Back to the main page Back to category 1
watch details
Benrus Military Diving Watch W-50717 Type 1 Class A
Estimated price for orientation: 3 900 $
Category: 1
Class:
Description Condition: Pre-owned: An item that has been used or worn previously. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Gender: Men's Face Color: Black Brand: Benrus Case Color: Gray UPC: Does not apply
Benrus Military Diving Watch W-50717 Type 1 Class A During the Vietnam War, the US Military contracted Benrus to design and build new dive watches, specifically for covert operations. These watches had to be stealthy, legible, and durable; Benrus delivered in spades. What they came up with was the Benrus Types I and II, military specification MIL-W-50717. These watches would go on to be worn on the wrists of CIA agents, Navy SEALS, and Green Berets throughout the Vietnam War, making the Types I and II some of the greatest US military dive watches ever made. The watch’s minimalist and basic design exemplifies “form following function”. A robust, automatic 17 jewel modified ETA 2620 movement is housed in a 40mm, bead-blasted, one piece steel case, and topped with a 3mm thick acrylic crystal. Although the case was designated as “one piece”, it was actually two pieces, and featured a permanently press-fit caseback in an effort to increase water resistance. As a result, the watch was capable of reaching depths of over 1200 feet. Adding to its robust nature, the Types I and II are non-magnetic, which allowed divers to work with magnetic mines underwater. Finishing the look, Benruses were secured to the wrist with NATO straps, preventing any chance of the watch coming detached from the wearer’s wrist. Over a period of roughly ten years, the US Military had four different versions of the watch commissioned. The first, and most rare, variant to be issued was the Type I Class A “Sterile”. Although all variants of the watch were technically sterile, this variant went even further, as it had no military markings. The thinking behind the sterile examples is often romanticized by collectors,who theorize in the event the wearer is captured, he would have no visible ties to US forces. In reality, it’s much more likely these examples were just prototypes – plus, the captured soldier’s uniform would likely betray his allegiance. The “Sterile” would then be followed by a version with military markings, known simply as the Type I Class A. Which is what we are offering today. This watch came from a veteran in central Illinois. It is as found. I wore it for several weeks, keeps time right on the money, and got a lot of comments from watch loving friends. I believe the band is original, it wears amazingly comfortable, for a slightly heavy piece. Crystal looks great, the photos show it slightly clouded in some frames, but it is not. There are some very minor scratches, but I do mean minor. It would be hard to find a watch this nice that has seen service. The estimate production of this watch is 6000 pieces. Not many to go around to a world of watch collectorsPlease bear in mind, we usually only LIGHTLY clean vintage items and leave thorough cleaning up to the pros!As always PLEASE FULL VIEW ALL PHOTOSFREE LOCAL PICK UPLook closely at photos, what you see is what you get ! ENJOY !
From Janet at the Rantoul Pawn Shop to you !WE ACCEPT PAYPAL AND DO NOT SHIP OUTSIDE THE United States
Insurance is always an option here, contact us for additional information In the case of antiques / collectibles we leave special cleaning to the pros. Contacting this seller with questions relating to accessories and or embellishments to our listings is encouraged.Please check out our other auctions or visit our store !Happy Bidding !WE DO NOT SHIP INTERNATIONALLY
PSSST......Don't be afraid to make an offer!
Description
| Condition: | Pre-owned: An item that has been used or worn previously. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition | Gender: | Men's |
| Face Color: | Black | Brand: | Benrus |
| Case Color: | Gray | UPC: | Does not apply |
Benrus Military Diving Watch W-50717 Type 1 Class A During the Vietnam War, the US Military contracted Benrus to design and build new dive watches, specifically for covert operations. These watches had to be stealthy, legible, and durable; Benrus delivered in spades. What they came up with was the Benrus Types I and II, military specification MIL-W-50717. These watches would go on to be worn on the wrists of CIA agents, Navy SEALS, and Green Berets throughout the Vietnam War, making the Types I and II some of the greatest US military dive watches ever made. The watch’s minimalist and basic design exemplifies “form following function”. A robust, automatic 17 jewel modified ETA 2620 movement is housed in a 40mm, bead-blasted, one piece steel case, and topped with a 3mm thick acrylic crystal. Although the case was designated as “one piece”, it was actually two pieces, and featured a permanently press-fit caseback in an effort to increase water resistance. As a result, the watch was capable of reaching depths of over 1200 feet. Adding to its robust nature, the Types I and II are non-magnetic, which allowed divers to work with magnetic mines underwater. Finishing the look, Benruses were secured to the wrist with NATO straps, preventing any chance of the watch coming detached from the wearer’s wrist. Over a period of roughly ten years, the US Military had four different versions of the watch commissioned. The first, and most rare, variant to be issued was the Type I Class A “Sterile”. Although all variants of the watch were technically sterile, this variant went even further, as it had no military markings. The thinking behind the sterile examples is often romanticized by collectors,who theorize in the event the wearer is captured, he would have no visible ties to US forces. In reality, it’s much more likely these examples were just prototypes – plus, the captured soldier’s uniform would likely betray his allegiance. The “Sterile” would then be followed by a version with military markings, known simply as the Type I Class A. Which is what we are offering today. This watch came from a veteran in central Illinois. It is as found. I wore it for several weeks, keeps time right on the money, and got a lot of comments from watch loving friends. I believe the band is original, it wears amazingly comfortable, for a slightly heavy piece. Crystal looks great, the photos show it slightly clouded in some frames, but it is not. There are some very minor scratches, but I do mean minor. It would be hard to find a watch this nice that has seen service. The estimate production of this watch is 6000 pieces. Not many to go around to a world of watch collectorsPlease bear in mind, we usually only LIGHTLY clean vintage items and leave thorough cleaning up to the pros!As always PLEASE FULL VIEW ALL PHOTOSFREE LOCAL PICK UPLook closely at photos, what you see is what you get ! ENJOY !
From Janet at the Rantoul Pawn Shop to you !WE ACCEPT PAYPAL AND DO NOT SHIP OUTSIDE THE United States
Insurance is always an option here, contact us for additional information In the case of antiques / collectibles we leave special cleaning to the pros. Contacting this seller with questions relating to accessories and or embellishments to our listings is encouraged.Please check out our other auctions or visit our store !Happy Bidding !WE DO NOT SHIP INTERNATIONALLY
PSSST......Don't be afraid to make an offer!
From Janet at the Rantoul Pawn Shop to you !WE ACCEPT PAYPAL AND DO NOT SHIP OUTSIDE THE United States
Insurance is always an option here, contact us for additional information In the case of antiques / collectibles we leave special cleaning to the pros. Contacting this seller with questions relating to accessories and or embellishments to our listings is encouraged.Please check out our other auctions or visit our store !Happy Bidding !WE DO NOT SHIP INTERNATIONALLY
PSSST......Don't be afraid to make an offer!