Friday, February 22, 2013

A Few Minutes with Morten Linde

As with many great brands, Linde Werdelin is really a collaboration.  In this case between Creative Director Morten Linde and his colleague Jorn Werdelin.  So now a few minutes with the "design side" of Linde Werdelin, Morten Linde.
Courtesy of Linde Werdelin
Tempus Fugit - What was your first watch?  Was it a gift?  Is there a story behind it?

Morten Linde - I received a mechanical watch when I was 18 years old.  It was a gift and I later gave it to my son.


TF - When you were a boy, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?

ML - I’ve always had a creative mind. At 17, I discovered The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts while I was in the process of applying for University and realised I wanted to be a designer.



TF - What are some of the things you did prior to entering the watch industry?


ML - Product design - some of which has been award winning, I also set up my own studio and worked on renewed Danish and international brands.



TF - While you are a well-known designer, you were not always involved in watch design - what got you started?  What are some of the special challenges in designing a watch?

ML - Prior to the creation of Linde Werdelin I did indeed design other watches and I have always felt affection for this long lasting and valuable object.  I started this company with Jorn, whom I’ve known since I was at school and we shared the same interests. Some of the particular challenges are given by the ability of combining different elements of a watch such as case, dial, movement, crown, bezel etc… and make the timepiece work forever.



TF - Your partner in this enterprise, Jorn Werdelin is known as both an entrepreneur and a free spirit - how does your working relationship work?

ML - It works great, as we are long-time friends with the same shared passion for watches.



TF - What is it that makes Linde Werdelin special?

ML - We have a strong DNA and our products have a strong personality - we are a  free spirited company.



TF - What is a typical day in the life of Morten Linde?

ML - I spend most of the day in the office, working on design and overseeing the Image of the brand.  I liaise all day with London (our marketing department).  Ultimately but most importantly I take care of my  family.



TF - I realize it might be difficult, but what is your favourite Linde Werdelin?

ML - I am always passionate about the watch I am working on right now.



TF - What are some of the challenges facing Linde Werdelin?

ML - To keep on doing as well as we are doing now.



TF - What are Linde Werdelin's strongest markets?

ML - Are strongest markets right now are Asia and the US.



TF - How do you see Linde Werdelin developing in the coming years?

ML - Exploring and being innovative with more materials and movements.



TF - What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

ML - Spending time with my family, skiing and always working!



TF - If you weren't involved with what you're doing with Linde Werdelin, what do you think you might be doing?

ML - Nothing else. 



TF - What advice do you have for the next Morten Linde out there?

ML - Be true to yourself, do whatever you think is right but know how to work with other people.

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