Benrus Type 1 Reissue: A Military Watch with a Legendary Past

I wore the new Benrus Type 1-C in red during a 10-day trip to Paris. Typically, I bring two watches when I travel, but I relied solely on the Benrus for this OCONUS trip to France. This decision highlighted the watch’s versatility and reliability in various settings, further proving its value.

The Benrus Type 1 Reissue isn’t just another throwback watch—it’s a tribute to one of the most legendary military-issued timepieces ever made.

Originally built in the 1970s for Navy SEALs, Green Berets, and CIA operatives, the Benrus Type I was designed to be tough, reliable, and stripped of anything unnecessary.

Now, Benrus has brought it back with modern upgrades while keeping its hardcore military DNA intact.

If you’re looking for a rugged, no-nonsense tool watch with a real military history, the Benrus Type 1 Reissue is as legit as it gets.

A Watch Designed for Special Operations

In the early ’70s, the U.S. military needed a watch that could handle anything. They issued MIL-W-50717, a spec that called for a super-durable, water-resistant dive watch with nothing extra to get in the way. Benrus answered with the Type I and Type II, built for elite special operations forces.

Unlike most military watches, the Type I had a fully sterile dial—no logos, no branding, nothing to identify its origin. Even more secretive were the sterile case backs, allegedly issued to CIA operatives so they couldn’t be traced if captured.

This wasn’t a fashion statement—it was a pure tool built for war zones.

Benrus Type 1 Reissue: Modern Upgrades, Same Military Toughness

The Benrus Type 1 Reissue brings this legendary watch back to life with key updates for modern durability and accuracy.

Specs at a Glance
✔ Case Diameter: 42.5mm
✔ Case Material: Bead-blasted 316L stainless steel (matte finish, no glare)
✔ Movement: Swiss Soprod P024 automatic (38-hour power reserve)
✔ Water Resistance: 30 ATM (300 meters)
✔ Crystal: Double-domed sapphire (scratch-resistant, anti-glare)
✔ Lume: BW G9 Super-LumiNova (bright, long-lasting)
✔ Strap: Quick-release rubber tropic strap (comfortable, durable)
✔ Case Back: American Flag engraving

Benrus kept everything that made the original great while enhancing its performance for today’s standards.

Built to Handle Anything

Military-Grade Durability

The original Type I had a monobloc steel case—a one-piece design with no case back, making it incredibly strong and water-resistant. The reissue stays true to this toughness with a solid 316L stainless steel case that’s corrosion-resistant and bead-blasted for a non-reflective finish.

 

Super-LumiNova for Maximum Readability

Military operators needed to read their watches in total darkness. The Benrus Type 1 Reissue stays true to that mission with BW G9 Super-LumiNova on the dial and hands, glowing bright and lasting through the night.

Upgraded Swiss Movement

The original Type I ran on a Benrus-modified ETA 2620 movement. The reissue upgrades to a Swiss Soprod P024 automatic movement, offering better accuracy, reliability, and a 38-hour power reserve.

Serious Water Resistance

With 30 ATM (300 meters) of water resistance, this isn’t just a dive watch—it’s built for extreme environments. Whether you’re diving, swimming, or getting caught in a downpour, the Type 1 Reissue can handle it.

 

Why the Benrus Type 1 Reissue is a Must-Have

If you love military history, tool watches, or just appreciate no-frills, purpose-built gear, the Benrus Type 1 Reissue delivers.

✔ Authentic Military Heritage – Based on the original watch worn by special forces
✔ Tough as Nails – Stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, and 300m water resistance
✔ Super-Legible – Bright lume, sterile dial, and high-contrast design
✔ Swiss Precision – Soprod P024 movement for long-term reliability
✔ No Gimmicks, Just Functionality – Everything you need, nothing you don’t

The Benrus Type 1 Reissue isn’t just a watch—it’s a piece of history reborn for today’s world. Whether you’re a collector, a watch enthusiast, or just someone who wants a badass, military-grade timepiece, this is one reissue worth owning.

For those who enjoy swapping out straps to match different activities or outfits, the Type 1-C strap’s quick-release feature makes this task incredibly easy. No tools are required, allowing for a seamless transition from one look to another. This watch truly caters to those who value style and practicality in their accessories.

 

Ready to Wear a Piece of Special Ops History?

The Benrus Type 1 Reissue is available now. If you want a true military tool watch that’s built for real-world use, this is it.