Recently, we’ve stumbled upon a rather impressive all-rounder watch hailing from Sweden, known as the Windseeker, designed by the innovative micro-brand Tusenö Watches. At first glance, the specs painted a tantalizing picture: a stylish design, a robust feature set, an appealing balance of casual and refined aesthetics, all powered by Swiss movement, and most importantly, a price tag that's quite attractive for what it offers. But would it hold up in real-world scenarios? We decided to take the Tusenö Windseeker for a test drive, and the results were nothing short of exciting.

Unlike many of its counterparts that typically spring from the prestigious watchmaking centers like Switzerland, Germany, or Japan, Tusenö Watches started its journey in 2015 in Gothenburg, Sweden. It’s crucial to acknowledge that watchmaking today is a global phenomenon. Tusenö operates from its Nordic base while sourcing parts from Asia and Switzerland, where assembly takes place. Remarkably, a couple of years ago, the brand committed to ensuring that “all new projects will be 100% mechanical.” This approach aligns well with our taste for fine craftsmanship, and we’re excited to see the brand incorporate more Swedish production in future endeavors.

A month prior, we published an introductory piece on the Windseeker that piqued our interest. However, no article can replace the experience of wearing the watch. What is the Windseeker? It’s often described as an all-rounder or GADA watch—an increasingly popular acronym signaling a go-anywhere, do-anything timepiece. Essentially, this watch is robust enough for weekend adventures yet refined enough to complement business attire during the workweek. As our work culture shifts towards more casual wear, the demand for versatile timepieces has surged.

The market for everyday sports watches is extensive, encompassing well-known brands like Tissot and Formex, as well as numerous micro-brands, all the way to luxury names like Omega, Rolex, and Grand Seiko. Given the saturation of this category, what unique qualities does the Tusenö Windseeker bring to the table?

First and foremost, it boasts a timeless and comfortably proportioned design. The watch features a case diameter of 39mm and a thickness of 11.5mm, including a domed sapphire crystal. With a length of about 47mm, it has a balance that feels just right on various wrist sizes. On our small 16.5cm wrist, the Windseeker felt well-proportioned and compact, with its stepped case adding to the overall allure. The case itself showcases thoughtful design details and solid quality, with polished sides combined with brushed lugs, creating a compelling visual interplay.

The high bezel further enhances the aesthetic, employing multiple finishes: circular brushing at the rear, polished bevels, and a vertically brushed top. The watch is equipped with an anti-reflective (AR) sapphire crystal, a sturdy screw-in crown embossed with the brand logo, and a transparent case back, boasting a water resistance rating of 100 meters. In your hand, the Windseeker feels substantial, imparting a sense of quality that is often cherished in timepieces.

Turning our attention to the dial, there’s an evident nautical influence reminiscent of the Omega Aqua Terra—though the Windseeker confidently carves out its identity. The dial showcases elegantly curved, engraved vertical lines that evoke the teak decks of classic sailing yachts. Coupled with a sunray finish and a textured outer minutes track, the design creates an appealing visual landscape in its chic grey-blue color. The date disc is cleverly matched to the dial, along with subtle touches of yellow that add flair. Generous Super-LumiNova fills the hands and applied markers, ensuring legibility in various lighting conditions.

At its heart lies a Swiss automatic movement by Sellita, the reliable SW200, a well-respected clone of the ETA 2824. While it may lack the high-end complications of luxury models, it delivers the reliability expected from a timepiece in this price range—a commendable choice over some alternatives.

Last, but certainly not least, the bracelet is suitably built to match the watch’s overall quality. The bracelet features brushed top surfaces with polished bevels and uses screws for length adjustment, secured by a butterfly clasp. While there's no micro-adjustment system, Tusenö thoughtfully includes half links, helping you achieve an optimal fit. Optional leather straps will also be available in the near future, allowing wearers to customize their look effortlessly. Quick-release spring bars ensure ease when switching between the bracelet and a leather strap.

In conclusion, the Tusenö Windseeker stands out as an exciting addition to the world of all-rounder watches. With its striking design, quality build, and versatile nature, it appeals to both everyday wearers and horology enthusiasts. Don't miss out on this captivating timepiece that perfectly embodies the essence of modern watchmaking!