I've been in the market for a smaller-sized skindiver for a while but could never really settle on any of the ones I saw. Mostly because I didn't want to spend what some brands are charging. Then I stumbled upon the Sheffield 1A series and really liked the looks. The green lume, the coffin-style indices, the awesome handset, and cursive "Sheffield" logo are all so cool looking. I usually go for watches in the 42mm range, but I didn't like the looks of the crown guards on the 40mm so I went with the 1A 38. The price was definitely right, but for the amount I wasn't expecting a whole lot.
Well, I'm very pleased to say that the watch is even better looking and performing in person! First off, I ordered it on a Friday afternoon and it arrived the following Monday. As for the watch itself, the applied indices are really nice and something you almost never see at this price-point. The bezel lines up perfectly and the action is smooth with no back-play. It's odd that it's a 90-click bezel, but it works. The case finishing is perfectly fine for this price-point, although I would have preferred a fully brushed case rather than polished sides. But I understand that polishing is easier than brushing, so I get it. The strap is surprisingly good and very comfortable. It's not as supple as a genuine Tropic, but it is very good. And there is no wiggle in the lug holes like you sometimes find with inexpensive watches and straps with shoddy springbars. The best part? My watch is running dead-on and hasn't gained or lost a single second in the 30 hours I've been wearing it. This thing is running better than my COSC watches!
Downsides? Honestly, just a few nit-picky things that don't detract from the watch at all. For one, the website says the lugs are drilled but they are not. I would have also liked to see a lumed pip on the bezel, although I understand that it wasn't on the original either so I get the reason why. The 90-click bezel is an odd choice, but since it lines up perfectly I'm not really complaining. A Miyota 9000 series movement would allow the case to be even thinner and would run at 4 beats per second. But it would also increase the cost. And, while a smoother second hand is always nice, the NH35 is a really robust movement (and mine is running like a top!) that is easy and cheap to replace if it ever needs service, so I don't mind the slight judder of a 3 Hz movement.
Overall, this is one helluva great watch at an amazing price! Seriously, I'm blown away at how nice it is. I have watches that cost more than ten times what the 1A 38mm does, but none of them keep time as accurately as this one does.
I ordered my first Sheffield watch 1A Black several years ago. I wanted something that looked good, reliable, well priced and quality workmanship. I got all four with Sheffield Watches. Nine models later, I am waiting for my tenth. A Superproduction Model, I can't wait to wear it. The Customer Service and follow up is 10 out of 10. And Jay is always adding new pieces to the Sheffield Collection
The watch looks great. The build quality is very high. I just love the way it looks.
I plan on doing a full review on my channel, but here are a few words. I’m wearing it right now. It’s got a look like nothing else I own. I like how the strap is long enough for my wrist. The size is great, too. The overall fit, finish, and feel of the watch is, shall we say, pleasant. Nice enough polishing on the sides with a soft lateral brushing on the top of the case and lugs. The dial is cool-looking with the vintage aesthetic, but I’m not sure how I feel about the silver/steel-bordered indices. Some will probably like the black coating g on the rotating bezel, but to me it makes it look cheap. Almost like plastic. Regardless, I’m happy to have it and can recommend it. But if you can find a discount code or when it’s on sale would be best.
Excellent quality materials and craftsmanship at a very reasonable price. Specs you want at a price you like.
I LOVE THIS WATCH! The 1A 38 Black/Blue's fit and finish is A+. I did not purchase this model because of the price, I bought it because this nostalgic model reminds me to my previously owned Swiss made divers. I love the face design and its details: I love the contrast between the brass hands, the red touch on the sweeping second hand, and the black dial with its blue markers. All well balanced in its execution and design. The lume is so, so, but I did not purchase the watch for its lume; being 70-years old with glasses, readability is no issue in dim light. I also love the magnification of the date—it's a great feature and touch. Even thought the bezel is simple coated aluminum, it works well and is true to its original design. Add the 20ATM and you have a perfect all-day diver that is classic and well executed. The NH35 Seiko has been spot on. Very impressed with its time keeping so far. I considered buying a Tudor 54, but this watch at 38mm is a perfect fit and as nice as the Tudor I looked, but for less. great job, Jay!
