Sheffield Allsport: A Microbrand That’s Built to Last

Sheffield Allsport: A Brand Built for Adventure

Some microbrands come and go, but a few carve out an identity strong enough to last. Sheffield Allsport is proving to be one of the latter. With a foundation rooted in nostalgia, rugged field performance, and an obsession with build quality, this isn’t just another startup throwing together watches from off-the-shelf parts—it’s a revival of a personal legacy.

Origins: A Childhood Watch Reborn

The story behind Sheffield Allsport is personal. Founder Jay Turkbas received his first dive watch as a child—a Sheffield Allsport, the inspiration for today’s lineup. That early timepiece survived everything he threw at it, cementing his love for watches and igniting the spark that would one day lead to Sheffield’s rebirth.

Turkbas, a veteran of product development with over 30 years of experience in sporting goods and manufacturing, took his expertise and applied it to a watch brand that prioritizes durability, affordability, and transparency.

Unlike many microbrands that hide their production origins, Sheffield Allsport proudly acknowledges that their watches are assembled in China using Japanese Miyota movements—a choice made to balance high-quality materials with affordability.

What Makes Sheffield Allsport Stand Out?

It’s easy for microbrands to get lost in the noise. Many launch with the same generic cases, dials, and borrowed design elements, making them indistinguishable from dozens of other brands.

Sheffield Allsport, however, stands out in three key ways:

• Serious build quality at an insane price – These watches feature 316L stainless steel, screw-down crowns, sapphire crystals, and 200m water resistance—specs that typically cost double or triple the price elsewhere.

• A practical, no-frills approach – Turkbas deliberately opted for Miyota quartz movements in some models because they offer superior accuracy and reliability without inflating costs unnecessarily. The goal? A watch that takes a beating without compromise.

• A personal touch and a real community – Sheffield has built an active Instagram following where the brand’s engagement with customers is real. That’s how I discovered them, and their photography and storytelling immediately pulled me in.

How Sheffield Compares to Legacy Field Watch Brands

• Hamilton’s Khaki Field has been the go-to for many, but at its price point, some are hesitant to take it into rough conditions. Sheffield’s Allsport series delivers comparable design and durability at a fraction of the cost.

• While Seiko field and dive watches are legendary, Sheffield offers bolder colorways, better stock straps, and stronger lume than many of their competitors in the same price range.

• Unlike mass-market brands, Sheffield feels personal—it was built by someone who genuinely loved their first field watch and wanted to share that feeling with others.

The Future of Sheffield Allsport

Sheffield is still in its early stages, but based on the success of the 1A 38 Black Orange and GMT White, the potential is clear. Here’s where I see them heading:

• A growing fanbase – With their authentic engagement on social media and strong community-building, Sheffield is gaining serious traction.

• Potential automatic models – If demand is there, I could see Sheffield expanding into affordable automatic options while keeping their quartz models as no-nonsense daily beaters.

• More rugged field & tool watches – Given their sporty, durable focus, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sheffield lean further into adventure-ready watches designed for serious use.

• An expansion beyond watches – With Turkbas’ background in product development, Sheffield could easily expand into gear and accessories designed for field-ready operators.

Final Thoughts: A Brand Worth Watching

Sheffield Allsport proves that great watches don’t need to cost a fortune. By prioritizing durability, value, and design, they’ve crafted watches that punch far above their weight.

This isn’t just another microbrand—it’s a personal passion project that turned into something special.

If you’re looking for a tough, wearable, no-nonsense watch that you’re not afraid to actually use, Sheffield Allsport is the real deal. I’m excited to see where they go next.