Benrus Type 1 MIL SPEC Reissue

Military watches occupy a unique place in the history of tool watches. Every detail exists for a reason. There are no polished flourishes, unnecessary complications, or decorative excesses—only clarity, durability, and reliability. Few watches embody that philosophy better than the Benrus Type I.

Originally developed in the early 1970s to meet the U.S. military's demanding MIL-W-50717 specification, the Type I was produced for elite military personnel, including special operations units and combat divers. Its sterile dial, asymmetrical bead-blasted case, oversized luminous markers, and highly legible baton hands made it one of the purest expressions of military watch design ever issued. Today, surviving originals are among the most coveted American military watches ever produced.

This faithful 2020 Benrus reissue captures the spirit of the original while benefiting from modern manufacturing. Measuring 39.5mm in its signature matte-finished stainless steel case, it retains the instantly recognizable sterile dial, bidirectional timing bezel, and fixed-bar construction that defined the military-issued model. Powered by a modern automatic movement and built to contemporary standards, it offers all the character of the original without the compromises of a fifty-year-old service watch.

Produced in November 2020, this example remains in excellent condition and is accompanied by its original canvas travel pouch, additional strap, tags, and factory pamphlets. Whether you're drawn to military history, purposeful design, or simply one of the cleanest dive watch aesthetics ever created, the Benrus Type I remains an enduring icon—proof that sometimes the most compelling design is also the most utilitarian.

Founded in New York City in 1921 by Romanian-born brothers Benjamin, Oscar, and Ralph Lazrus—the company’s name combines Benjamin and Lazrus—Benrus quickly established itself as one of America’s great watchmakers. During the mid-20th century, the brand built its reputation on dependable, purpose-built timepieces, supplying both civilians and the U.S. Armed Forces while competing alongside Hamilton, Bulova, and Elgin during the golden age of American watchmaking.

Benrus reached its peak during World War II and the Vietnam era, when it became a trusted supplier of military-issued watches. Its rugged field watches, pilots’ watches, and especially the legendary Type I and Type II dive watches earned a reputation for reliability under the harshest conditions. Produced to exacting military specifications for elite U.S. service members, these models have since become some of the most sought-after American military watches among collectors.

In recent years, the revived Benrus has returned with a renewed focus on its greatest historical designs, carefully reissuing many of its military classics with modern movements, upgraded materials, and faithful attention to the original specifications. Rather than reinventing its past, the company has embraced it—bringing a new generation of collectors the opportunity to experience some of the finest military tool watches ever produced.

Today, Benrus remains best remembered for those uncompromising military designs—timepieces that distilled the idea of the tool watch to its purest form. Their clean, functional aesthetic continues to influence modern watchmaking, proving that true utility never goes out of style.

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 two-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.