Benrus
type 2 class a seal-team - special operations

Military dive watch from Benrus, issued in 1979 to special forces units of the U.S. military. Nicknamed “The Navy SEALs’ Submariner” by American troops, the Type 2 Class A model was produced in fewer than 1,000 units and primarily allocated to the U.S. Marines and Navy (whereas production of the Type 1 Class A is estimated at around 6,000 units). Manufactured by Benrus from 1972 to 1980, a small unmarked series was made specifically for combat divers from Delta Force and members of the CIA’s Special Activities Center. Benrus reports a total production of around 9,000 cases (including service modules for maintenance), so it is estimated that the number of actual watches corresponds to about two-thirds of those cases. Many of these timepieces had a “rough life,” and numerous units were lost along with their wearers during combat missions (MIA – Missing in Action).

This automatic watch features a 17-jewel monocoque case in matte military green anti-magnetic steel with anti-corrosion treatment. The movement is a Benrus GS1D2 “stop-second” calibre with 21,600 vibrations per hour, based on the ETA 2620 ébauche. It offers a 42-hour power reserve when fully wound. The dial is matte black with gilt hour and 24-hour markers, and white hands enhanced with tritium. On models frequently exposed to sunlight over long periods, the black dial often takes on a warm “chocolate” patina. The bi-directional rotating bezel is calibrated over 12 hours, with minute markings from zero to four o’clock allowing precise countdowns. The first 20-minute segment is highlighted, commonly used in special operations to synchronize to GMT, monitor detonation timers, or measure stealth withdrawal from surveillance zones. The domed 3mm-thick acrylic crystal (plexiglass) is scratch-resistant, anti-reflective, and also acts as a waterproof seal, since the caseback is monobloc — similar to the Omega Seamaster 600 Ploprof. The screw-down crown ensures overall water resistance.

This dive watch is equipped with fixed spring bars and was issued with a NATO strap matching the case color, like the one provided with this collector’s piece. The caseback features military identification engravings, including serial number and issue date. In the collector’s market, this extremely rare watch is highly sought-after and enjoys tremendous prestige and popularity across the Atlantic.

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