BENRUS Type I and II

BENRUS, an American watch brand with a storied past, is making a significant return to the horological scene in 2025. Established in Manhattan in 1921, Benrus quickly gained recognition for producing robust and innovative timepieces, earning a place on the wrists of notable figures, spanning from cultural icons like Steve McQueen and John F. Kennedy to legendary athletes like Babe Ruth and the brave members of the U.S. military. This widespread adoption highlighted the brand's versatility and appeal across various facets of American life.

BENRUS’s prominence during most of the 20th century saw the brand pushing foward with military watches, classy civilian timepieces, and intricate complications. In 2025, marking more than a century since its inception, the independent New York watchmaking house is orchestrating a noteworthy comeback. This revival focuses on bringing modernized versions of its most iconic, highly sought-after mission watches to the forefront. The relaunch not only revisits past successes but also sets the stage for introducing a new model designed for contemporary adventurers.



At the heart of this revival is the reintroduction of BENRUS's iconic military models, most notably the Type I and Type II watches. Originally issued to Navy SEALs and Army Rangers in the 1970s, these watches were renowned for their durability and functionality under extreme conditions. The new iterations maintain the spirit of the originals while incorporating significant modern upgrades. The updated Type I and Type II models now feature a robust case with water resistance up to 36 ATM and are powered by the reliable ETA 2892 movement, known for its precision and a 42-hour power reserve.

The visual identity of the Type I watch retains its classic military aesthetic, featuring a 39.5mm stainless steel case. The matte black dial is straightforward, emphasizing legibility with large, clearly defined hour markers and hands. The indices and hands are coated with BW G9 Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility in low-light conditions. The watch face is protected by a double-domed sapphire crystal with a double anti-reflective coating, enhancing clarity and reducing glare. A bi-directional rotating bezel adds to the watch's functionality, allowing for the tracking of elapsed time, a critical feature for any operational use.



The case of the Type I is meticulously crafted, displaying a no-nonsense design with clean lines and a sturdy build. The screw-down crown enhances its water resistance, ensuring the watch can withstand depths of up to 1200 feet (36.5 ATM). The closed case back is engraved with MIL SPEC details, a nod to its military heritage and compliance with the MIL-W-50717 specifications. The watch is completed with a black rubber strap, secured by a pin buckle, offering both comfort and durability, suitable for rigorous use.

The Type II watch presents a slightly different aesthetic with a 41.5mm case made from stainless steel with a bronze PVD coating, giving it a distinct, aged appearance. The dial is a deeper green tone, complemented by the same luminous markers and hands for visibility. This model features a uni-directional rotating bezel, a typical feature for diver watches. The watch's rugged build and aesthetic choices reflect its historical use by military personnel, now updated for modern wearers. The 12/24-hour dial more suited to soldiers and operators in the field.



The Type II shares the same high-quality internals as the Type I, housing the ETA 2892 movement, renowned for its reliability and performance. The watch's crystal is also double-domed sapphire with anti-reflective coatings. The Type II is water-resistant to 20 ATM, accompanied by a brown leather strap, fastened with a pin buckle, enhancing its vintage-inspired design.

In terms of technical specifications, both watches showcase a commitment to precision and durability. The ETA 2892 movement is a self-winding mechanical movement that operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), ensuring accurate timekeeping. The 42-hour power reserve means the watch will continue to run for nearly two days without needing to be worn or wound, making it both reliable and convenient for daily use.

The dial layout of both watches is designed for maximum readability. The Type I features a classic, uncluttered layout with large Arabic numerals at each hour marker, except for the 12 o'clock position, which is marked by an inverted triangle, a typical feature of military watches. The Type II features a 12 and 24 hour dial. The hands are broad and filled with Super-LumiNova, providing a strong glow in the dark.



The bezel on the Type I is bi-directional, which is a practical feature for various timing needs, not limited to diving. The Type II's uni-directional bezel, on the other hand, is specifically designed for diving, rotating only counterclockwise to prevent accidental adjustments that could miscalculate dive time. The use of sapphire crystal for both watches is a significant upgrade, offering superior scratch resistance compared to mineral or acrylic crystals.

BENRUS’s revival is driven by a team of seasoned experts with extensive backgrounds in the watchmaking and luxury sectors. Figures like Michael Sweeney, Vincent Perriard, Darius Solomon, Ion Schiau, and Alain Oppliger bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for the brand. Their collective expertise is instrumental in guiding BENRUS’s strategic direction and operational execution. The company is also setting up a new facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, slated to open in 2025, signifying a commitment to Swiss watchmaking standards.

The straps chosen for each model also reflect their intended use. The Type I’s black rubber strap is practical and robust, ideal for underwater activities and harsh environments. The Type II’s brown leather strap adds a touch of ruggedness to the watch, suitable for everyday wear while still maintaining a connection to its military roots.



The heritage of BENRUS, as highlighted by its tagline "For the Brave. By the Brave," suggests that these watches are designed for individuals who require dependable and functional timepieces. Whether for professional use, adventurous pursuits, or simply for those who appreciate a well-built and historically significant watch, BENRUS aims to cater to a diverse audience.

The pricing of the Type I and Type II models reflects their quality and positioning in the market. The Type I is priced at USD 1,720, CHF 1,720 (including tax), and EUR 1,950 (including tax). The Type II, with its bronze PVD coating and leather strap, is priced slightly higher at USD 1,900, CHF 1,900 (including tax), and EUR 2,150 (including tax).

BENRUS Type I

Case: 39.5mm diameter, 14.40mm height, 20mm lug width. Stainless steel with screw-down crown. Double domed sapphire crystal, double anti-reflective coating. Bi-directional rotating bezel. 36.5 ATM (1200 feet) water resistance. Closed case back, MIL SPEC engraving: MIL-W-50717.

Movement: ETA 2892, 42-hour power reserve. Swiss Made.

Dial: Black with BW G9 Super-LumiNova on dial markers and hands.

Strap: Black rubber strap with pin buckle.

Price: USD 1,720 / CHF 1,720 (incl. Tax) / EUR 1,950 (incl. Tax)

Reference Number: T1MS-SS-B-395-01

Notes: Originally issued to Navy SEALs and Army Rangers in the 1970s. Reissued to the public for the first time.



BENRUS Type II

Case: 41.5mm diameter, 13.70mm height, 20mm lug width. Stainless steel bronze PVD case with screw-down crown. Double domed sapphire crystal, double anti-reflective coating. Uni-directional rotating bezel. 20 ATM water resistance. Closed case back, MIL engraving.

Movement: ETA 2892, 42-hour power reserve. Swiss Made.

Dial: Green with BW G9 Super-LumiNova on dial markers and hands. 12/24-hour dial.

Strap: Brown leather strap with pin buckle.

Price: USD 1,900 / CHF 1,900 (incl. Tax) / EUR 2,150 (incl. Tax)

Reference Number: T2CI-BR-G-415-01

Notes: Produced in conjunction with the Type I in the 1970s. Reissued to the public for the first time. 12/24-hour dial more suited for military operations.