This Benrus Type II Class B is built like a tank and for a good reason. In the 70’s, the American Military needed a Dive watch made to a particular specification outlining their needs for a diving watch under Military specification MIL-W-50717. Benrus answered the military’s call and came up with the Benrus Type-II.
Being that this was a high-quality piece of equipment built for a specific need, the United States Army as well as the United States Navy, issued these watches to only the most elite military units. Both the U.S. Army’s’ Rangers and Green Berets as well as to the U.S. Navy Seals and UDT (Underwater Demolition Team) Divers were issued the Benrus Type II.
The case of the Benrus Type II is referred to as a “monocoque” case, rather than the more ordinarily known “monobloc” style case. “Monocoque” relates to the construction of the case as a sort of vessel that holds the dial, hands, movement while the bezel envelops the domed crystal, ultimately allowing this watch to be taken apart through the top or face of the watch instead of through the back like most Dive watches is very unique and adds to the durability and ruggedness of the watch. The Benrus Type II has fixed Spring Bars like Other Issued dive watches which adds extra security and one less failure point, a serial dial meaning that there is no logo or branding, and is bead blasted for the anti-reflective requirements required by the men who wore them.
The caseback is stamped with the mil-spec number (MIL-W-50717), the NSN Number as well as the actual military inventory number used to check in and check out service equipment similar to what you would find on a firearm and or any Other issued technical piece of equipment.
This specific Benrus Type II B is very Rare due to the fact that both the dial and hands are non-luminous, almost all Benrus Type II dive watches have a lume applied to both the dial and the hands, this variant was issued to the most covert of teams that required a Timepiece that did not give off any light source. We have only seen a couple of comparable examples that were built with a non-luminous specification making this specific example very very Rare and uncommon.
SPECS
| Stock # | BENTYP-2MIL | |
| Brand | Bernus | |
| Style | Military Dive Watch | |
| Model | Type @ | |
| Serial | N88X | |
| Size | Men’s | |
| Material | SS | |
| Dial | Matte Black | |
| Millimeters | 42mm | |
| Bracelet | U.S. Navy Issued Nato Strap |
CASE & Bracelet
The case is in wonderful original condition showing the original factory bead blasted finishing and sharp case lines. The bezel does show some wear but is original to the watch and common for the reference. The watch will be supplied on the original U.S.Navy Issued Nato Strap
DIAL & HANDS
The dial is in remarkable condition showing very minimal patina. This specific dial variant is very uncommon and referred to as a “Non-Luminous Dial” because both the dial and hands do not possess any luminescent material as to not show any light while under cover.
Accessories
None. The watch just received a complete service and is running at COSC spec. The watch will also come complete with a 1-year warranty on the accuracy of timekeeping.
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