Linde Werdelin

Founded in 2002 by Morten Linde and Jorn Werdelin, Linde Werdelin is quickly became a respectable name due to its avant-garde design and technology applied to diver’s watches.

Oktopus Moon Tattoo

“Testifying to Linde Werdelin’s commitment and skill, the latest addition to our dive series represents the most prestigious and lavish piece of our collection yet”, says visionary co-founder Jorn Werdelin.

An 18K solid rose gold case, intricately engraved with a hand drawn octopus, this masterpiece reflects the mystery and intrigue surrounding this powerful creature.

Featuring an in-house moon-phase complication, elements of the first generation Oktopus have been enriched, proving that LW is a company alert to the most contemporary creative offerings; continually looking to progress in terms of materials, movements and design.

The inspiration

Presently, Linde Werdelin is the sole Swiss watchmaking company retaining a true understanding of the sea and diving universes. Having invented the Reef, the first functional and modern diving accessory for the way we dive today.

Linde Werdelin’s creative mind, Morten Linde explains, “the marriage between modern thinking and traditional craftsmanship resonates throughout an LW timepiece. The Oktopus Moon Tattoo is the perfect balance of contemporary art, technology and innovation; transporting poetry and imagination into the world of time keeping”.

Due to the complexity of building the case, movement and dial, Linde Werdelin has challenged the ability of some of Switzerland’s finest craftsmen and succeeded in pushing the limit of what is possible, achieving such ornamental and revolutionary masterwork.

Oktopus Moon Tattoo is an exclusive series of 59 pieces. The limited number signifies two moon cycles of 29.5 days each, before the moon returns to the same point on the celestial sphere. Moon phase complication is an ideal function to plan your night dives.

The case

The engraving on the solid 18K rose gold case has been executed at different depths to create a three dimensional effect; an extremely challenging job resulting in a unique masterpiece.

We introduced the Oktopus series at Basel 2012 with a five-part case construction, which seals the titanium inner cylinder protecting the movement and the dial from water. Selective materials such as rose gold, ceramic and titanium have been implemented to guarantee superb anti-corrosiveness.

The entire surface is subsequently treated with microbillé, followed by a gentle hand satin finish. A firm black ceramic bezel seals protects the entire case. The movement is sealed in the chamber by a titanium DLC screw in back-case featuring the iconic hand-drawn octopus.

“This is the most substantial LW product launch to date”, says Morten Linde.

Oktopus Moon Tattoo is available in a limited series of 59 pieces, retailing at CHF 42,500 ex VAT (close to $50,000 CAD) from November 2013 from any LW authorised retailer in local currency.

Complication and dial

Oktopus Moon Tattoo takes Linde Werdelin on a further challenge since the launch of Oktopus Moon in January 2013, uniting both the in-house complication and a newly designed dial.

Oktopus Moon Tattoo complication displays luminous, imaginary and hand-drawn moons-phases on its dial. Each moon is drawn and printed several times and delicately inlayed inside the pierced disk one by one. As the moon moves clockwise through its monthly cycle, more of its surface is illumined.

The dial consists of multiple skeletonised layers, conveying an immediate depth to the watch.

On the lower part lays the moon disk; a metallic cut out surface carrying each luminous moon.

The upper dial is skeletonised. Featuring three diamond-cut hands, it bears a beautifully engraved hand-drawn octopus in the centre. All indices are deliberately luminous to enhance readability. The full moon is always indicated with a red mark visible through the lower dial. Numerals 11, 10, 9, displayed between 1 and 2 o’clock allow a more precise track of the lunar cycle.

Technical Specifications

Oktopus Moon Tattoo – Numbered Series 59

Case:
Entirely crafted in 18K rose gold, / Hand satin finish and microbillé / Constructed with 19 components / 2.2 mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal / Screw in back case with engraved octopus drawing / screw in crown with engraved octopus symbol

Dimensions:
44mm (w) by 46mm (l) by 15mm (h)

Dial:
Multiple-layered skeletonised dial / Hands: diamond-cut hands

Movement:
In-house developed moon phase complication / Power reserve: 42 hours / Balance frequency: 28800vph, 4Hz

Water Resistance:
300m

For more details head over to the Linde Werdelin official website.

If you want to see a Linde Werdelin in Canada, you might want to check out the nearest L’Oro Jewellery.