The Watch
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The Benrus Type II is a United States Military issue Wristwatch that was only supplied to elite forces like the Navy Seals. Many of these were lost or destroyed over the years, and finding one in nice condition is becoming more difficult by the day.
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Watches still played a critical role in military service in the 1970s. As a result of the need for a more robust dive watch tailored to the military's needs, the United States Department of Defense issued the MIL-W-50717 standard, which put forth a more robust list of required specifications, more so than any prior contract.
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Benrus answered the call with a watch that not only met the demand, but surpassed its requirements. These watches were built from circa 1972 until 1980. Benrus made three versions of this watch during this time: the Type I Class A, Type II Class A, and Type II Class B.
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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 the U.S. Navy Seals and UDT (Underwater Demolition Team) divers were issued the Benrus Type II.
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The Specs
Age: January 1977.
Movement: Automatic with Hacking Centre Seconds.
Calibre: Benrus caliber GS1D2 17-jewel. Based on ETA 2620.
Service History: Unknown.
Dial: Original Mil Spec 12/24 Dial.
Crystal: Original.
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Issued only to the Elite.
- In nice all original condition.
Nitty Gritty:
- Minor Scratches throughout the Watch.
Overall this Mil Spec Watch is in very nice original condition.