Linde Werdelin’s Photorealistic Moonphase

The coolest moonphase….ever?

When I shared with you the first look at watch and instrument maker Linde Werdelin’s new Oktopus Moonphase, my sixth sense had already told me that the defining aspect of this watch would be its “photorealistic moonphase” created in collaboration with master watchmaker Svend Andersen.  While others did a great job of pointing out the watch’s upgraded Frederic Piguet Caliber 1150 movement and the ostensible oddity of having a moonphase on a dive watch (two thumbs up, Hodinkee), I could not stop wondering what the “photorealistic Moonphase” might actually look like in the dark.  Well, I wonder no more!

Behold, the most unique and masterfully executed moonphase I think we may see for quite some time.  Really, this one is in such a class of its own I don’t even know what else to say!  Here:  if you can show me one that tops this, I’ll send you $20 in the mail

The Photorealistic Moonphase Ring

Now as you may recall, the other cool thing about this moonphase function is that it can be adjusted manually with the use of the crown.  Morten Linde keenly points out that this “allows for a fast and easy way of setting the moon disc to the current moon, even if the watch has not been worn for some time and has stopped. No need to send it back to our service centre for regulation…”  Brilliant, gentlemen, brilliant!

Linde Werdelin Oktopus Moonphase (titanium case, pink gold bezel)

Now, my sources tell me that the watch you see here will become available for pre-order starting next week, at Baselworld.  The price is substantial – $21,700 here in the U.S. – but a watch like this is rightfully meant to be in the hands of just a lucky few and only 29 pieces will be made.  What I am saying is that a watch like this is worth paying top dollar, and for those of you who have the cash, I think this would be a fantastic piece to add to your collection.

“Photorealistic Moon Phase” by Svend Andersen…
New for 2010 Linde Werdelin introduces the Oktopus Moonphase diver watch.
Titanium case, Rose gold bezel, helium escape value, 888 meters water resistance, 29 pieces limited edition

If you did not know, it was just last year that this up and coming brand led by Jorn Werdelin and Morten Linde announced its first “Oktopus” watch – a very exciting dive watch with a thick bezel and rugged looking titanium DLC case with hefty 1,111 meter water reistantance.  Later in 2009, they announced a similar version except with a black lacquer bezel which was a nice addition to the collection – you can read my take on this particular watch here.
So what’s new with the Oktopus Moonhpase?
Well a few things to note.  First, the thick bezel on this watch is rose gold, the first we see this metal in the collection.  Second, the water resistance is “only” 888 meters, not 1,111 meters like the other two watches – this is because the Moonphase version has a sapphire crystal caseback and relative to a metal caseback, the see through back reduces the water resistance rating. At the same time, however, you are able to see and enjoy the movement – a worthy tradeoff, in my view .  Third, the production will be limited to 29 pieces, not 88 like the other 2 models.  Finally, and what immediately grabbed my attention about the Oktopus Moonphase is well, it’s moonphase!  This feature (or “complication” in watch industry parlance) is developed by Svend Andersen and is different than your “typical” moonphase because of its photorealistic moons – and you can see they do look quite realistic!  Also what is neat here is that the moonphase is built on the “date” function of what is a Frederic Piguet Caliber 1150 movement (a nice upgrade from previous use of ETA-2892 movements) - and basically this lets you see the a countdown until the next full moon, not to mention that should be very easily adjustable using the crown!  Very cool!
Photorealistic Moonphase, by Svend Andersen


Now, if any of you are wondering, “Why a Moonhpase function on a dive watch?”, well I’ll just let Linde Werdelin co-founder Morten Linde tell you:

“moonlight creates the perfect conditions for afterhours sports activities and particularly diving. More and more people these days enjoy sports under the full moon. This is one of the reasons why we wanted to produce a moonphase complication for our diver’s watch. One can plan their next diving trip by checking when the next full moon is going to be, then clip the Reef for a safe dive.”

This kind of out-of-the-box thinking is what I am used to seeing from Linde Werdelin and I love it!
If you want to buy this watch, and I’m sure some of you will, Linde Werdelin will start taking pre-orders in September 2010.  Given that the other two Oktopus models go for about $7,700 and $8,000, respectively, I expect this watch will very easily be priced above $8,000 (perhaps even $9,000+)  given its new moonphase complication and very limited production.  Update:  $9,000+ was an understatement – this watch is priced at a hefty $21,600. A very pretty penny, I know, but I have no doubt thees 29 will find a home relatively quickly!



Technical Specifications - Oktopus Moonphase

Limited to 29 pieces

Size 46mm (w) by 49mm (l) by 14mm (h)

Movement Automatic mechanical Frederic Piguet movement calibre 1150,

Linde Werdelin & Andersen Geneve personalised oscillator

72 hour power reserve / 28 jewels / 28,800 bpm

Moonphase complication by Svend Andersen with luminous photorealistic moon

phases and moonphase countdown, manually adjustable by second crown position

Case Titanium gr. 5, microbille finish

Screw on case-back with sapphire crystal

Rose gold unidirectional turning bezel with 10 minute markings & Super Luminova

marker at 12 o’clock

3.8mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal

Screw in crown with LW logo

Helium escape valve at 9 o’clock

Dial Black matt dial

Arabic numerals rose gold plated applied indexes with Super LumiNova

Hands Rose gold plated, diamond cut rhodium plated with applied Super LumiNova

Water Resistance 888m / 2913 ft

Strap Black alligator strap with titanium ardillon buckle