Benrus
1976 Benrus Type-2 (Class A) "Milsub"
This Benrus Type II 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-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 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, 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 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 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.
SPECS
| Stock # | BENTYP-2MIL-8 | |
| Brand | Benrus | |
| Style | Military Navigator Diver | |
| Model | Type II Class A | |
| Serial | 16XX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Matte Black | |
| Millimeters | 42 | |
| Bracelet | Original Issued Black Single-Pass Nylon Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The robust asymmetrical case is unpolished with absolutely no evidence of being previously polished and retains its factory parkerized finish and fixed strap bars. The original navigation bezel is in excellent condition showing light signs of use that would be expected for a military-issued watch. The crown is also original to the watch showing the correct dash or ( I ) as it would have come from Benrus. The case also retains its original acrylic crystal which exhibits mild crazing which is common in original crystals for these watches. The back of the case retains all of its original factory engravings and military contact numbers. There is some light corrosion present between the lugs which is common to see on these watches. The watch comes supplied on its original military-issued black single-pass nylon strap
DIAL & HANDS
The matte black dial is beautifully preserved showing no damage and only gentle aging, namely a speckled patina that is present on the left half of the dial. The tritium lume plots have achieved a lovely golden patina and feature no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The original tritium hands match the dial and exhibit no degradation under U.V. light inspection.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch just received a full overhaul service completed by True Patina and is backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.