Class A watches had tritium (glow in the dark) hands and markers for visibility at night, while the Class B was designed without any lume or radioactive material as they might be used in locations containing delicate instruments that were sensitive to even the smallest amounts of tritium contained in the lume (for example, on nuclear-powered submarines). The last differentiation for each model was the designation of Class A or B. The later Type II was the same watch, but with a modified dial, which showed standard and military time. The original dial design in the Mil-Spec is simple with only block markings for the hours and minutes, and no other markings on the dial whatsoever. As a result of both adaptations to the military's needs, as well as different applications, the contract led to the Type I (Class A and B) and Type II (Class A and B). The MIL-W-46374 version is believed to be the first military watch constructed in plastic.īENRUS was awarded the Mil-Spec contract and began production of the Iconic Type I. One can find countless photos of our brave soldiers wearing the original simple field watches, which were sought after in both steel and a later plastic version (MIL-W-46374). military dive watches ever.īefore the Type I, BENRUS had been producing the DTU-2A (MIL-W-3818) field watch for the military since 1964, so when the concept of the Type I arose, BENRUS was in prime position to bid for the Type I contract. They were issued to the Elite Forces throughout the Vietnam War, making the Types I and II some of the most famous and coveted U.S. Approximately 16,000 Type I and II and Class A and B versions were produced. Watches were issued only to personnel whose mission required purpose-built, rugged timepieces. Although the military did continue to procure watches, they were limited in their distribution. STORIES OF OUR HEROESĭuring the Vietnam War, the practice of issuing all soldiers a watch was discontinued, meaning soldiers needed to procure their own watches. Benrus Watch Company, LLC has 15 total employees across all of its locations and generates 605,934 in sales (USD). Interestingly, the specification of this watch essentially became the standard for what a tool watch should be: purpose-built, rugged, and simple. Company Description: Benrus Watch Company, LLC is located in Providence, RI, United States and is part of the Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers Industry. The new specifications included a depth rating of 1,200 feet, which was unheard of prior to the Type I, and an automatic movement that could resist physical and temperature shock. This was to be a larger, shock proof, highly legible, waterproof, and self-winding watch that was truly durable enough for the CIA and special military units to whom they would be issued. As a result, the military wrote Mil-Spec MIL-W-50717, that specified the design details for the BENRUS Type I diving and field watch.įor the first time, the military wrote a specification heavy requirement with details previously never requested. I love the asymmetric cases.With the experience gained through the beginning of the Vietnam War and the increasing use of covert and specialized military teams such as, the US Navy UDT/SEALs, US Navy EOD, US Navy Divers, Army Rangers, Green Berets, and CIA operatives, the Department of Defense determined that these specialists needed a more robust dive watch that would be purpose-built to meet the highest standards of the military and its operatives.
If you’re interested in the type ii dial marathon just announced they are having another navigator with steel case releasing 2021. I tried to message him a while back to buy it but WuS took away my pm privilege when they did an update:
Morethan1 sold one a while back and I this this guys on WUS got it. I think you guys are talking about BEAMS. Some info on the company history and the current owners. Continuing our timekeeping legacy in New York City with commitment to military inspiration and innovative designs. Wasn't there a Japanese company selling watches under the Benrus name a few years ago? Type 1 homage with quartz movement, if memory serves. The latest Tweets from BENRUS (benrusofficial). Anyone heard any other details? Did some group just buy the Benrus name/designs?