Military watch Benrus Type 1 Mil Spec
Starting from 1.560 €The Benrus Type 1 Mil Spec is a military dive watch directly inspired by the model developed in 1972 to meet the requirements of elite US units. This reissue retains a deliberately utilitarian identity, defined by a highly legible black dial, an asymmetrical sandblasted 316L stainless steel case and a rotating bezel designed to measure dive times. Its Swiss ETA 2892 automatic movement provides a 42-hour power reserve, while its 36.5 ATM water resistance, equivalent to 1,200 feet, confirms its professional purpose. With its double-domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating and black rubber strap, it is aimed at enthusiasts of tool watches, military history and authentic-looking dive watches.
Benrus Type 1 Mil Spec military dive watch
Founded in New York in 1921 by brothers Benjamin, Oscar and Ralph Lazrus, Benrus built a significant part of its reputation on robust watches designed for professional use. The brand name itself combines Benjamin’s first name with the Lazrus family name. The Type 1 appeared in 1972, at a time when the US military was seeking a submersible navigation watch capable of meeting the MIL-W-50717 specification. The model was designed for elite units, including the Navy SEALs and Army Rangers, with a clear focus on durability, legibility and mission timing.
The current Benrus Type 1 Mil Spec revives this heritage through a faithful reissue updated with modern components. Its asymmetrical case partially protects the screw-down crown, while its fully sandblasted finish reduces visible reflections and reinforces its operational character. The black dial relies on instantly recognisable geometric markers. The bidirectional steel and aluminium bezel can be used to measure elapsed time, an essential function during a dive or timed mission.
Made in Switzerland in La Chaux-de-Fonds, this automatic dive watch retains the austere appearance of a genuine military instrument while incorporating a sapphire crystal and modern Super-LumiNova. It is not merely inspired by issued military watches: it reproduces the identity of a model originally created according to a precise military specification. Its appeal lies both in this authenticity and in its ability to serve today as a versatile tool watch suitable for diving, outdoor activities and everyday wear.
Technical Specifications – Benrus Type 1 Mil Spec
- Brand: Benrus
- Model: Type 1 Mil Spec
- Reference: T1MS-SS-B-395-01
- Approximate Price: Approximately €1,560
- Movement: Swiss automatic
- Calibre: ETA 2892, 42-hour power reserve
- Case Diameter: 39.5 mm
- Thickness: 14.40 mm
- Water Resistance: 365 m / 36.5 ATM / 1,200 ft
- Case Material: 316L stainless steel
- Crystal: Double-domed sapphire crystal
- Dial: Black with Super-LumiNova BGW9
- Straps: Black rubber, additional straps available
- Warranty: 2 years
The Benrus Type 1 Mil Spec Military Dive Watch
The Benrus Type 1 Mil Spec features an instantly recognizable architecture built around an asymmetrical 39.5 mm case. This widened shape on the right-hand side naturally protects the screw-down crown without the need for separate crown guards. The entire case is made from fully bead-blasted 316L stainless steel, a matte finish consistent with the military origins of the model and far less reflective than polished steel. With a thickness of 14.40 mm and a 47.66 mm lug-to-lug length, the watch maintains balanced proportions while offering a solid wrist presence.
The front remains deliberately functional. The black dial uses simple geometric indexes paired with broad hands. The indexes and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova BGW9 to ensure effective legibility in low-light conditions. The dial is protected by a double-domed sapphire crystal with a double anti-reflective coating. This combination recalls the appearance of vintage military watches while improving scratch resistance and readability. The bidirectional bead-blasted 316L steel bezel features an aluminium insert. It allows elapsed time to be tracked quickly, particularly during a dive. Finally, the solid, bead-blasted caseback is engraved with the MIL SPEC marking. This no-frills construction reinforces both the watch's historical authenticity and its identity as a true military diving instrument.
