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Benrus Type 2 with Striking Patina — view 1 of 5
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Benrus Type 2 with Striking Patina

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Benrus (maker)
Date
1976
Country of origin
United States
Object type
Wristwatch
Stock no.
Product 10211458384148
Credit line
Dealer listing, Collectors Corner NY (product 10211458384148)
Catalogue title (original)
Benrus Type 2 w/Striking Patina (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York (stock number Product 10211458384148), this is a wristwatch by Benrus, made in United States, dated 1976. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 5 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Collectors Corner NY

When thinking of the most iconic military watches ever produced, it would be hard not to place the Benrus Type 1 in the t op 5 on the list (up there with the Rolex MilSub, Tornek-Rayville etc.) The unique and ergonomic asymmetrical case shape of these watches went on to influence later mil-spec pieces from the 70s to today. Perhaps most noteworthy is its pure and well-laid-out dial design, which we believe holds its own against the brilliance of the Rolex Explorer 1. While the Type 2 might not quite make the top 5, its larger production run makes them a bit more accessible to find today. Their main difference was the 24 hour/military time dial in addition to larger production run. This particular example was issued in November of 1976 and remains in nice vintage condition. The dial boasts a distinctive "custard" patina, matching the hands. The case has light signs of use and the "dimple"-signed crown is correct. The bezel insert also very well preserved and displays some light scratches but no cracks. For anyone looking for an attractive Type 2 this piece offers great character and is ready to enjoy for many missions to come.

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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