You see, the quick switchback trails I use here make for not only a challenging and bumpy ride but also one that tests your watch. Not only because of the bumps but also, importantly, whether the watch wears comfortably enough for it to disappear while riding. I cannot stress this enough: very few watches pass this test for me. Essentially, half way into my ride, when I need to be most focused going down and up my twisty and somewhat dangerous route, the last thing I need is to feel the watch wearing down my wrist or digging into my hands.
To my surprise, the Linde Werdelin SpidoLite 3DTP Carbon performed admirably. The light weight and superbly comfortable strap and integrated case design allowed me to strap it on tightly and completely forget it… Except for some pics I wanted to take to remember the moment and show to you here, I pretty much forgot I was wearing it as I attempted to beat my Strava record.
While I can conclude that the Linde Werdelin SpidoLite 3DTP Carbon makes for a great sports watch due to its sharp design and light weight, the Linde Werdelin SpidoLite 3DTP Carbon is not perfect. My biggest complaint comes in the difficulty of handling the crown to manually wind or to change the time. This is impossible with gloves and hard with naked hands. The crown, also in titanium but treated with nitride, which gives it that yellow gold color, is not a screw-down one, so I kind of expected it to be easier to catch and use.
The problem stems from how the Linde Werdelin SpidoLite 3DTP Carbon case design around the crown almost completely protects it. Using my nail was the easiest way I could find to manipulate the crown. Note, however, that this is not a problem I have with my Oktopus II, so this could be an issue with this generation of SpidoLite – not sure. Or perhaps it will be improved in the production version, as I tested a preproduction piece.
Besides this annoyance, I have overall enjoyed every minute with the Linde Werdelin SpidoLite 3DTP Carbon. As an out-of-the-ordinary watch design, it pops out when wearing it; and wore especially well with blue jeans and simple late spring shirts as well as shorts and t-shirt for summer. Since it’s not a watch you are likely to see anyone else wearing, as only 75 will ever be produced worldwide, it’s the perfect accessory to distinguish you at the next hipster party or dinner event.
And that yellow strap guarantees it to be an attention grabber and conversation starter, for sure. Naturally, as I do with my Oktopus, you can easily change the strap to one of the LW alternatives (e.g., black rubber or even black alligator) to tone down the look while still keeping its essential modern design.
I liked almost everything about this watch, except the price. It comes in at CHF 19,000 and for that you only get the watch, the Rock instrument or additional leather or rubber straps will cost you an extra CHF 3,000 and about CHF 700 and CHF 450, respectively. So this is not a cheap sports watch, but I guess it’s not meant to be. The exclusive design and look is what you are paying for as well as being part of the growing but exclusive Linde Werdelin watch owner’s club. linderwerdelin.com
Necessary Data
>Brand: Linde Werdelin
>Model: SpidoLite 3DTP Carbon
>Price: CHF 19,000
>Size: 44mm wide, 46mm lug to lug, 15mm thick
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Guy who wants an avant-garde and unique high-end sports watch that is not seen on a lot of wrists.
>Best characteristic of watch: Light and comfortable with unique style and design.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Crown is difficult to operate; legibility and lume could be improved; rather expensive.
