Good day, esteemed readers and connoisseurs of the horological arts. Today, I am thrilled to take you through a journey into the realm of extraordinary timepieces, highlighting a creation that not only embodies the pinnacle of craftsmanship but also showcases the relentless pursuit of innovation in the watchmaking world. I am referring to none other than the Linde Werdelin Oktopus Moon Gold Black Ink, a timepiece that amalgamates luxury, functionality, and artistry in a package that demands to be celebrated.
Linde Werdelin, a name that resonates with avant-garde design and technological brilliance, has once again set a benchmark with the Oktopus Moon Gold Black Ink. This monumental piece stands as the culmination of the Generation II Oktopus series, a collection that has evolved and mesmerized enthusiasts over the years. The journey that began 13 years ago, in 2011, with the launch of the first Oktopus II has now reached a magnificent crescendo with this iteration.
Constructed entirely in 18-karat N5 rose gold, the Oktopus Moon Gold Black Ink is not just a timepiece; it is a work of art. The choice of sandblasted 18-karat rose gold for its construction gives the watch a warm textural hue, which contrasts beautifully with the matte black ink dial. This combination renders the watch not only sumptuous in its all-gold finishing but discreetly luxurious, allowing the wearer to indulge in opulence without overt extravagance.
The watch is distinguished by its substantiality, weighing more than 145 grams, making it the heaviest in the recent Oktopus launches, which were characterized by their lightness at 60 grams. Such a substantial presence on the wrist underscores the lavish use of materials and the unwavering commitment to creating a statement piece.
Only eight pieces of the Oktopus Moon Gold Black Ink will be produced per year, making it an exceedingly rare and desirable object for collectors. This scarcity is a testament to the intricate craftsmanship and meticulous detail that goes into each piece.
Jorn Werdelin, reflecting on this launch, stated, “As the last series of this generation Oktopus, we wanted to express something different and enduring…this was the missing piece.” Indeed, the Oktopus Moon Gold Black Ink feels like the culmination of a journey, bringing something unique and long-lasting to the table.
From a technical standpoint, the watch is a marvel. The outer case boasts 18K rose gold with a microbillé finishing and a sapphire crystal, antireflective on the inside, ensuring durability and readability. The titanium screw-down crown, adorned with an octopus motif, and a bezel finished similarly with titanium grade 5 screws, signify the attention to detail and the theme continuity throughout the design.
The dial of the Oktopus Moon Gold Black Ink is a spectacle in itself, featuring a five-layer skeletonized construction in Anti-Reflective Black Ink, with large numerals at 3, 9, and 12 o’clock positions imbued with Luminova for visibility in low lighting. This intricate assembly allows for a glimpse into the mechanical heart of the watch, a bespoke movement with a moon phase complication developed in collaboration with renowned Danish master watchmaker, Svend Andersen.
The moon phase complication, visible through apertures between 4 and 8 o’clock, with additional apertures at 1 to 2 o’clock and 10 and 11 o’clock, showcases the current moon phase with a blue “+” sign. This feature not only adds to the watch’s allure but also connects the wearer to the celestial.
Water-resistant up to 300m and equipped with an interchangeable rubber strap in pitch black with a DLC-coated titanium ardillon buckle, the Oktopus Moon Gold Black Ink is ready for any adventure, be it land-based or under the sea.
The Linde Werdelin Oktopus Moon Gold Black Ink is not just a testament to the brand’s heritage and commitment to innovation but a beacon of what the future of luxury watchmaking holds. It encapsulates the essence of substance, style, and sophistication, making it a must-have for the discerning collector or enthusiast.
This masterpiece, scarce in numbers but rich in story and craftsmanship, invites us to celebrate the confluence of art and technology. As we admire the Oktopus Moon Gold Black Ink, we are reminded of the power of dreams, determination, and the endless pursuit of perfection.
For those who yearn to experience this pinnacle of horological mastery, the opportunity is limited. However, the legacy it leaves behind will surely inspire future generations to dream big and reach for the stars, much like the celestial cycles it so elegantly tracks.
Embrace the marvel that is the Oktopus Moon Gold Black Ink, for it is not just a watch but a journey, a story, and a legacy encapsulated within the confines of time.
Linde Werdelin Oktopus Moon Gold Black Ink Technical Specifications
Ref. Oktopus Moon Gold Black – CHF45,000 / €46,472 / $50,587, Limited to eight pieces per year
Movement
- The movement is bespoke with an in house graphic moonphase complication, which was originally conceived and developed in 2009 together with renowned Danish master watchmaker Svend Andersen of Andersen Geneve.
- Power reserve: 44 hours.
- Balance frequency: 28,800vph (4Hz).
- Jewels: 23
- Moonphase: In darkness the graphic moons are visible through aperture between 4 and 8 o’clock, and apertures at 1 to 2 o’clock and 10 and 11 o’clock. Blue “+” indicates current moon phase; blue numbers indicate past and future moon phases.
Case
- 18K rose gold (5N); microbillé finishing Sapphire crystal, antireflective on the inside
- Crown: Titanium screw-down; rough circular satin, engraved with an octopus motif
- Bezel: 18K rose gold (5N); microbillé finishing. Titanium Grade 5 screws, circular satin finish on top and black tension discs
- Back case: Titanium, engraved with octopus drawing
- Dimensions: 44mm (w) x 46mm (l) x 15mm (h)
- Water Resistance: 300m
Dial
- 5 layer skeletonised dial in Anti-Reflective Black Ink.
- Flange and top layer; matt black finish.
- Hands in titanium color with satin finish and Luminova.
- Lower dial; matt black.
- Large numerals, 3, 9, 12, in Black Ink with Luminova.
Strap
- Interchangeable rubber strap in pitch black with DLC-coated titanium ardillon buckle
