A spindle unit includes an elongated shaft, a tubular housing surrounding the shaft, a locating rolling bearing in the interior of the housing that is mounted on the shaft, and a non-locating rolling bearing provided in the interior of the housing and mounted on the shaft, wherein the two bearings are spaced apart along the shaft. The bearing housing is made as two identical halves, each of which is formed as a generally semi-tubular shell-formed member, having radii of varying size in the longitudinal direction thereof, with end portions closely adjoining to the shaft. Each bearing housing half is provided with an arrangement adapted to interconnect the two bearing housing halves in a weatherproof manner. The spindle unit can be incorporated into a fishing reel and a wind gauge.