with some restriction or side-effect. The Instrument - Reef ( as pointed by Andrewluff) could not be mounted. Understan...

Thanks for the info!

By: L(uke) : July 12th, 2011-07:37

I understood that there was an issue with the Reef. Nice to see your pic of the underside to show exactly what the issue is with the Reef. I wonder how many people will really wear and mate the SpidoSpeed with the Reef. Personally, I use an Oceanic dive c...

Great Pics

By: andrewluff : July 12th, 2011-08:14

Great pictures Luke... so overall you liked the piece or only if you chopped off extension buttons on the pushers? Better than any of the other LW's or is another still top for you? I always found the crown quite hard to tighten on the Spidolite as you ne...

I would really appreciate your feedback once you get the Reef back.

By: L(uke) : July 12th, 2011-08:52

The 'cam' pushers atop the 'pedal' pushers are definitely not a deal breaker and not as obtrusive as I thought the would be. Of course, I would rather not have these horns stick out but you have to take the overall design of the SpidoSpeed and realize tha...

Will post when I get it back! Should have taken a before photo... doh!

By: andrewluff : July 12th, 2011-09:23

Well I am biased as a Hublot nut but the amfAR is a great watch. The colour scheme is just great and of course the purpose of the watch is wonderful. I think that after wearing the watch for a week you would not even notice the buttons as it would all jus...

A possible answer to the question...

By: BDLJ : July 12th, 2011-20:30

in your last paragraph. They aren't totally waterproof, I guess . The technology around the button shaft seals is as per nearly all shaft seals - an o-ring. G-shocks have tiny o-rings around their button shafts and having pressed G-shock buttons repeatedl...

Clarification - Mounting of the Reef to SpidoSpeed for L(uke) ...

By: Kong : July 13th, 2011-20:35

Hi L(uke) Have a clarification to make, as I've misunderstood the info I received. Apologies. Firstly, both the instruments Reef & Rock can be mounted on the SpideSpeed. However, as it is the chronograph, LW would not recommend to wear the SpidoSpeed into...

Hey Kong...

By: L(uke) : July 14th, 2011-11:49

Thanks for the clarification in terms of the movement. I thought that the Concepto C2251 was the Valjoux 7750 decorated and with LW bits and not just based on that movement. As for the pushers, I figured that was the case. Typically mechanical diver watch...

I really enjoyed these photos, Luke ...

By: AndrewD : July 13th, 2011-15:59

Thanks very much. You capture the mood with your colours very well. I thought the same as you, why wouldn't LW just make the existing pushers longer. Perhaps the attached modules are the answer, but it is a pity. Andrew

LW hit it out of the park with this one....

By: RUpanerai : July 8th, 2011-07:08

I just wish they left the square chrono pushers as is on the pre production model... the round pushers arent quite as cool looking....

Hmmm... thats +2!

By: Kong : July 10th, 2011-09:48

Thanks for the input RUpanerai. Kong

Those new pushers...

By: Sampaio : July 8th, 2011-07:26

I have to say, as a Linde Werdelin fan and owner, that i have been expecting this piece for a long time now. Unfortunally i think that these new pushers really mess the whole design! They look like an add-on piece or something. I can understand that they ...

Great pictures!

By: meislergeisler : July 8th, 2011-08:23

Thanks for sharing these live pictures, the watches look really great! The steel version has to be my personal favorite based on the pics, but let's wait until I've had a chance to check them out in real life. Cheers, Meislergeisler

Looking forward to ...

By: Kong : July 10th, 2011-10:00

your inputs once you've seen them. Thanks for viewing. Kong

Welcome Sampaio!

By: Kong : July 10th, 2011-09:56

Thanks for input, and you are the third person to voice out about the new pusher shape. I have to agree the first one with pushers flushed into the casing is nice. But functionally, it is required to be corrected. Now I wonder, could LW cater for those wh...

Thanks for the Report

By: Tony A.H : July 9th, 2011-08:31

gotta Admit that i didn't like the NEW Pushers when i saw them 1st time. but they look allright o me now. my only Complaint is that the Case Desingn that will eventually Collect Dust & Small Particles in the Grooves.!! and will be a Pain to Clean . (unles...

Start smoking pipe ....

By: Marcus Hanke : July 10th, 2011-04:34

... since pipe cleaners are the perfect tool to keep the case tidy! Regards, Marcus

Ultrasonic ...

By: Kong : July 10th, 2011-10:06

Hi Tony Thanks for the inputs and observations. The Black DLC, somehow is a dust magnet. Wonder if anti-static spray works....will look for the 3M I have similar thought about the dust cumulation. However, with a water-resistant case rated 100M, I would t...

Ultrasonic will Kill the Movement (or Parts) !!

By: Tony A.H : July 10th, 2011-14:43

Untrasonic Machine is a Cleaning Transducer. it Vibrates and Produces Waves that will make the Parts Rub against each others.!! this will Result in some SERIOUS DAMAGE .!

Dipping, and not place fully ...

By: Kong : July 10th, 2011-21:35

Hi Tony If place it on the bed of the ultrasonic cleaner, it could do damage. But holding it, suspended may solve it. I clean my ABR this way, like five times already. working well and keeping good rate. Clean too. Kong

or using a

By: Tony A.H : July 11th, 2011-06:21

Steam Cleaner (which i have in my Laboratory). you should send me all your Watches and i'll Clean them for ya. provided that i Wear'em for a While :0))))) Cheers

Thanks for the autoclave ...

By: Kong : July 11th, 2011-21:52

Will avoid the heat and stick to the vibration. Thanks Kong

Don't think it's an isue

By: meislergeisler : July 13th, 2011-08:42

Hi Tony, have the Spidolite SA in regular rotation and yes, it collects dust & dirt. However, a quick wash with fresh water does the job, no ultrasound, air blowers, chemicals or witchcraft required! A fabulous watch no doubt, meislergeisler

not my cup of tea for several reasons

By: georgeszaslavsky : August 26th, 2011-02:08

As much as this watch wants to be original, I don't like for several reasons: -hideous design -badly protected pushers i ncase of shock not screw down ones -3 parts construction case design very unefficient in case of severe shock or damage -cam operated ...