Benrus Type I Class A - 'Sterile' Dial Military Issued

Watches still played a critical role in military service in the 1970s. As a result of the need for a more robust dive watch tailored to the military's needs, the United States Department of Defense issued the MIL-W-50717 standard, which put forth a more robust list of required specifications, more so than any prior contract. There were many options for lower level officers and platoons when it came to timepieces, but for the best of the best including the renowned Navy Seals, the Benrus Type I and Type II were the best option.

The Type I was the earliest version and far more rare, making this piece one of only a handful ever produced. Benrus made these pieces exclusively for the military from 1972 to 1980, with this particular example dating to circa 1978 (February of 1978 to be exact).

The 42.5mm asymmetrical case remains unpolished and retains its original 'sandblasted' finishing and shows normal signs of wear. Flip it over, and the engravings on the caseback denoting it's military provenance and year of manufacture are crisp and clear. It even retinas its original 'hash' marked screw-down crown. The bi-directional rotating bezel matches the condition of the case and retains its black acrylic 12-hr insert — also showing wear consistent with the rest of the piece. The matte black 'sterile' dial within is nicely preserved and exhibits and even patina across the Tritium plots, with a perfectly matching and correct white-painted handset.

Due to their limited production, active use during military trials, decommissioning, and flat out loss, not all that many of these pieces survive today — particularly in this kind of condition. We are pleased to offer this Type I up for its next tour of duty, and invite you to strap a real piece of history to your wrist.