Benrus Type II Class A

Few military-issued watches have earned the cult status of the Benrus Type II. Developed to meet the exacting MIL-W-50717 specification issued by the U.S. government in the early 1970s, it was purpose-built for America's most demanding military personnel, including Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces, and other elite units operating in some of the harshest environments imaginable.

Following its success supplying field and pilot's watches throughout the Vietnam War, Benrus was selected to manufacture the Type I and Type II—two purpose-built dive watches sharing the same rugged 43mm asymmetrical parkerized steel case, automatic movement, fixed-bar construction, and 1,200-foot depth rating. While the sterile-dial Type I has become the more widely recognized design, the Type II's highly legible Arabic-numeral dial with 24-hour military time offers even greater at-a-glance readability, making it a favorite among service members in the field.

Produced in relatively small numbers, the Type II Class A represents the highest military specification assigned to the series. Its matte, non-reflective finish, bidirectional bezel, oversized crown, and uncompromising functionality embody everything a true military tool watch should be. Every design decision served a purpose, with nothing added for decoration and nothing included that wasn't mission critical.

Dating to 1976, this example represents one of the last generations of American-made mechanical military watches issued before quartz technology reshaped military procurement. More than fifty years later, the Benrus Type II remains one of the purest expressions of functional watchmaking ever created—a genuine military instrument whose influence can still be seen in modern tool watches today. Scarce, historically significant, and remarkably wearable, it stands among the most desirable vintage military watches available to collectors.

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.

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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.