Hamlet’s timekeeping

When one thinks of Europe and watchmaking, one immediately thinks Switzerland; and that’s not surprising given that over half of the world’s timepiece production can be traced to the country. Denmark on the other hand, while publicized as the happiest country in Europe, is ironically known for the morose Prince Hamlet, and, at times, the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen. But if Danes Morton Linde and Jorn Werdelin have any say in the matter, Denmark would also gain a reputation in specialized watch design, thanks to their line of Linde Werdelin timepieces. And while, yes, the watches are manufactured in Switzerland, the unique proposition of marrying analog to read time, with digital to assimilate technical details, is a proudly Danish design.

The Linde Werdelin timepiece is a sports watch married to a professional digital instrument used for skiing, mountaineering and diving. It was born out of a serious skiing accident that Jorn Werdelin suffered in 1996 — in sudden bad weather, he skied off a cliff and broke his back. Werdelin partnered with Linde in 2002 to develop a true “watch + instrument” idea, which finally went to market in 2006. Since then, it has not looked back and now exists as the most reputable high-end watch company producing digital instruments for skiing and diving. The Oktopus, the Spido and the Reef, are among the trademark names the company is known for, combining both fresh and colorful designs with reliable measuring instruments.

Jorn Werdelin was a recent Manila visitor, invited by Wellington Soong, who represents the Linde Werdelin that can be found at the Washington watch stores. Given that the Love Month is here, this is a great gift suggestion for any sportsman, or action-oriented person. Several of the models also have the option of straps that are either alligator, rubber or textile. Bold strong colors give the watch vitality and playfulness that are consistent with the company’s DNA. Methinks even Hamlet would have possessed a sunny countenance, if he had a Linde Werdelin watch strapped around his wrist! Far better equipped to face the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.

The best and the not-so-brightest

The three novels today are a mixed bunch, the common thread being the quality of the writing. Robert Galbraith is JK Rowling taking an excursion into crime fiction, while dab-hand William Boyd turns in a Bond novel. As for Padgett Powell, it’s an experimental fiction lark with two bright “idiots” as protagonists.

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (available at National Book Store) A veritable page-turner, The Cuckoo’s Calling is Rowling’s successful foray into writing a detective novel. Measured, leaving no stone unturned, this is Rowling writing in a style reminiscent of both Agatha Christie and Patricia Highsmith. It’s set in today’s world of supermodels, celebrities and musicians; and the high-stakes games that are played in this closeted gilded world. When a model plummets to her death from the balcony of her upmarket luxury condo, it’s left to private detective Cormoran Strike to prove it may not have been a suicide as the police believe. A one-legged war veteran, Strike is a wonderful creation and provides much of the charm of the novel.

Solo by William Boyd (available at National Book Store) A celebratory tribute to Ian Fleming and his James Bond series, Solo has renowned fiction writer William Boyd taking a turn at producing a new Bond adventure. He sets it in 1969, and utilizes his own West Africa experience to bring us a story that yes, does have a time warp element; but manages to stay fresh and keep us guessing at the outcome. The arch-villain, the women who scheme, seduce and are never mere fodder at James’ hands, the overriding themes of exploitation, world domination and the “bigger picture” are all accounted for. The fictitious African country has a history similar to Nigeria, and there are oil fields as the “prize.” Suave and debonair, this is vintage Bond!

You and Me by Padgett Powell (available at National Book Store) “Shooting the breeze” has taken on a new meaning in the hands of Powell and the two elderly, down-at-the-heels gentlemen who act as the only characters of this hilarious sprawling novel. Talking about the world at large, it’s the language, the dialogue, the wordplay, jokes and trenchant observations that sparkle and turn this meta-novel into such a delight. It’s like a prose version of Waiting for Godot, with elements of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. There’s an absurdist element that makes this novel something of a challenge to read, yet rewards the patient and persistent. Think of being entranced into a ruminative mood, punctuated by laughter.