Benrus Type II Class A
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1976
The Benrus Type II Class A is a military-issued mechanical dive watch produced in 1976. Developed to adhere to the U.S. government MIL-W-50717 specification, the timepiece features an asymmetrical 43mm parkerized steel case with fixed-bar lugs and is rated to a depth of 1,200 feet.
The watch is powered by an automatic movement and includes a bidirectional bezel, an oversized crown, and a dial displaying Arabic numerals with 24-hour time markings. The watch design prioritizes utility and legibility, incorporating a matte, non-reflective finish on the case. It was designed for use by military units, including Navy SEALs and Army Special Forces, during a period of active service before the adoption of quartz technology in military procurement.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1976
- Type
- Dive watch
- Maker
- Benrus
- Bezel type
- Bidirectional
- Depth rating
- 1,200-foot
- Case material
- Parkerized steel
- Specification
- MIL-W-50717
- Place recorded
- United States
- Maker / attribution
- Benrus
Design
- Visible features
- • Asymmetrical parkerized steel case with fixed-bar lugs • Bidirectional rotating bezel with Arabic numerals • Black dial featuring both 12-hour and 24-hour time markers • Oversized crown positioned at 4 o'clock
- Case and Dial Design
- The watch is housed in an asymmetrical 43mm steel case finished with a matte, non-reflective parkerized treatment. The construction includes fixed-bar lugs, which serve to securely hold the strap in place under rigorous conditions. The watch is equipped with an oversized crown positioned at the 4 o'clock position on the case flank. The dial is black and features printed Arabic numerals for both 12-hour and 24-hour timekeeping. The perimeter is surrounded by a bidirectional rotating bezel. The design is intended for high readability, with the 24-hour markings included specifically for military-time reference.
- Historical Context and Production
- Dating to 1976, this object is described as one of the last generations of mechanical military watches produced before the transition to quartz technology. It was issued to various military branches, including the Navy SEALs and Army Special Forces, for use in environments identified as demanding. The watch series was produced in limited quantities. The Type II Class A designation represents the highest military specification assigned to this series by the United States government during the era of its procurement.
- Movement and Functional Specifications
- The Benrus Type II Class A is powered by an automatic movement. It was manufactured to meet the requirements of the U.S. military MIL-W-50717 specification, which mandated specific performance standards. The watch is built with a water resistance rating of 1,200 feet, intended for use by specialized military personnel. The watch includes no decorative elements, with all features deemed mission-critical by the procurement requirements of the early 1970s. The components, including the bidirectional bezel, serve intended functions for timing and deep-sea environments.
Identification
- Reference
- MIL-W-50717
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The exact military service history of this specific unit is not documented.
- Research required: The full mechanical condition of the internal movement is not detailed in the source.