Other
1973 Benrus Type-2 (Class A) "Milsub"
This Benrus Type II Class B is built like a tank and for a good reason. In the 70’s, the American military needed a dive watch made to a particular specification outlining their needs for a diving watch under military specification MIL-W-50717. Benrus answered the military's call and came up with the Benrus Type-II.
Being that this was a high-quality piece of equipment built for a specific need, the United States Army as well as the United States Navy, issued these watches to only the most elite military units. Both the U.S. Army's' Rangers and Green Berets as well as to the U.S. Navy Seals and UDT (Underwater Demolition Team) divers were issued the Benrus Type II.
The case of the Benrus Type II is referred to as a "monocoque" case, rather than the more ordinarily known "monobloc" style case. "Monocoque" relates to the construction of the case as a sort of vessel that holds the dial, hands, movement while the bezel envelops the domed crystal, ultimately allowing this watch to be taken apart through the top or face of the watch instead of through the back like most dive watches is very unique and adds to the durability and ruggedness of the watch. The Benrus Type II has fixed spring bars like other Issued dive watches which adds extra security and one less failure point, a serial dial meaning that there is no logo or branding, and is bead blasted for the anti-reflective requirements required by the men who wore them.
The caseback is stamped with the mil-spec number (MIL-W-50717), the NSN Number as well as the actual military inventory number used to check in and check out service equipment similar to what you would find on a firearm and or any other issued technical piece of equipment.
SPECS
Stock # | BENTYP-2MIL-2 | |
Brand | Bernus | |
Style | Military Dive Watch | |
Model | Type II | |
Serial | 00694 | |
Size | Men's | |
Material | SS | |
Dial | Matte Black | |
Millimeters | 42mm | |
Bracelet | Nato Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The case is in wonderful original condition showing the original factory bead blasted finishing sharp case lines and fixed springbars. The bezel does show some wear but is original to the watch and common for the reference. The crown is also original to the watch showing the correct dash or ( I ) as it would have come from Benrus. The watch will be supplied on an olive drab NATO strap
DIAL & HANDS
The dial remains in wonderful condition, the tritium lume triangles at each out have taken on a creamy and warm patina. The tritium filled hands have also taken on a striking patina and when both the dial and hands are inspected under U.V. light they show minimal lume degradation
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time at spec and functioning properly, extend service history is unknown.