In this series of articles, we’ll take a look at watch pairs. We’ve selected an elegant dress watch and a sports watch for each pairing; two watches that complement each other and offer their wearer an appropriate watch for any occasion. In this article we take a look at the Linde Werdelin Spidolite Titanium and the Dressage L’Heure Masquée by Hermès.
These two watches may not be the first you think about when looking to buy a watch, especially since each is priced above 10,000 euros. For that kind of money there are tons of options, but instead of going for the obvious brands, it’s interesting to look at this pair of watches that are special in their own right.
Hermès
Hermès is a high fashion French luxury goods manufacturer that was established in 1837. Most people associate the brand with fashion, leather goods, and home accessories. However, Hermès has also been making watches for over 85 years. While some of their watches have become true fashion statements, such as the Cape Cod with its double tour bracelet and iconic case inspired by the famous Hermès Chaîne d’Ancre bracelet, the brand has also gained respect for making some technically impressive high-end watches. We have chosen the stylish Hermès Dressage L’Heure Masquée from the latter category.
Linde Werdelin
We’ve paired the Hermès with the Linde Werdelin Spidolite Titanium. Linde Werdelin has not been around nearly as along as Hermès, but it is also a brand with a remarkable story. Established in 2002, Linde Werdelin has been able to make a name for itself by making both modern styled timepieces and creating some remarkable instruments to be used in combination with their watches. We have chosen the Linde Werdelin Spidolite Titanium, a watch that has probably become the most recognizable watch in the brand’s short history. These are two totally different watches when it comes to looks, but they both represent the remarkable vision of their respective brands.
Hermès Dressage L’Heure Masquée
Hermès introduced the Hermès Dressage in 2003 to celebrate their 75th anniversary of producing watches. The watch was designed by Henri d’Origny, the maison’s legendary artistic director. The name Dressage is a direct reference to the brand’s link to equestrian sports. The Dressage reflects the precision of this equestrian art and its design details are reminiscent of the sport. The watch was praised for its elegant, distinctive design and the beautiful Vaucher calibre 1928 movement that powers it. It was the first in a line of Dressage watches that have gained a lot of praise over the years.
The current line of Dressage watches was introduced in 2012 and features the first truly in-house Hermès movement made by Vaucher. The Hermès Dressage L’Heure Masquée that was introduced in 2014 also features an in-house Hermès movement. The Hermès mechanical self-winding calibre H1925 is a movement with an unusual, but very nice complication. ‘L’Heure Masquée’ translates as ‘the hidden hour’ and that’s exactly what it does: in the standard position, the hour hand is hidden behind the minute hand and will only become visible if you push a button set in the crown. Once you push this, the hour hand immediately jumps into the correct hour position on the dial so you can read the time. Furthermore, the window covering the second time zone slides aside so you can read the time in a second time zone as well. It’s a unique and fun complication that creates a direct relationship between the watch and its user, seeing as the wearer has to push a button in order to read the time.
We’ve chosen this version of the Dressage watch because it most closely resembles the original iconic Hermès Dressage stylistically. One feature that characterizes both this version and the original is that the hour indicators are placed inside circles and a bit lower on the dial. This gives the watch its unique feel and makes the L’Heure Masquée a true homage to the original. The watch comes in both a steel and rose gold version. Overall, the watch makes a very stylish statement, so either would perfectly complement business or formal attire. The combination of stunning looks and an ingenious movement is living proof of the added value a high-end fashion brand brings to the watch industry.
Linde Werdelin Spidolite Titanium
If you want to opt for something more modern and bold, the Linde Werdelin Spidolite Titanium could be the way to go. Linde Werdelin has been making waves ever since they arrived on the scene in 2002. Launched by childhood friends Morten Linde and Jorn Werdelin, Linde Werdelin combines Swiss watchmaking, innovative Danish design, and cutting edge technology. The epitome of this combination of elements is found in the Linde Werdelin Spidolite that was first introduced in 2009. This watch was inspired by a mountaineering expedition to the top of Mount Everest. When undertaking a journey to the highest peak on Earth, you want to travel as lightly as possible. The Spidolite was designed to reduce as much weight as possible without compromising the watch’s strength, design, or performance. This focus resulted in a 70% weight reduction when compared to the regular Linde Werdelin watches.
The Spidolite Titanium we chose is the fourth generation of Spidolite watches. The current edition is made of Titanium Grade 5, making it the lightest Spidolite to date. With its 44 x 46 mm dimensions, you will be surprised to find a watch of its size is so incredibly light to wear.
The Spidolite Titanium is powered by the calibre LW07 movement that Linde Werdelin developed together with the movement maker Chronode SA. A power reserve feature has been introduced in the fourth generation of the Spidolite for the first time. Since the watch has a skeletonized dial, you are able to see a significant portion of the movement. You can see a small red triangle pointing to the spring barrel through the dial. Since the spring barrel cover is open, you are able to see whether the spring is fully wound or if it’s loose and you need to wind the watch – proof of the ingenious way Linde Werdelin succeeds in incorporating innovation into the outstanding design of their watches.
If you choose to buy a Linde Werdelin Spidolite Titanium, you will not just get a watch. You will become familiar with the brand’s vision of how to bring the watchmaking tradition into the future. Linde Werdelin demonstrates that a manufacturer does not need centuries of experience to create a meaningful story; all it needs is a vision to create new ideas, and that’s just what Morten Linde and Jorn Werdelin have done with this Spidolite Titanium.
Opposites in Appearance, but Storytellers at Heart
These two watches are suitable for very different activities and occasions. However, they do have something in common: both watches have a great story to tell. That’s incredibly important when choosing a watch; it creates a unique connection between the wearer and his or her timepiece.
