Benrus
type 2 Class A US Military Forces - military use

Benrus Type II Class A — 1979 US Special Forces & SEAL Team Monobloc steel automatic 12/24 h dial Rotating bezel Domed plexiglass Fixed bars

Silent on the wrist, precise in action: the Type II promises nothing, it executes.

On the ramp of a CH-43 helicopter, the soldier is not looking for style effect: use counts above all. The 12-hour bezel synchronizes a team, the 12/24-hour dial makes it possible to announce a time in the clear without ambiguity, the hack seconds freezes the seconds hand to set all the watches to the same beat. On return, the matte steel keeps its marks like a logbook: each trace tells a mission, not a shop window. This Type II Class A belongs to those instruments born for the field and become legends on collectors’ wrists.

Designed to the MIL-W-50717 specifications from the early 1970s, the Benrus Type II extends the effort begun with the Type I: a front-loading monocoque diver (you remove the bezel and the crystal to work on it), conceived for shocks, salt, magnetism and absolute legibility. The Type II is distinguished by its 12/24-hour dial (luminous Class A; non-luminous Class B) and its 12-hour bezel. Production volumes amount to a few thousand units, with estimates around 9,000 cases for the main runs and small “sterile” series (without markings) intended for special units.

The asymmetric steel case with matte finish reduces reflections and protects the crown; the monobloc middle case increases shock resistance and limits water entry points. The domed acrylic crystal of about 3 mm acts like a shield and can be easily repolished if needed. The bidirectional 12-hour bezel allows reading of a second time zone or operation synchronization; the initial minute sector facilitates short timing. The black dial shows 12/24 h with white hands and period tritium; the fixed bars require a robust NATO (lug width 20 mm). At the heart, the Benrus GS1D2: automatic, 17 jewels, 21,600 vph, ≈42 h of autonomy, modified ETA 2620 base, with hack seconds for operational time setting.

A military watch become an icon, the Type II assumes a tool presence: on green NATO, it keeps the issued spirit; on sand-colored nylon, it evokes the field; on brown leather, it gains heritage patina. In the city, its matte finish and 12/24-hour dial give it a rare utilitarian character — a functional aesthetic that does not go out of style. 1979 example consistent with its period of issue: tritium dial, fixed bars, Benrus GS1D2 movement. The watch is sold by Mostra with Mostra travel pouch and Certificate of Authenticity; workshop check (rate, amplitude, deviation). For an issued piece from this era, we recommend city-proof water use; pressure tests available on request.

Each watch is authenticated, checked and prepared by our in-house watchmaking workshop, then covered by the Mostra 3-year warranty with long-term support (usage advice, maintenance schedule, refurbishment options). Presentation in natural light, macro photos/video, marking verification and insured delivery. Our excellent Avis Vérifiés ratings reflect a clear, reassuring experience, from the first exchange to the wrist. Mostra—renowned for its service and customer experience—has been recognized in the specialist press as the pre-owned specialist.