Wow Watch Wednesday: Linde Werdelin Hard Black II
I know what you’re thinking, there is nothing really unusual, different or weird about this week’s watch, it just looks really cool. And you are absolutely right. However, it’s what you attach to this week’s selection that makes it so unique. Don’t get me wrong though, unique attachment or not, by the time you’ve finished reading this article you will definitely want to get your hands on one of these awesome pieces from the masters of sport watches; Linde Werdelin.
And who could blame you? They’re attractive, extremely well made and above all practical.
The True Sport Watch
Linde Werdelin is undeniably one of our favorite up and coming watch brands, pioneering a unique approach to business which extends well beyond funky new designs (as we’ve told you about before here.) The brand is committed to producing pieces that are of the highest quality and practicality and have proved time and again that sport watches can look great whilst still being extraordinarily useful.
Case in point: the all new Hard Black II.
Continually Evolving
Based on the hugely popular ‘The One’ model, the Hard Black II is Linde Werdelin’s second edition of the hard black series, with the first being released in the fall of 2008 and selling out almost instantly. As with everything LW does, the motivation behind the first model was practical as opposed to aesthetic. The company had been looking for a scratchproof surface treatment for their watchcases and after trialling several different types of coatings and treatments, they finally found the perfect formula for making their bold cases less prone to dents and scratches.
The original Hard Black I
Still, like any truly pioneering brand the company wasn’t happy to stop there.
Following on from the exceptional success of their first model, the all new Hard Black II features a special DLC-coating that makes the surface up to three times harder than steel. In fact, the hardness of the 46mm case is second only to diamond.
To achieve this exceptional result the cases are heat treated to several hundred degrees prior to the coating being applied, thereby hardening the steel. Like all DLC coatings it is applied in a vacuum vapour chamber where the watch case is bombarded with thousands of small carbon particles that are absorbed into the surface of the case. The end result is an extremely hard black coating with the thickness of only a thousandth of a millimetre.
The company has also placed greater emphasis on making the Hard Black II a bit more vibrant and sportier than its predecessor. As such, they have chosen a very bold and distinctive yellow Super LumiNova for the minimalist dial and the bezel which contrasts exceptionally well with the all black case. As a further subtle highlight the premium black alligator strap also features matching yellow stitching.
Whilst the color appears quite strong in the pictures, it is actually reasonably subdued as can be seen in the video below:
Powered by a Swiss Made ETA 2892-A2 automatic movement with a 42 hour power reserve, the Hard Black II features a date indication at 4 o’clock, unidirectional bezel, screw-in crown and is rated to 1000ft (300m) water resistance. It will be produced in a limited run of 88 pieces (many of which have already been pre-sold) and is scheduled to be available at the end of this month for about $6,250 (€4,920).
So, What Makes It Different?
This.
Meet Linde Werdelin’s other latest creation, known simply as ‘The Reef’.
According to the company, when it is released later this year the Reef will be the world’s most sophisticated dive computer. Created specifically to attach seamlessly to the top of any one of LW’s rugged range of watches, this all new Dive Instrument is an essential tool for protection, guidance and re-experience during diving and under water activities.
Painstakingly developed in conjunction with professional divers from all around the world, the Reef is the first dive computer with a 55mm transflective colour screen offering superior legibility underwater and responding automatically to the environment and the conditions both on land and underwater to ensure unsurpassed legibility even in the most unforgiving of light situations.
The 4-button system and menu based user interface make this an easy to use but technically advanced instrument which can be used as an attachment on your favorite Linde Werdelin watch or independently (although we think it would be far better to use it with the watch!).
Although not yet complete The Reef is available for pre-order now with delivery expected in 2010 at a cost of about $1,700 (€1,320).
The Final Word
Linde Werdelin continue to impress us with their unique designs and alternative approach to marketing and branding their products. These latest creations demonstrate the brand’s unwavering commitment to producing pieces that are highly functional and practical, whilst at the same time well made and aesthetically pleasing. Whilst admittedly this is not a complex timepiece the movement is solid and reliable and the watch will consistently perform at the level for which it has been designed, a fact which is not lost on LW’s legion of fans.
Similarly The Reef further proves the company’s exceptional technical abilities and strong desire to create true sport watches which offer an unparalleled level of functionality. This is a professional instrument that has been designed to be used, not some gimmick to sell watches.
So, if you lead an extremely active lifestyle (or at least want to give people the impression you do) and want to look good without having to compromise on reliability or usability, then this might just be the watch for you.
For more information on the all new Hard Black II and The Reef be sure to check out Linde Werdelin’s website: www.lindewerdelin.com as well as their regularly updated Facebook page.
Category: Wow Watch Wednesday
What a neat watch. I really love the style of his watches and that fact thay they are a basis for his “add on computers”. I just wish that he would come out with something slightly less expemsive.