By Jonathan Kopp
Today we are pleased to present you the new and refreshing version of the Linde Werdelin Oktopus MoonLite.
This new timepiece is as cool as its various predecessors and the Moon tattoo is the most amazing piece of this collection. Launched at BaselWorld 2014, the first Oktopus MoonLite created a lot of noise. Now, having completely sold out the collection, its new successor is emerging from the depths.
Oktopus MoonLite – White, a watch that can blend in well with modern architecture.
Morten and Jorn have completely revisited the design of the Oktopus MoonLite specifically for the white version.
Morten Linde said: “Returning to the design is a chance to change not only one thing, but to re-evaluate it as a whole timepiece and tweak multiple elements”.
One of the most visible change is on the side of the bezel. This white ceramic, with circular satin finishing, complements the ALW (Alloy Linde Werdelin) case and matches very well with the white rubber strap.
The case, in colourless ALW, subtly reflects the colours of the surrounding environment creating an iridescent aura around the piece, a property it shares with many other white themed sports watches.
Linde Werdelin uses colourless ALW which has been subjected to a 25-micrometre treatment (standard treatments are usually only 5 micrometres in depth), creating a protective layer and making it twice the strength of steel while remaining half the mass of titanium. The treatment can go so deep because of the porous structure of ALW. It essentially absorbs the treatment like your hand would absorb skin cream, which results in a protective layer that is highly resistant to dents and scratches.
Within the dial sits a moonphase complication with photorealistic moon phases hand-drawn by Morten Linde (creative mind of Linde Werdelin). In the Oktopus MoonLite – White, the dial has been skeletonised further for good reason: to make it easier to predict the full moon, so that you can plan your next diving adventure.
To do that, the upper dial has been reworked, opening up further elements, including a second aperture at the 10/11 O’clock position. This in-house moonphase complication is housed within a five-layer dial, the elements of which have various finishes. That’s a small but important detail of the overall design of the timepiece. The spaces between the phases of the moon are filled with a perlage effect, representative of the stars in the night sky, sparkling as they catch the light.
The piece will be a limited edition of only 59 watches because that’s the number of days in two 29.5-day lunar cycles. The watch will be priced at USD18,000 excluding VAT.
For more info, please visit lindewerdelin.com
Movement
Calibre: LW calibre with in-house complication
Frequency: 28,800vph (4 Hz)
Jewels: 23
Power reserve: 44 hours
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds
Moonphase
Case
Material: Alloy Linde Werdelin (ALW)
Diameter: 44mm
Case Back: Screw-in ALW
Crystal: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 30 ATM (300 meters)
Dial
5-layer open-worked with applied hour markers and moonphase aperture
Lumed hands, hour markers and photorealistic moonphase disc
Strap/Bracelet
White rubber with pin buckle
JONATHAN KOPP – CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Jonathan Kopp has an avid enthusiasm for timepieces of all genre, from vintage pieces to modern Luxury Haute Horology. His preference goes to small and independent high-end watchmakers. He loves the difference rather than classicism, although he admits being in love with several ultra-classic pieces. Jonathan was caught by the passion for watchmaking 6 years ago, and then shortly after he wandered into the industry and is today a Communication-Marketing-PR Consultant for several brands. Read his articles here
