Actually Affordable: Shellback V2 Dive Watch
"the fact that you can get a Swiss-made diver with a distinct design and this level of attention to detail ultimately makes the Tusenö Shellback V2 an incredibly compelling value proposition"
Actually Affordable: Shellback V2 Dive Watch
"the fact that you can get a Swiss-made diver with a distinct design and this level of attention to detail ultimately makes the Tusenö Shellback V2 an incredibly compelling value proposition"
A stylish Swedish dive watch that’s a cut above most independent offerings
Turn the lights off and the Tusenö Shellback impresses even more. As a watch writer I’m often guilty of using the phrase “a generous amount of lume” but hot damn, this watch absolutely glows! Tusenö are on to a winner here.
Hands-On With The Stunning Tusenö Shellback V2 Dive Watch
More than its design and specs, to me, the Shellback V2 shines for having a balanced design and outstanding finishing.
Shellback features a so-called sandwich dial that blends form and function to offer an unparalleled visual and functional experience.
The lower dial serves a practical purpose, with applied Super-LumiNova to illuminate the hour indices. These indices are hollowed out in the upper layer of the dial, creating an intriguing play of depth and light. Meanwhile, the upper dial is the canvas that features striking design elements.
The Shellback dial incorporates unique design elements that draw inspiration from nautical charts. The minute rail, for example, showcases a variety of single, fixed, and flashing lighthouse characters, subtly modified to seamlessly integrate with the watch's overall design.
The hand set featured in Shellback is the same original and highly popular design, known for its distinctive feature - a hollow circle on the hour hand that seamlessly aligns with the curvature of the model name on the dial.
These hands are sharp and generously filled with Super-LumiNova, ensuring that you can easily tell the time in any lighting condition.
Shellback boasts a ceramic bezel inlay, a material renowned both for its remarkable durability and aesthetics. Just like the sapphire crystal, it's nearly impervious to scratches, ensuring that the bezel retains its pristine appearance.
This bezel doesn't only shine in the daylight; it also glows at night. Each etched marker on the bezel is filled with SuperLumiNova, ensuring effortless readability in low-light conditions.
Both the caseback and crown proudly showcase our symbol, "The Guiding Light." It's our reinterpretation of a sector lighthouse indicator, a navigational aid that plays a crucial role in guiding ships safely through challenging waters, particularly during the night.
Since the development of Shellback began in 2018, we've dedicated ourselves to crafting the perfect bracelet. Our vision from the outset was to create a "flat link" bracelet, several prototypes have been produced to achieve this goal since then.
The bracelet's flat design creates an enchanting play of light, and a polished chamfer continues around the entire bracelet, harmonizing seamlessly with the case and clasp.
To enhance both comfort and adjustability, we've introduced a sleek clasp with an internal 9 mm "on-the-fly extension".
Not that into bracelets, don’t worry - Shellback is a true "strap monster," effortlessly looking great on a variety of strap options. To make changing between your favorite styles a breeze, we've equipped the bracelet with quick-change spring bars, eliminating the need for any tools.
Shellback excels in both daytime and nighttime aesthetics. The hands, dial, and bezel are generously filled with Swiss BGW9 SuperLumiNova, ensuring exceptional legibility in low-light conditions.
On the date versions, we've added a thoughtful touch by applying luminova around the date window. This not only enhances visibility but also maintains a harmonious and uniform look across the watch face.
For the seasoned sailor, the term "Shellback" likely resonates and may even describe your own maritime journey. Earning the prestigious Shellback title is a testament to one's ability to confront the perils of the deep sea and successfully cross the equator. In the modern era, this achievement may seem relatively manageable, but in days of old, it was a difficult task.
The term "Shellback" draws its roots from the legendary toughness of a turtle's shell, symbolizing the tenacity required by sailors to traverse the equator. Inspired by this maritime tradition and the unwavering spirit it embodies.