An Automatic Dive Watch Built for Demanding Missions
Beneath its historic appearance, the Benrus Type 1 Mil Spec is powered by the Swiss ETA 2892 automatic movement. This proven calibre offers a 42-hour power reserve, sufficient for everyday use even if it remains shorter than that of many modern automatic movements. Benrus states that these movements are designed, developed and manufactured in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The choice of this Swiss movement reflects a focus on reliability and ease of maintenance rather than on displaying the mechanics, since the calibre remains hidden behind a solid caseback. One of the model's main technical strengths is its 36.5 ATM water resistance, rated to 1,200 feet, or approximately 366 metres.
This level of protection largely exceeds the requirements of everyday use and remains consistent with the history of a watch designed for combat divers and maritime operations. The screw-down crown, solid caseback and sapphire crystal all contribute to this pressure-resistant construction. The 20 mm black rubber strap, secured by a pin buckle, completes the package logically. It resists moisture, is easy to clean and preserves the understated appearance expected of a military watch. The brand also offers additional compatible straps sold separately. With its night-time legibility, controlled dimensions and impressive water resistance, the Type 1 is equally at home underwater and during outdoor activities. Its two-year warranty remains fairly standard for this price range.
Benrus Type 1 Mil Spec military dive watch: elite-unit heritage
The Benrus Type 1 Mil Spec reinterprets a military dive watch created in 1972 to meet the American MIL-W-50717 specification. Its 39.5 mm asymmetrical case in sandblasted 316L stainless steel protects a screw-down crown and provides water resistance rated to 36.5 ATM, or 1,200 feet. The black dial features BG W9 Super-LumiNova beneath a double-domed sapphire crystal with dual anti-reflective treatment. Powered by an ETA 2892 automatic movement offering a 42-hour power reserve, it is fitted with a black rubber strap and comes with a two-year warranty.
Movement
The Benrus Type 1 Mil Spec is powered by the automatic ETA 2892, a Swiss movement renowned for its proven architecture. It offers a 42-hour power reserve, suitable for regular use, even if this level of autonomy is now fairly traditional. The calibre is not visible, as the watch features a solid bead-blasted caseback engraved with the MIL SPEC marking, a choice consistent with its military tool-watch identity and emphasis on durability.
Diameter and Materials
The 39.5 mm asymmetrical case is made of 316L stainless steel with a fully bead-blasted finish. Its thickness reaches 14.40 mm, with a 47.66 mm lug-to-lug length and a 20 mm lug width. The screw-down crown is partially protected by the shape of the case. A double-domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating protects the dial.
Water Resistance
The watch offers 36.5 ATM water resistance, equivalent to 1,200 feet, or approximately 366 metres. This capability is consistent with the model's historical purpose, having been developed for combat divers and maritime operations. The screw-down crown and solid caseback contribute to this protection, while the bezel allows elapsed time to be monitored underwater.
Accessories
The Benrus Type 1 Mil Spec comes fitted with a 20 mm black rubber strap secured by a pin buckle. This choice is well suited to diving, humid environments and physical activities while preserving the watch's utilitarian style. Benrus also offers several compatible straps in nylon, fabric and leather, although these are sold separately. The official product page does not specify the additional contents of the presentation box.
Warranty
Benrus provides the Type 1 Mil Spec with a two-year warranty. This period covers the watch according to the conditions defined by the brand and corresponds to a standard watchmaking warranty. The official website also mentions the existence of authorized after-sales service centres. However, the warranty remains less generous than some longer coverage periods offered by competing brands in this price range.
Benrus Type 1 Mil Spec The pros
and cons
- Direct military heritage linked to the 1972 Type 1
- High 36.5 ATM water resistance
- Versatile 39.5 mm case diameter
- Swiss ETA 2892 automatic movement
- Clean, purpose-driven design
- Noticeable 14.40 mm thickness
- Bidirectional rather than unidirectional bezel
- Aluminium bezel insert prone to scratches
- Very austere military styling
Prices and technical specifications are subject to change. Content and photos are not contractual.
