The Linden is the second watch produced in Visitor’s Calligragh line of timepieces. The collection, which includes the original Duneshore and the latest Duneshore Shallows, is inspired by creator Phil Rodenbeck’s love for pens and calligraphy, in general. Inherent in such an influence is a certain degree of elegance. The Linden offers just that.
The most notable difference in the Linden, from its Calligraph brethren, is its size. At 39mm in diameter, the Linden case is lithe and makes good use of graceful lines. It has swooping, chamfered lugs that taper to 20mm at the strap, and offers no fewer than seven different transitions from brushed to polished surfaces. Its slender construction also allows it to slip easily under a shirt cuff.
The Linden has a flat sapphire crystal with AR undercoating. It also has a display caseback which showcases the Miyota 9015. The customized rotor, visible through the caseback, is engraved with the brand’s lion head emblem. Unlike many other dress watches, the Linden also has drilled lugs, allowing for straightforward strap changes. The push-pull crown is large, tastefully textured, and decorated in a stylized version of the same emblem used on the rotor. The timepiece is water resistant to 50m.
It is in the dial where we find the most obvious calligraphy design language. Like the Dunershore offerings, the Linden’s bold handset is modelled after pen nibs, and the indices resemble ink strokes. Both are lumed with BGW9, as are the minute indicators in the sandwich-style chapter ring.
The dial, itself, is available in four colourways: Larkspur Blue (featured here), Snowfall White, Midnight Black, and Amaranth. The deep gloss finish of each is meant to resemble wet ink. All variations have a black printed cross-hair motif.
SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 39mm Diameter 48.5mm Lug to Lug 10.5mm Thick 20mm Lug Width 50m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire /w AR Undercoating Sandwich Dial /w Applied Markers BGW9 Super-LumiNova on Hands and Markers |
| Movement | Miyota 9015 |
| Strap | Tapered Leather /w Stainless Steel Buckle |
Of Interest
Everything about the Linden is custom designed, from its case shape, handset, and indicators, right down to its strap buckle and tang. This is taken one step further by your ability to customize the custom. The Linden comes in a choice of seven handsomely tapered leather straps: Marina Blue (featured here), Fieldstone (pictured below), Oxblood, Caramel, Vintage Green, Tuxedo and Vintage Black. The price, depending upon your choice of strap, ranges from $580-590USD.
Quibbles
A custom bracelet option would be a thoughtful addition.
Final Thoughts
Visitor has quickly established itself as synonymous with fresh, bold designs. They strive for the “interesting and unexpected” in everything they create. The Linden is no exception. There is a playful elegance in this timepiece. The dial is striking; the case, refined and dignified. Like most Visitor watches, the devil is in the details. From the original handset and indices to the custom rotor engraving, the Linden has been custom designed from the ground up. At the same time, this is not a watch with universal appeal. Its quirky individuality will be outside the comfort zone for some. But then, Visitor is not seeking to blend in. No matter how you interpret the Linden, you are unlikely to forget it.
For more information, visit the brand’s website.
Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch (or strap…) in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.
Doesn’t work for me. The indices, hands, name placement just doesn’t do it for me. Finishing looks good, that’s on point it seems
Intriguing shade of blue with a great name – Larkspur.
What a unique-looking handset!