I love this watch. It definitely punches above its price point. The lume is bright and lasts. It gets a lot of wrist time.
I love the size and the design of the Solar Black. Very easy to read, very legible. However, I'm disappointed in the lume. The lume is not bright and fades quickly. The lume pictures on the website are misleading by being "enhanced". I was also disappointed to see the so-called drilled lugs are only for looks. The spring-bar actually uses a hole near the drilled lug. Despite these issues I actually enjoy wearing the watch. It has a regular spot in my rotation.
I love this watch! It cheers me up every time I put it on and gaze into the dark blue sunburst dial. It has been keeping excellent time and I’m grateful for its water resistance and FKM strap when I wear it during my water aerobics classes and in my pool. I have several watches and some of which are from luxury brands that cost many multiples more than my Sheffield, but none give me as much pleasure. Please keep up the great work.
I love this watch. It’s slightly bigger than what I would usually buy, but the lug to lug is short enough that it wears great. It’s an attention getter and has quickly become my most worn watch.
I own a lot of watches and just bought this Sheffield and absolutely love it. I have worn it the most. It goes with workout clothes, swimming, golfing, and to the office. Beautiful features and can be worn with any outfit.
Lotta watch for the price. Nice proportions. Nice finishing. Accurate so far. Lume is acceptable. My first FKM strap and I’m not mad at it (but also haven’t had it in the pool yet). I think is is hands down the best way to go if you’re in the market for a solar quartz watch.
Excellent quality all around and I regularly get compliments on the aesthetics!
I like this watch a lot! I get compliments regularly. It is the best of everything: not too big, not too small. Not too obnoxiously fancy, but understated classy / and stylish. I own several watches, some that cost a lot more than this - but this is my favorite.
In general this watch looks great - the brown edging, the strap, the cutout hands... Seriously, this is a really good-looking watch, and not just in a 'nice for the price' way - it compares well to my much more expensive watches...
However...
The automatic movement is LOUD. Like, bring your wrist up to 8" away from your face, and you will hear the auto winder spinning. Maybe I just a particularly loud one, but it's surprising. YMMV.
The case is much deeper than I expected - deeper than my other Sheffield watches. This isn't a bad thing at all - it's just something to be aware of - the overall design aesthetic might lead you to believe that it's relatively slim, and it's not. Again, not in a problematic way - it just caught me by surprise.
The cutout hands look great in the light and the lume is very good in the dark, but TBH, they're kinda hard to read on a bright day -I find myself tilting the watch bank and forth sometimes. Again, not a problem - it's mainly my old eyes...
Overall, a great dress watch and a bit of a statement piece. Despite the 'bad' things' I mention, I really like the Rally.
Love it! Bought the red/blue GMT first then the 1A. For the price it’s hard to find a better automatic. Great looking unique style, feels solid, robust movement, lume is good (including fully lined bezel), winding is smooth, bezel action tight, strap supple, plus 200m WR! I’d say it’s a home run!
Jay, the watch is a SOLID value for money. love the Solar. Love the size. Case finishing is really nice. Lume on bezel and applied markers is great. Now for things I don't like or would have paid a bit extra for. The size of the hands are a bit too narrow and the hour marker a bit short. because of this the lume on the hands is bad, really bad compared to the rest of the lume. The bracelet is OK for the money but I would have loved an on the fly adjustment and would have been OK with a higher spend. The fact is I immediately took the bracelet off and added my own strap, so thanks for the common lug! Might I suggest you option a tropical or other option of strap with this as that is hoe I would have preferred to purchase in the first place. keep of the good works.
As it's my third Sheffield Diver1 watch (less than a year), I would proudly recommend to anyone who is looking for a high-quality watch without breaking the bank. Sheffield is great watch company to start your watch collection.
