Manufacture History

Founded in 2010 in West Sussex, England, Schofield Watch Company is the brainchild of Blair Schofield, a designer with a passion for military history and mechanical horology. The brand quickly gained attention for its debut model, the Signal, a striking field watch with a distinctive crown guard. The B6 followed as a dedicated dive watch, inspired by the vintage Royal Navy diving equipment and the rugged tools of the 1960s. Schofield prides itself on small-batch production, with each watch hand-assembled and finished to exacting standards. The B6 is a testament to the brand's philosophy: no shortcuts, no trends, just honest craftsmanship.

Movement

At the heart of the B6 beats a Sellita SW200-1, a workhorse automatic movement that has earned its reputation for reliability. With a 38-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vph, it delivers smooth sweeping seconds and a date function at 3 o'clock. While not COSC-certified, the movement is regulated to within -4/+8 seconds per day in our testing, which is more than acceptable for a tool watch. The caseback is exhibition, revealing the movement's perlage decoration and blued screws — a touch of haute horlogerie rarely seen in a diver. The movement is not in-house, but that's a pragmatic choice that keeps service costs reasonable and reliability high.

Specifications

The B6's case is a study in utilitarian elegance. The brushed finish is consistent, and the knurled bezel is a joy to grip — it rotates with a precise, clicky action that's both tactile and audible. The screw-down crown is signed with the Schofield 'S' and operates smoothly. The domed sapphire crystal adds a vintage touch while maintaining scratch resistance. The lume, applied generously to the indices and hands, glows a brilliant blue-green that lasts through the night.

Wrist Feel

On the wrist, the B6 wears larger than its 42mm diameter suggests, thanks to a thick case and broad bezel. The 48mm lug-to-lug keeps it manageable on average wrists, but the weight (around 120g) is reassuringly solid without being cumbersome. The included leather strap is supple and breaks in quickly, though the absence of a quick-release system is a minor inconvenience. The domed sapphire crystal adds vintage charm, and the screw-down crown operates with a satisfying mechanical click. Overall, it's a watch that demands presence — you'll know it's there, but it never feels like a burden.

Accuracy

In real-world testing, the Sellita SW200-1 inside the B6 performed admirably, averaging +4 seconds per day when worn regularly. In static positions, it ranged from -2 to +8 seconds, which is well within acceptable tolerances for a non-COSC movement. The power reserve of 38 hours is modest by modern standards, but sufficient for daily wear if you rotate it every other day. Overall, you can expect reliable, no-fuss accuracy that keeps you within a minute per week — perfectly adequate for a dive watch of this nature.

Occasions

The B6 is a versatile companion. Its 300m water resistance and unidirectional bezel make it a legitimate dive tool, though the leather strap is not ideal for underwater use — swap to a NATO or rubber strap for actual diving. On land, it transitions effortlessly from a casual weekend to a business-casual environment. The design leans sporty, but the hand-finished details and domed crystal give it a dressy edge that works with a blazer. It's also a great travel companion, thanks to its robust build and date complication.

Wrist Presence

4/5 - The B6 commands attention with its distinctive knurled bezel and brushed case. It's not as loud as a Panerai, but its unique design ensures it stands out in a sea of derivative divers. The lume is exceptionally bright, adding to its after-dark appeal.

Reference Variants

The B6 is available in two main references: the standard B6 with a black dial and tan leather strap, and the B6 Olive with a green dial and brown leather strap. The Olive edition is a limited run that pays homage to military field watches, and it's become a collector's favorite. Both variants share the same case and movement, differing only in dial and strap color. There are also options for a steel bracelet (sold separately) and additional strap choices through Schofield's boutique.

Family and Other Models

The B6 is part of Schofield's 'Diver' family, which also includes the Signal — a field watch with a distinctive crown guard — and the Diver, a more straightforward dive watch with a rotating bezel. The B6 is the most characterful of the trio, with its cushion-shaped case and oversized bezel. If you're new to the brand, the B6 is the perfect entry point.

Similar Watches

In the world of luxury divers, the B6 competes with the Rolex Submariner, Tudor Black Bay, and Omega Seamaster 300. While those are excellent watches, they lack the quirky charm of the B6. For a similar price, you could also consider the DOXA Sub 300 or the Oris Divers Sixty-Five, but neither offers the B6's level of hand-finishing and British heritage.

Homages and Alternatives

If the B6's price tag is a stretch, there are budget-friendly alternatives like the Steinhart Ocean One (around $500) or the Seiko Turtle (around $400). These offer similar dive capabilities but lack the B6's artisanal touch and exclusivity. For those who appreciate the design, the B6 is worth saving up for.

Investment Value

With an MSRP of $2,950, the B6 is priced competitively for an independent luxury watch. Pre-owned prices typically range from $2,000 to $2,800, indicating a stable market. The B6 is not a skyrocketing investment piece — it's a niche product with limited demand — but it holds its value well compared to some mass-market divers. If you buy it to wear and enjoy, it will retain a good portion of its original value. Auction appearances are rare, and when they occur, they fetch near-retail prices.

Service and Maintenance

Schofield recommends servicing the B6 every 5 years, which costs around $500. The movement is a standard Sellita, so any competent watchmaker can service it, though Schofield's own service center ensures authentic parts. The sapphire crystal and 300m water resistance mean you won't need to worry about everyday wear and tear.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Final Verdict

The Schofield B6 is a triumph of character over conformity. It's a dive watch that doesn't try to be a Submariner, and that's exactly its appeal. With its rugged good looks, reliable movement, and unmistakable British charm, it's a piece for the collector who values originality. While it may not be the most technically advanced diver on the market, it wins hearts with its soul. If you're after a watch that tells a story, the B6 is a compelling choice.