1974 Benrus Type-1 Class A "Milsub" W/ Box & Instruction Pamphlet

The Benrus Type-1 Class A 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-1, and later the Type-2.

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 the U.S. Navy Seals and UDT (Underwater Demolition Team) divers were issued the Benrus Type-1 and Type-2 wristwatches.

The case of the Benrus Type-1 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, and 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. This unique case design adds to the durability and ruggedness of the watch. The Benrus Type-1 is equipped with fixed spring bars like other issued dive watches for added security and one less failure point, a sterile dial meaning there is no logo or branding, and is bead blasted for an anti-reflective finish required by the men who wore them.

The case back 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.

The Benrus Military Navigation and Submersible Wristwatches have exponentially grown in popularity amongst collectors in recent years. The rugged no-nonsense design is unmistakable and has a perfect balance of beauty and utilitarian design. Though both the Benrus Type-1 and Type-2 watches have become difficult to source, the Type-1 is the rarer and more collectible of the two watches produced. The Type-1 Benrus was quickly phased out for the higher production Type-2, making for a much smaller production pool remaining intact today.

We are extremely excited and very proud to be offering this exceptional Benrus Type-1 that is not only an impressive timepiece on its own, but also retains its original factory Benrus box, instruction pamphlet, as well as its original strap. This time capsule is not only an incredible set but a collectible piece of horological history. 

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