Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Benrus Type II Class A, 1978
- Maker / attribution
- Benrus (maker)
- Date
- 1978
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- United States
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 43 mm
- Stock no.
- Product 3941455265879
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, S.Song Watches (product 3941455265879)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Benrus Type II Class A (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by S.Song Watches (dealer), Seattle (stock number Product 3941455265879), this is a wristwatch by Benrus, made in United States, dated 1978. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 43 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 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 — S.Song Watches
This Benrus Type II Class A is a monster of a watch, and for good reason. In the ’70s, the American forces gave Benrus a specification (MIL-W-50717) outlining their needs for a diving watch and what you see here is the result. Equipped with a large 43mm super-solid parkerised asymmetrical case, a highly legible dial and simple functionality, these pieces were issued to elite military divers, including the Navy SEALs. Furthermore, with a depth rating at the time of 365 meters and bi-directional notched bezel, this is serious the ultimate utility watch that both looks and acts the part. The caseback is stamped with all the associated military numbers, including the mil-spec number (MIL-W-50717), the manufacturer and model number, the NSN and manufacturer part number, it’s contract number alongside its production date and serial number. Initially, looking at pictures of the Benrus Type II, I wasn’t a fan. I didn’t like its oversized odd-shaped case and sparse design, but then seeing it in the flesh and wearing it, everything changed. This is one of those watches where you really need to try it on to realise it’s impressiveness- everything just feels so solid and high in quality. One of the last mechanical watches issued to the American forces, it is a true collectable piece that can also be worn daily.
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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