Linde Werdelin Two Timer Review

April 25, 2009

comments 11

After positive comments by Robert-Jan about Basel, my attention was drawn to Linde Werdelin’s new time pieces. I was aiming first at the classy 3Timer that was launched in the 2009 line up, but I changed my mind quite quickly to go for the older model, the original 2Timer. The design is a bit more uncompromising and sporty.

The LW team in London is was very helpful and the watch arrived with the speed of light. LW packs it in a black shiny box with an architectural shape. It?¢?Ç¨?Ñ¢s actually the first watch box that I could to put on top of my night stand instead of in the drawer.

RJ covered the LW concept of attachable outdoor instruments, so: the watch! On first impression it has a the wow factor. Like RJ remarked: This design is unmistakably Linde Werdelin. The 2Timer has presence. Please note that the reviewed watch is of the first series of Founders Watches. The current version might have slightly different specs. The black steel caseback is numbered 40/222 and the dial has the writing >>founders watch<< on the dial above the depth rating.

The 2Timer has a pretty busy dial layout and matching bezel design. If you?¢?Ç¨?Ñ¢re looking for a stealthy dress watch, skip the 2008 models. I must add that the readability of the dial is very good and the dial design is not too dominant in the total concept. Comment on the 24 hour hand: it?¢?Ç¨?Ñ¢s quite small and gets lost sometimes under the unusually broad hour and minute hands. This changed already in the 2009 model with the 24 hour scale going to the bezel and the hand stretching out all the way to the rehaut. Maybe those guys in Geneva weren?¢?Ç¨?Ñ¢t that crazy after all ;-).

Enhancing readability is the strong green lume on the markers, very effective. But the very green color is not that pretty to me and I?¢?Ç¨?Ñ¢d prefer a more white-ish lume like shown on their website. The angular shape of the case is fascinating every time I look at it and the finish of the brushing and polishing is impeccable. The ratcheting system of the bezel does it?¢?Ç¨?Ñ¢s job but leaves room for improvement.

The watch is big although not gigantic: it compares to a 44mm Panerai or a Royal Oak Offshore when on the wrist. I have a small 7 inch wrist and I?¢?Ç¨?Ñ¢m perfectly fine with it. For it?¢?Ç¨?Ñ¢s size it?¢?Ç¨?Ñ¢s quite a flat timepiece, not as heavy or high as an Offshore and the case bends down over the wrist nicely for maximum comfort. The crown is fully covered by the big crown guard and sits high enough not to dig into the hand.

The 2Timer comes standard on a rubber strap with a solid feel and sporty look. The clasp, the screws for attaching it to the case, everything fits exactly and oozes quality. It has a brushed clasp with a nicely shaped and logoed buckle. Minus is that it sticks out quite a bit from the strap, so it will do plenty of desk diving. My 2Timer was before shipping mounted on an optional black alligator. The alligator is quite an investment but it is extremely well made and finished. It balances the sporty design of the watch, making it versatile and wearable with both a casual outfit as well as business attire. The first day in my office the 2Timer attracted plenty of interested looks, more than any Panerai or Rolex ever does. The shape of the case is what makes it pop, even for non-WIS.

I won?¢?Ç¨?Ñ¢t dig any deeper now, since it?¢?Ç¨?Ñ¢s meant to be a first impression review. I must say this Linde Werdelin 2-Timer is a spectacular watch. For it to become perfect in the way for example a Rolex is perfect, it will need more evolution. Well, for a young brand it?¢?Ç¨?Ñ¢s not a fair comparison of course. And seeing how old and imperfect Rolexes are now the real deal in watch collecting: why try to be perfect?

After strapping my 2Timer around the wrist there is one thing I?¢?Ç¨?Ñ¢m sure about: Linde Werdelin has created a unique DNA that has all the richness and qualities to found a watch brand on. I?¢?Ç¨?Ñ¢m very interested in getting to meet those guys and see where they?¢?Ç¨?Ñ¢re heading in the future. And don?¢?Ç¨?Ñ¢t forget: if you get an LW, which I think you should, go the extra mile and get the alligator strap as well.