The Tusenö Windseeker, A Serious All-Rounder Watch at a Fair Price

Recently, we’ve introduced a rather promising all-rounder watch coming from the North, the Windseeker made by a young Swedish micro-brand named Tusenö Watches. On paper, everything seemed good: nice design, an extensive list of specs, a pleasant blend of casualness and refinement, a Swiss movement and a truly attractive price. But that was on paper. So we decided to put this Tusenö Windseeker to a real-life test. Having the watch in the studio, we can now deliver an objective view of the watch… and it did not disappoint. 

Like many micro-brands these days, Tusenö Watches does not originate from one of the traditional hubs of watchmaking – Switzerland, Germany, Japan… Instead, Tusenö started as a project in 2015 in the city of Gothenburg, Sweden. We’ve said it many times: watchmaking was and still is global. Tusenö operations are based in this Northern country, with parts produced in Asia and Switzerland, the latter also being the place where the watches are assembled. While still relatively new, Tusenö made an interesting switch a few years ago, stating that “all new projects will be 100% mechanical”. You know us here, at MONOCHROME, such claims speak to us. And the brand also plans to take some of its production to Sweden.

About a month ago, we published an introducing article about the Windseeker, a model that somehow tickled our interest. But nothing beats a test on the wrist, and we had to confirm what seemed to be a fine, accessible watch. What is the Windseeker? As some will claim, an all-rounder or a GADA watch – an acronym that is becoming more and more popular, just like the genre it represents, the go-anywhere-do-anything watch. In short, we’re talking about an everyday sports watch, capable of withstanding a bit of action during the weekend but also retaining enough refinement to be worn during the week at the office – after all, many of us have long stored our suits and now go to work in far more casual attire. Watches are part of our lives and must adapt to the current mood. It is thus not a surprise to see a surge in popularity of such all-rounder watches.

Such everyday sports watches can be found across the entire spectrum of the watch industry, starting from accessible brands such as Tissot and Formex, as well as an array of micro-brands, up to far more luxurious brands like Omega, Rolex or Grand Seiko. All share the same basic concept, which makes it hard for them to stand out from the crowd. So what arguments does the Tusenö Windseeker bring to the table to stand apart?

First, it has a timeless design and pleasant proportions. The case, which seems fairly simple at first, measures an almost perfect 39mm diameter with a 11.5mm thickness, including the domed sapphire crystal. Length? About 47mm, which is not particularly short but feels adequate for the style of the watch. On my small 16.5cm wrist, the watch felt nicely proportioned, not overly long, and the slight thickness was somehow absorbed by the stepped case. The central section is relatively thin, adding to this sensation of a compact watch. In short, a size that will fit most wrists without problem.

The case has nice details overall, with very decent quality. While the sides are polished, the top surface of the lugs is brushed, and both sections are connected by an appealing bevel. The middle case is topped by a relatively high bezel, which once again combines several finishes: circular brushed at the bottom, polished bevel and vertically brushed top surface. The Windseeker comes fully equipped with AR coating on the sapphire crystal, a large screw-in crown with an embossed brand logo, a see-through screwed back and a depth rating of 100m. And once you have it in your hands, it has a reassuring heft, the kind of weight that contributes to the feel of quality.

Then there’s the dial, with a clear nautical theme and an Omega Aqua Terra vibe – no need to hide the truth, and both watches play in a different price range anyway. There’s enough uniqueness to the watch, however, to make sure it has its own identity. It features curved, engraved vertical lines inspired by the teak decks of classic sailing yachts, a sunray-brushed finishing and an outer minutes track executed with a grained texture. The result is quite appealing, specifically in that grey-blue colour that suits the whole nautical concept. A nice detail is that the date disc matches the colour of the dial, and touches of yellow add a bit of fun. The hands and applied markers, all nicely executed, are generously filled with Super-LumiNova.

Inside is a Swiss automatic movement by Sellita, a classic, tried-and-tested SW200 (a clone of the ETA 2824). While nothing fancy, it’s a reliable movement that will perfectly do the job and considering the price range, it’s pleasant to see this Swiss option and not a Miyota movement.

Last but not least, the bracelet (an important element in an all-rounder watch) is on par with the rest of the watch. Again, it’s pleasantly built, with brushed top surfaces and polished lateral bevels. It can be adjusted in length by screws (not pins) and is closed by a butterfly folding clasp. And if there’s no micro-adjustment device, at least the Tusenö delivers the Windseeker with half links, making sure to find the right fit. Optional leather straps (as you see in our photos) will be available from the brand at a slightly later date. The steel bracelet is secured with quick-release spring bars, making it easy to switch between strap and bracelet.

All in all, the Tusenö Windseeker comes as a seriously built watch with everything you need and a fresh look. It’s not revolutionary but it shouldn’t be as an everyday sports watch. And considering the price of EUR 749 or USD 699, it feels like a no-brainer. Overall, a pleasant surprise. The Windseeker is now immediately available and can be ordered from Tuseno.com.