Sheffield Watches was willed back into existence in 2023, and in that short time, the brand has launched several successful models, including automatics and quartz, divers and drivers, and even a funky 24-hour watch. I have two more for review today: the Allsport Diver 1A Black ($198) and the Allsport Classic GT B1 ($138).
These two watches represent evolutionary steps in the first two Sheffields I reviewed. The GT B1 shares its case and bezel with the Allsport 1, the brand’s initial release, and the 1A Black is the Diver 1A in (you guessed it) black. I’ll start with the latter.
As I noted in my previous review, the 1A has a 40mm wide stainless steel case that is larger and thicker than a late 60s Sheffield but comfortably mid-sized. Its 48mm length should keep it neatly within the confines of most men’s wrists. Flat sides and chunky 13mm overall thickness announce its tool watch intentions. It’s burlier than its ancestor, but with an AR-coated sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown, and a 200m water resistance rating, it is also far more capable.
Incidentally, I love that the case back features an illustration of a diver and fish who could have swam right out of 1967.
The Diver 1A has the classic Sheffield look with dart markers, an arrowhead handset, a date magnifier, and mint-green lume. Inside, beats a modern Seiko NH35 automatic. Those vintage looks get a significant upgrade in the form of a glossy black, engraved, and fully lumed bezel insert.
Bezel action is much improved over that of the loose early Diver 1A I reviewed.
The “Black” part of the 1A Black is its PVD-coated case. Dark and shiny, it gives the 1A a bit of a modern edge. Instead of framing the face in a bright frame like the steel version, the inky barrel, crown, and bezel melt away, keeping your attention squarely on the dial. As a result, the Black version appears slightly smaller and slimmer.
Now, the Sheffield Allsport 1 Classic GT B1 is a slightly different animal. It derives from the first Sheffield I reviewed. If you recall, I liked the watch and the value it offered but wished it had retained the traditional Sheffield design cues. As you can see, the brand made my wish come true when they released the Diver. Meanwhile, the Allsport 1 morphed from watersport to motorsport. This a natural move as the man behind Sheffield’s revival, Jay Turkbas, is also a Porsche enthusiast.
The GT series retains the Allsport 1’s brushed and polished case, which has identical dimensions to the Diver 1A above but boasts slightly thicker lugs for a beefier look. It is also every bit as dive-worthy, right down to a rated 200m. Sapphire crystal? Screw down crown? Check and check.
Like the model I initially reviewed, the GT B1 has a newer look to the applied markers in its diver’s layout and smaller, less exaggerated hands than its retro sibling. It also has a brushed and polished bezel insert that is free of lume and, for that matter, contrast. This is an odd choice for a diver but perhaps less so for a racer’s watch, where the timing feature is more for occasional convenience and general appearance than necessity.
A blue-gray sunray dial, two-tone racing stripes signal, and red lollipop second hand signals the GT’s motorsport aspirations. Maybe a chronograph would be more on the nose, but not every automobile-inspired watch needs that function. Indeed, race timing is far more likely to be performed by someone who is not behind the wheel.
That blue dial shifts from slate to navy, depending on the light. Its other light-dependent feature is its movement, a Miyota 2070 solar quartz. I believe this was a wise choice, as many watch nerds who will turn their noses up at a typical quartz have no such qualms about solar.
On the underside, you will find no decoration, just a businesslike case back listing the watch’s vital statistics.
The GT and Diver displayed adequate lume glow when the lights went down. It is interesting to see how the GT’s absence of a lumed bezel and smaller dial elements make it look significantly smaller than the Diver. If you prefer, you can order the gray GT with a black bezel or in blue with Gulf livery stripes and a blue bezel insert, both of which have lumed markers.
Both the Diver 1A and the GT come equipped with 20mm FKM rubber straps in a vintage tropic style with quick-release pins. They are soft, comfortable, and look right at home on these watches. As you can see in my wrist shots, the 130/80mm straps are on the long side, but this is not a bad thing (my wrists are a smallish 6.75″), and multitudinous holes offer a wide range of adjustments. \
The Sheffield Allsport Diver 1A Black and GT B1 are worthy additions to the new Sheffield line and provide excellent value for the money. Head over to sheffieldwatches.com and check them out along with the rest of the Sheffield range. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at just how far your watch dollar can go.
