Think of leading Swiss watch brands with their centuries of history; their rarefied maisons housing priceless museum pieces old enough to be gazed upon by Marie Antoinette. Think of ‘But we’ve always done it this way because…’ and then think of Morten Linde and Jorn Werdelin.
The effect they have had on the watch loving cognoscenti is a little like the effect the Rolling Stones had on the general public in the 1960s; outrage from the traditionalists and near hysteria from young professionals desperate for something fresh, exciting and new.
In just a few short years Linde Werdelin has become one of the hottest and most talked about brands, with each new piece from the SpidoSpeed to the stunning Oktopus, the Reef to the Rock, greeted with all the reverence and portent once reserved for a new Pink Floyd concept album. It’s a wonder Morten and Jorn don’t get mobbed in the streets. Although their watches are all Swiss made, their base is trendy Notting Hill in the centre of London. So in true fan magazine style, we asked the boys about their favourite things in life, and these were their replies.
Jorn Werdelin
Despite the lost razor creative look these days, Jorn is actually from a polished brogue investment banking background. He is the driving force and entrepreneurial mind behind Linde Werdelin.
Favourite sport: Skiing
“Definitely skiing including anything from touring to heli-skiing in exotic places like eastern Turkey or north of the Arctic Circle. Diving is a close second just for the sheer enjoyment of another world beneath us.”
Favourite place to live and work: Notting Hill
“Having lived here for almost 20 years it still amazes me that there are new finds to discover and new people to meet.”
Favourite cigar: Sautters Special or maybe a Por Larranaga
“A great way to relax on a Saturday autumn afternoon with a friend.”
Favourite movie/TV series: Game of Thrones
“For the moment I’m reading and watching Game of Thrones, but I love the Sopranos, Homeland, The Bridge, the Killing……. Matrix.”
Favourite watch: Linde Werdelin’s latest
“Have a guess – always the next LW”
Morten Linde
Morten is the irresistible design cool behind Linde Werdelin. He comes from a strong design background having worked for the likes of Bang & Olufsen, who make those incredibly sexy but impossibly expensive hi-fi systems.
Favourite Music: Techno, Jazz and R&B
“Music is a persistent element in my everyday life. Any kind as long as the quality is good. From Massive Attack (techno), to Scott Hamilton (Jazz), Erykah Badu (R&B) and James Brown (funk music) too. I always like to listen to music while driving, cooking and while in the office. It’s a good way to connect with my children sharing a common interest.”
Favourite movie: Searching for Sugar Man
“Today it’s Searching for Sugar Man. I saw it a month ago. It’s a documentary film which I enjoyed and felt touched too. It’s the story of a great Latin American musician who never took off in the U.S., but who became wildly popular in South Africa.”
Favourite after-work activity: Cooking
“Cooking for me goes beyond the actual activity of preparing food for necessity. It’s a way to spend time with family and friends. But most importantly when I cook for my children I feel I am providing energies and fuel and keeping them going through everyday life.”
Favourite holiday: Skiing
“Anywhere where I can take my family skiing”
Favourite watch: Linde Werdelin’s latest
“It is always the one I am working on right now. Every time I start a new design and development of timepiece I get so involved and passionate. Each time it comes to completion, my enthusiasm moves on to the next one.”
