Linde Werdelin has recently made two of its Spidolite II Tech models available for sale. These watches are made with some of the lightest cases available on the market with the featured weight of just 33 grams. This was possible due to extensive research and development of a proprietary high-tech alloy which is combined with forged carbon. The end result is a housing of an impressive lightness which does not compromise its strength, but even increases it. Linde Werdelin made two versions of the timekeeper, the first one of them being Spidolite II Tech Green named after the color of the accents which includes a titanium crown and a new type of a ceramic bezel. The other model dubbed Spidolite II Tech Gold has both of these components made from 18 K rose gold which contributes to its higher price. While the green model is worth just under $15,000 before taxation, the gold one requires a few hundred shy of $20,000 plus VAT. Moreover, it is noteworthy to mention that Spidolite II Tech watches have automatic mechanical movements at their core made for the brand by the independent firm Concepto which is based in La Chaux de Fonds.
Linde Werdelin Spidolite II Tech Red Gold Watch
Alloy Londe Werdelin with Reinfrocements Plus an Outer Carbon Section
The new Spidolight series timekeepers by Linde Werdelin were initially presented at this year’s edition of the Baselworld fair, while they have become available for sale only recently. It is safe to say that the most interesting thing about two new timepieces is the manner of the construction of their ultra-light skeletonized housings. Naturally, the construction of such a case is a very complicated process and the watchmaker has been busy with developing the necessary materials for the past two years. As it is becoming more and more practice these days, the brand has utilized experiences from Formula 1 and aerospace industry.
Linde Werdelin Spidolite II Tech Watch
The case used for Spidolight II Tech is made from an inner and an outer section. The former one is made from a high-tech alloy developed by the manufacturer. It seems that the brand was fairly proud of its discovery, since it decided to name it after itself – Alloy Linde Werdelin (ALW). This composite material is around 50 percent lighter than titanium. The ALW inner case is utilized to safeguard the movement along with its inner mechanisms and though originally about the same strength as steel, it undergoes 25 micron treatment that hardens it and makes it substantially more resistant. Additionally, there is also an outer skeletonized case made from carbon, likewise constructed with the help of innovative thinking. By utilizing chopped pieces of carbon which are molded by pressure, the watchmaker got a housing which is exceptionally strong. Furthermore, the carbon is reinforced and protected with the use of 4 titanium screws and tension discs made from another high-tech material named Hytrel. The peculiar design enables another novelty; the serial number of each peace is engraved in the hollows of the cases, signifying its place in the limited issues (both versions are made in 75 copies).
Automatic Movement by Concepto
As it has been mentioned, two versions utlize different materials for the bezel and the crown (ceramic and titanium for the green one and rose gold for the gold one). Moreover, the microns treatment on the inner housing in the first case results with green color and red color in the second. In both cases, the bezel and the crown which displays the new Linde Werdelin logo are treated with microbille and satin finish. The length of the oval case is 46 mm, the width is 44 and the height is 15 mm, while the supported water resistance measures to 100 meters below the surface.
Linde Werdelin Spidolite II Tech Gold Watch Back
As it is usual for a piece from the Spido series, Spidolight II Tech watches are made with (in this instance black) skeletonized dials which offer the view on the movement. The dial includes a small seconds sub-dial at the nine o’clcok position and a date display at the standard position. As the manufacturer made sure, the visible part of the movement features a black treatment of a perlage surface and includes blued screws. The dial likewise involves luminous indexes and steel hands. Through the transparent rear side of the case of Spidolite II Tech watch, one can notice a black satin finished rotor with a gold or green logo of the company.
Linde Werdelin Spidolite II Tech Green Watch Side
It is important to say that the caliber in question is LW 04 automatic movement (based on Valjoux 7750, but without the chrono feature) which was developed for the brand by Valerien Jaquet of Concepto, the independent movement maker based in La-Chaux-de-Fonds. It operates at the frequency of 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of 42 hours. The final touch is a textured black calf skin strap with green or red stitching, depending on your decision to get Spidolite II Tech Green or Gold.
