Just over a month ago, Linde Werdelin announced their upcoming chronograph. Today is the BIG day and Linde Werdelin announces the SpidoSpeed Chronograph. Based on their famous and successful Spidolite model, the SpidoSpeed features a more complex skeletonised steel case construction with weight reduction technology while always maintaining integrity of strength. As you can see, the dial construction consists of multiple layers to create the 3-D experience.
As Morten Linde puts it: "I wanted the SpidoSpeed to be a complete 3-Dimensional experience no matter the angle you look at it from? "Whether this is the ten-layered dial, the skeletonised case, the see-through case-back or the strap. I wanted this model to be one holistic 3-Dimensional experience for the owner.?/p>
The pushers of the chronograph are hidden at 2 and 4 o'clock on the side of the case and still allows the ski instrument (The Rock) and dive instrument (The Reef) to be attached to the SpidoSpeed. Development of the completely new case construction and dial for the SpidoSpeed was a lengthy process for Linde Werdelin, it took them two years to finish this timepiece.
The skeletonised part of the case has been the most complicated and time consuming part to produce due to its shape complexity. This meant the drilling of the case had to be done using two different sophisticated 5-axis machines. Setting up the 5-axis machine alone, is almost a day's work! The result is evident though.
What I love about chronographs, is their connection with the racing car industry. Remember the old Speedmaster ads with a race car driver or ?of course ?Paul Newman's Daytona or Steve McQueen's Monaco? The SpidoSpeed has a lot of detail in the dial, reminding us of racing car dashboards and the small holes visible on the sub-dials resembling the brake discs.
"Designing a chronograph,?says Morten Linde, "is a pleasantly challenging exercise. A chronograph to me is an iconic timepiece. There is so much information that needs to be incorporated in such a little space that maintaining legibility and functionality while still looking interesting sums up, for me, the challenge in hand.?/p>
I was wrong with my prediction about the movement (read it here), as this SpidoSpeed features a Concepto movement (2251 calibre). This new movement is partially visible through the sapphire crystal case-back, the specially designed rotor is also graphically aligned with its case.
The first (A) edition of the SpidoSpeed is restricted to only 100 pieces and it will retail for ?1.760,= Euro. It will be available to order in May 2011. The final product will be unveiled during BaselWorld 2011.
Specifications:
Numbered Series A, XX/100
Movement: Concepto 2251 chronograph / Power reserve: 48hours / Balance frequency: 28800 Alt/H / Number of jewels: 27 / Number of components: 237 / LW designed oscillator
Case: Three part construction steel microbille / Number of parts: 32 / anti-reflective sapphire crystal / Back case: see-through sapphire crystal, spider web & chronograph sub-dial engravings / Screw in crown with LW logo / Chronograph pushers at 2 & 4 o'clock
Dimensions: 44mm (w) by 46mm (l) by 15mm (h)
Dial: Two- part black galvanic dial: perlage surface base part, opalin top dial part / chronograph sub-dials for hours, minutes & seconds / Hands: Six diamond cut hands / Grey SLN on main dial and sub-dial indexes
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap: SpidoSpeed textured calf skin strap with steel ardillon buckle
Linde Werdelin SpidoSpeed Black Diamond Replica watch Hands On 9815