Benrus Type-1 Class A "Milsub", 1974

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

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. SPECS Stock # BENTYP-1MIL Brand Benrus Style Submersible & Navigation Model Type-1 Serial 10XX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Matte Black Millimeters 42 Bracelet Original Black Nylon Single-Pass Strap CASE & BRACELET The impressive case remains completely unpolished, featuring its original anti-reflective finish with only gentle signs of previous use and no corrosion present. The original bezel is in great overall condition with honest signs of use and no cracks present. The crown was recently replaced with an NOS OEM Benrus service crown, the original crown part will be included with the purchase. The crystal was replaced in the most recent service and is in perfect condition, the original crystal part will be included with the purchase. The case retains its original fixed spring bars that remain in perfect condition. The case back retains all of its original factory military markings. The watch comes supplied on its original black nylon single-pass strap. DIAL & HANDS The original matte black dial is in virtually flawless condition with the only elements of age being nominal in nature and invisible to the naked eye. The tritium lume plots have taken on a beautiful creamy patina and show no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and show no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. ACCESSORIES