Benrus Type II Class B - Non-Luminous 'Sterile' Dial

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.

Benrus made these pieces exclusively for the military from 1972 to 1980, with the Type I generally considered to be more rare than the Type IIs. That is, with the exception of the Type II Class B, which were produced exclusively in December of 1980. It is estimated that there was around fifty (50) of these ever produced.

Why the notably low production number? These pieces were made for one very specific use-case — even more specific than a military compliant watch to begin with. Like virtually every military-issued watch for decades prior, the normal Type I and Type II models were produced with luminous dials for legibility in generally low-light environments, at night, and for underwater use. In the 1970s, the luminous element of choice was Tritium, which while extremely low relative to its predecessor, Radium, does emit a radioactive signature. On nuclear-powered submarines, the worst case scenario is a reactor leak (see K19: The Widowmaker), so as a preventative measure, these subs had radiation detectors everywhere to monitor and ultimately prevent an almost certainly catastrophic event like a nuclear reactor meltdown. So, had the occupants been wearing watches with Tritium all over the dial and hands, the geiger readings would be completely inaccurate and constantly firing. Enter the Type II Class B, which features dials, hands, and bezel inserts devoid of any luminous properties. Other than these components, the 42mm asymmetrical case with fixed spring bars, crown, and bezel assembly are all shared with other Type I and II models.

The example that we have here retains its original sandblasted satin finishing on the case with fixed-bar lugs and shows normal signs of wear, with the exception of the ends of the lugs. They exhibit what looks to be some kind of impact wear, which begs the question: what kind of 'tool' did the previous owner not have when they decided to use this watch for the job? Flip it over, and the caseback engravings remain untouched and clear, with its unique serial number and date of production (December, 1980), denoting its military provenance. Like most Type I and Type II examples that survive today, it possess a replacement crown, likely replaced under contract service. The crystal, however, is likely original to the watch, exhibiting crazing and some fracturing as many of these do. The bi-directional rotating bezel matches the condition of the case and retains its correct non-luminous black acrylic 12-hr insert — also showing wear consistent with the rest of the piece. The correct non-luminous matte black 'sterile' dial within shows some wear throughout, retaining legible white printing and its correct non-luminous white-painted handset.

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

This piece comes to us from a close friend of the brand and a collector of military watches.