The Linde Werdelin SpidoSpeed Black Orange is a racing car inspired chronograph that is the perfect timepiece to be reviewed in the company of a McLaren MP4-12C Project Alpha —a car specifically made for our friends at Mancuso, the only McLaren dealership here in Chicago. While there are only a 100 pieces of the Linde Werdelin SpidoSpeed Black Orange available, there are only six McLarens of this model and the one used here is number four out of six.
The Linde Werdelin, just like this McLaren, comes with an exceptional design and fantastic craftsmanship. The SpidoSpeed Black Orange features a tripartite stainless steel case measuring 44mm in diameter. This watch is fitted with a two-part black galvanic dial with a perlage surface base center that almost appears like carbon fiber. The dial features orange glossy registers with perforations —the exact same hue of the orange of the Hermès boxes— that are located as follows: hour chrono register at six, running seconds at 9 and chrono minute register at 3 o'clock. The hands are diamond cut and fitted with gray luminescent material that is very bright when exposed to darkness and quite long lasting.
Like on all other Linde Werdelin watches, the SpidoSpeed comes fitted with a display case back that allows for full view of the automatic chronograph movement LW 03 custom-made Concepto calibre 2251. This movement, composed of 237 parts, provides a power reserve of 48 hours when fully wound and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph. The skeletonized rotor is decorated with Linde Werdelin in matching orange.
The SpidoSpeed is fitted with a gorgeous dark gray textured strap with orange stitching and leather lining that is very comfortable. The strap features racing perforations—making it look very sporty and very suitable for car racing— and is fitted with a DLC pin buckle marked with the traditional LW design. The watch is waterproof rated to a depth of a 100 meters and we see no problem getting this strap wet if necessary.
Overall, the SpidoSpeed is a very comfortable watch that wears true to its dimensions and perhaps it maybe sits just a little bit high on the wrist. Just as mentioned on our review of the SpidoLite II Titanium Red here, the crown is also the 'Achilles Heel' of this watch as it is very hard to unscrew and manipulate due to the crown guards on the cage. Additionally, the pushers for the chronograph need to be pressed quite firmly in order to operate it, but we don't see that as a big downside.
In summary, this is a fantastic watch with great wrist presence that would go great with the McLaren in the pictures. If you are ready to own one of these rare machines, make sure you stop by the Mancuso McLaren Chicago dealership on Huron and Clark street.
Sticker Price —McLaren not included— $13,000 CHF VAT not included. For more info on Linde Werdelin click here.
