Linde Werdelin comparable brands?

[PatAz]

Where would you rank LW amongst other brands? My guess would be right below AP and above Omega and Tag. Maybe out ranked by Rolex because of popularity and in house movement, but the limited production of LW has to be factored in. I'd like to see a list, it you guys have time.

[Grandier]

Hi PatAz. I'm an owner and fan of LW. In addition I doubt if I will ever own a Rolex because the designs seem a bit stagnant to me (though I appreciate how classic they are and admit that the red ones are oddly appealing). But to say LW maybe out ranked by Rolex seems a bit off-target. If the LW brand and design survive a few decades then I would reconsider. But for now, they are in such a different category that comparisons to the brands you mention is difficult. I tend to view LW more like Bremont, B&R, and even Kobold. Maybe the brand will take off like Hublot or Panerai in the recent past, or maybe in a few years time no one here will remember them. In the meantime, the case designs are great.

[raider26]

IMO LW is currently too unique to contemplate a measurable comparison, their Limited production numbers, case designs and clip on digital instruments alone stand out from the crowd. At the same time AP RO & ROO are what I consider the best all round made watches out there but as far as comfort goes they score lowly Vs LW......

[christianj]

At the same time AP RO & ROO are what I consider the best all round made watches out there but as far as comfort goes they score lowly Vs LW......

I would only tend to agree with the comfort comment on certain AP models. My AP Diver is one of my most comfortable watches on the rubber strap and easily as comfortable as my LW on the rubberized calf strap. (I'm talking fit and overall comfort...not weight because there certainly is a big difference between the two.) My AP ROC on the bracelet on the other hand is definitely not as comfortable as my LW. I think wrist shape and size is also more of a determining factor with APs fit.

As for comparable brands...why worry and compare LW to other brands....if you like it and can afford it then buy it. I personally like the uniqueness of the brand and that is what made me start looking at them........kind of like Hublot. I tend to like brands that not everyone else is wearing and that is why I don't own a Tag, Omega or a Rolex but I do own LW, Hublot, AP, Franck Muller, Blancpain, etc.

[Sappie66]

Yeah, like others have said, you can't really compare LW to Rolex, AP, Omega or Tag. I agree with raider that LW is unique in that they were designed to work in conjunction with digital intruments, making them very versatile and real tools. Also, their very small production numbers, which may be a function of their young lifespan as a watch company, give them an exclusivity that the aforementioned companies lack. This, of course, might change as the years pass, and if LW continues on their path.

I would not necessarily compare them with Bremont, B&R or Kobold either. LW is very limited in numbers, whereas the others are more expansive in production numbers and model range. Bremont and B&R have a decided aviation theme and traditional shapes and designs, and Kobold with their exploration bent. LW, on the other hand, has their decidedly modern theme and specialization re digital modules.

Then there are small start-up companies like Benarus, Halios, Deep Blue, etc., having small production numbers, but their designs are hardly unique, and they are much less high-end. Exclusivity combined with mediocre quality doesn't do much for me.

So, having my first LW for one day seems to have made me an annoying know-it-all! ;)

[niklasd]

Well I think when it comes to advertising IŽd give LV 5 stars.
The watches I am a bit more unsure of.
With the limited numbers and high prices they try to "buy" exclusivity but it does now work for me..
N

[Sappie66]

Well I think when it comes to advertising IŽd give LV 5 stars.

Really? I haven't really seen much in the way of advertising. My main exposure has been through WUS, which led me to LW advertising. Mind you, I am in Canada. Not much exposure here. I can accept that in Europe, things might be different.

The watches I am a bit more unsure of.

With the limited numbers and high prices they try to "buy" exclusivity but it does now work for me..
N

Well, if LW was just another new watch company using ETA movements in cases of middling quality with tired re-hashed design cues, then limiting the numbers to increase their "rarity", I would agree with you. However, my opinion is that LW has developed a concept with their watches and modules, and all of their horological efforts thus far has been in keeping with that concept -- one that is truly unique.

Are they manufacturing exclusivity by keeping their numbers low? I don't know. Perhaps it is a function of their relative newness in the industry? The complex machining of their cases? Or just marketing. They would not be the first company to do that. And if the market supports such a business plan, then so be it. So far it seems that they are selling out their limited numbers reasonably well.

[niklasd]

Well I think they use the Internet alot and there advert firm do use some time to spread the word on the web = 5*****
Sometimes a bit to much perhaps, look at LM at Wiki (comment from Wiki: It is written like an advertisement and needs to be rewritten from a neutral point of view..).

I am sure the watches are very fine but I do think they are a bit overpriced and I am a bit sceptical in they keeping there value over time, but I have been wrong before :o)

N