Tusenö, Swedish for Common Sense
Everybody likes a deal. Everybody. But what makes a deal sweeter is when you know you haven’t had to make any compromises to attain it. That’s the Swiss Made Tusenö Shellback V2. Value-packed. Feature-heavy. Well built. And just plain attractive.
The Swedish microbrand has done just about everything possible to construct a universally palatable diver without stumbling into the homage rabbit hole. Out of the box, you get the distinct impression that you are handling a watch of quality. The heft and tolerances exude solidity. On wrist, the balance is perfect.
Ky Features of the Tusenö Shellback V2
Measuring in at 40mm in diameter, and fashioned largely from brushed stainless steel, the diver looks and feels every inch a tool watch. At 47mm lug to lug, it seats nicely, yet commands presence with its domed sapphire crystal and lovely sandwich-style dial—which conversely to the case finishing is polished to a high enamel sheen. It stands about 11.9mm tall, though certainly the crystal adds a little to this. But its flat link bracelet—with its comfortable faceting and chamfering—does a great job providing stability.
It sports a screw-down crown and case back—with the latter being stamped, and the former being signed, with the brand logo. The crown is particularly well-sized and easy to manipulate. Like a true diver, the Shellback V2 offers up 200m water resistance.
The black colourway featured here (the watch is also available in white, blue and DLC) is especially sharp, I think. Its stark, graphic dial—broken up by just the right balance of white—really pops. And up close the sandwich-style construction is detailed and precise. The white chapter ring and the large hour markers, made even larger by the similarly-coloured surrounds, are a study in legibility. I also really appreciate the custom handset and the way the hour hand sweeps over the model name, revealing it slowly letter by letter. The date window is a touch of class.
In addition, the watch is an absolute lume monster. The generous application of BGW9 Super-LumiNova literally shines, and its lavished everywhere on the dial—as well as the ceramic bezel insert.
To power this vehicle, Tusenö have equipped the Shellback V2 with the Sellita SW-200. The Swiss workhorse is a 4Hz movement with a 42-hour power reserve and serviceable the world over.
If all this weren’t enough, for a watch well under $1000, the aforementioned bracelet also provides for a diver’s extension and a hidden “on-the-fly” micro-adjust.
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SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 40mm Diameter 47mm Lug to Lug 11.9mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down & Case Back 120 Click Unidirectional Bezel 200m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Double Domed Sapphire Crystal Black Enamel Sandwich Dial Custom Handset BGW9 Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Sellita SW 200 26 Jewels 28 800bph 42-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Stainless Steel Flat Link Bracelet /w Micro-adjusting Clasp |
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Final Thoughts
The Tusenö Shellback V2 hits a little like the Seiko SPB143/7 in its sizing and in the way it wears. It’s solid. You feel its presence always on your wrist. It’s unmistakably a purpose-driven diver. However, the value presented by the Shellback V2 is unarguably superior (and I love the 63MAS reissues). You get a lumed ceramic bezel; a far better bracelet with “on-the-fly” comfort adjust; and a more accurate movement. The Shellback V2 dial is also a very thoughtful design that brings a hint of luxury to the watch. Its custom handset is a highlight. So is the lume.
In the end, Tusenö does with the Shellback V2 what we should expect from a good microbrand–it delivers more for less.
Pre-orders for the Tusenö Shellback V2 are now open at $649USD and will receive a complimentary strap. Delivery is expected in the Summer of 2024. For more information, please visit the brand website.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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