Benrus Type II Class A

Benrus was one of the preferred suppliers of timepieces to the U.S. government, starting in the early 1960s, when they started producing pieces in large quantities for pilots and infantrymen in the Vietnam War. In the 1970s, the government issued the MIL-W-50717 specification, creating special sub-classes of wristwatches for their most demanding users--including elite military divers like the Navy SEALS, who saw action in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War. 

Benrus produced the Type I and Type II from 1972 to the 1980s. The Type I and Type II feature different dial designs but share the same 43mm asymmetrical corrosion-resistant steel case and ETA-based automatic movement. True to its purpose, Benrus designed the parkerized steel case of the Type II has a depth rating of 1200 feet.

Within the Type II specification, around 9000 were designated as 'Class A,' the highest grade that could be designated to military-issue equipment. The dial of the Class A Type I has small luminescent triangles that surmount the numerals at each hour. The bezel of the Type II is also bi-directional, unlike that of the Type I. 

This particular example dates to February 1978. It's one of the last true mechanical American military watches to be issued and worn by our fighting elite. While vintage military watches abound, there are few that are as interesting and impressive as the Benrus Type II.  

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.