Type II Military Watch, Ref MIL-W-50717 97

About This Watch:

The original Benrus Type II was produced at the request of the U.S. Military from 1972 to 1980 and was never made available to the public. In honor of its military heritage, the new Limited Edition - only 500 will be made - Type II brings back the same iconic design in its original form, but with all the improvements current watchmaking technology affords.

The History: The Benrus company was founded in 1921 by three brothers, Benjamin, Oscar, and S. Ralph Lazrus. With offices at the landmark Hippodrome building in New York, a factory in La Coux de Fond in Switzerland, which produced the movements for the company, and a factory in Connecticut that handled case production and assembly, Benrus quickly grew in popularity following advertising of their Benrus Tank model with Charles Lindbergh, as well as a campaign featuring Babe Ruth wearing one of their Sportsmen model timepieces. The company facilitated a relationship with the US Military during World War II, contracting with them to manufacture timing elements for munitions and, later, tool watches for service members during the Vietnam War.

The Watch: The Benrus Type II features a 42.5mm sandblasted stainless steel case with a domed sapphire crystal. The dial features lumed hour plots, an outer 12-hour track, an inner 24-hour track, and lumed hour, minute, and seconds hands. Powered by a Soprod P024 automatic movement, the Type II has a 38-hour power reserve and a water resistance rating of 300 meters.

The Details: This preowned Benrus Type II has a production date of July 2022 and is number 097 of 500 pieces. This timepiece includes the canvas watch pouch, warranty and instruction booklet, product hangtag, and the original black nylon strap with stainless steel Benrus buckle.