Benrus Type 1 Dive Watch 6645-477-4210

Founded in the USA in 1921 by Benjamin Lazrus and his two brothers, Benrus started life as a watchmaker’s shop in New York where it continued until the late ‘20s when the company transitioned into manufacturing watches by importing parts from Switzerland. Built on the back of the popularity of those watches, Benrus emerged as the watch of choice for soldiers within the US military, with their watches becoming synonymous with the Vietnam war and WWII. Offered here, we have the Benrus Type 1 Class A US Military Dive Watch, built to appease the United States Department of Defense’s MIL-W-50717 standard, which was devised after the need for a more robust dive-orientated watch for military personnel was identified. Built for almost a decade from circa 1972 until 1980, these watches featured an asymmetrical monocoque bead-blasted stainless steel case, a black dial with large luminous indices and hands that created its incredible legibility. Featuring a caseback with the mil-spec number, manufacturer, NSN, manufacturer part number, contract number, production date, and serial number stamped into it, the Type 1 Dive Watch is a true military-issue piece of kit. Powered by the automatic Benrus cal. GS1D2, which is based on the ETA cal. 2620 but modified to military specifications to have hacking seconds, the Type 1 is as robust and capable as any other watch from its time. Brand : Benrus Dimensions : 41.5mm x 16mm Model : Type 1 Dive Watch Movement : Automatic Benrus Cal. GS1D2 Reference : 6645-477-4210 Bracelet : NATO strap Year : 1974 Condition : Excellent Material : Stainless steel Included : Watch only Dial Color : Black THE DIAL Boasting a black dial with large luminous indices and hands, the Benrus Type 1's dial was specifically designed with United States Department of Defense’s MIL-W-50717 standard in mind. THE CONSTRUCTION A large and imposing watch on the wrist on account of its hefty dimensions and asymmetrical case, the Type 1 is a physically unique watch that certainly makes it obvious that it is designed with function in mind rather than form. TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.