Benrus
1976 Benrus Type-2 (Class A) "Milsub"
This Benrus Type II Class B is built like a tank and for a good reason. In the ’70s, 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-5 | |
Brand | Benrus | |
Style | Military Dive Watch | |
Model | Type II | |
Serial | ||
Size | Men's | |
Material | SS | |
Dial | Matte Black | |
Millimeters | 42mm | |
Bracelet | Phoenix NATO Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The beautiful asymmetrical case is completely unpolished, retaining its factory bead blasted finish with honest signs of use, fixed spring bars, and sharp lines. The bezel remain original to the watch and does display signs of use which is common for military issued timepieces. The crown is also original to the watch showing the correct dash or ( I ) as it would have come from Benrus. The back of the case retains all of its original factory engravings and military contact numbers. The watch will come supplied on a Phoenix NATO strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The matte black dial is in beautiful and original condition, showing no major signs of aging. The tritium lumen plots have aged to a handsome creamy patina, under U.V. light inspection the 8 o’clock lume plot does show some degradation, and the rest of the lume plots remain fully intact. The original tritium hands hatch the dial perfectly and show no degradation when inspected under U.V. light.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently fully serviced and is backed by a 1-year warranty of accurate timekeeping.