All of the reasons why, and story of the revival of Sheffield remain the same as told in the original narrative below when I debuted the Sheffield Allsport Diver 1.
The Allsport Diver 1A is something even more special because it is the “Homage” the “Update” in watch-speak of my original Sheffield. The “A” stands for Automatic which is as close as I could get to my original hand wind. Actually the 1A can be hand wound but it’s true feature is the Seiko NH35 24 jewel movement which has 40 hours of reserve and -20 to +40 seconds accuracy per day.
All of the other performance specifications are in line with all other Sheffield watches. Sapphire crystal, 316L steel cases, aluminum bezel. The extra boost of full Swiss lume for all indices and numbers. And of course a modern “Diving” watch requires at least 20 ATM water resistance. Which the 1A has along with its true to heritage FKM rubber Tropic strap.
Visually, the “Update” is as true as possible to the original range of Sheffield Allsport Divers. The color of the indices and numbers as well as the custom tooled hands, even the cyclops date window. But the added bonus is the replica engraving of the diver on the case back which adds a special touch.
The focus on value and price remains paramount. Originally, automatic Sheffield watches ranged anywhere from $19.50 to $22.00 from the late ’60s to the early ’70s. I will use 1970, as I did for the ALLSPORT 1. With inflation, that price lands in the mid-$170s today. And since we have been ending on the 8s, the 1A will be launched at $178.00.
Today, in 2026, due to cost increases across all aspects of parts, labor, shipping, and duty, we have raised the price of the 1A to $218. The quality-and-value focus of Sheffield remains constant, and these new costs reflect that reality.
The 2023 Sheffield Allsport 1A, as well as the expanded model range in 2026, is actually a far more robust watch than its ’70s ancestor. But back in the day, it was still a “Diver,” and so is the 1A.
I am very pleased with this watch in so many ways!
Jay
