In a world where Covid cast a shadow over London’s charm, Jørn Werdelin and his adventurous brood decided to trade the gloomy Thames for the boundless beauty of Portugal. Drawn to the Atlantic’s alluring waves and endless sunshine, they found a vibrant life outdoors and wine that didn’t drain their wallets like the pints back in the UK.
Jørn, no stranger to globe-trotting, steered Linde Werdelin, the Danish-born watch brand, into a new era. It’s a story of childhood friends striving to craft something extraordinary in a cutthroat world, transforming a mere watch brand into a fusion of sporting flair and horological expertise.
Perched on the stunning Comporta beaches in Portugal, Jørn gazes at the wild yet captivating waves, leaving behind the North Sea’s shores and the London hustle. Now, he embraces the Atlantic horizon, where blue skies and balmy temperatures call for shorts over pants. This metamorphosis echoes in the watch company he co-founded with his childhood buddy, Morten Linde, back in 2002.
“Linde Werdelin has evolved into version 3.0, taking shape since 2019. Morten and I decided to embark on different paths. His splendid designs, originally crafted for our digital instruments, have now become a mere facet of our fine watchmaking collection,” Jørn reveals.
Today, Linde Werdelin bears the touch of Morten’s designs, but it pulses with Jørn’s vision. The brand delves into sophistication, catering not just to the present but envisioning a future wrapped around wrists. Celebrating two decades on the market, they cherish their rich heritage with pre-owned watches while setting their sights on the horizon of innovation.
Behind the wheel of his beloved Land Rover Series 3, Jørn cruises through Portugal, an emblematic figure of mechanical devotion. Collecting Land Rovers like a connoisseur, he admits that the sturdy 4×4 concept fuels his watchmaking creations.
“Early Land Rovers were utilitarian tools. Likewise, Linde Werdelin watches epitomize purposeful craftsmanship, resilience, and versatility. Our watch brand shall forever tread that path, boasting a robust Swiss engine, visionary design, and everlasting materials like ceramic, titanium, and gold,” muses Werdelin, his eyes gleaming with a fascination for exotic elements like bronze.
Born for explorers and divers alike, bronze becomes the natural canvas for their artistry. Jørn’s infatuation with the material kindled during an unforgettable deep dive in the Philippines many moons ago.
In this Portuguese haven, Jørn Werdelin has found not only a new address but a new destiny for his watch brand—a place where coastal beauty collides with mechanical mastery, creating a timeless legacy for adventurous souls across the globe.
– Kristian Haagen –