Why the Benrus Type 1-C is the Ultimate Tool Watch

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-C watch represents a remarkable blend of heritage and innovation, capturing the spirit of its predecessors while embracing modern advancements.

Originally designed for the U.S. military, this watch has evolved to meet contemporary standards, making it a sought-after piece for collectors and enthusiasts.

Historical Significance and Design Evolution

The Benrus Type I series, which began with the Type I, set a high standard for military watches. Introduced during the Vietnam War era, the Type I was the first to fulfill a military contract, crafted to meet the rigorous demands of specialized military units such as Navy SEALs, Green Berets, and CIA operatives. The watch’s robustness and simplicity were key to its adoption and success.

The new Type 1-C maintains the aesthetic and functional elements that made the original Type I a legend. This includes a clean, sterile dial without unnecessary embellishments for easy readability. The large luminous hands and indices ensure visibility in all conditions, staying true to the original design ethos.

Technical Specifications

• Case Diameter: 42.5mm (without crown)
• Case Length: 47.5mm (top lug to bottom lug)
• Case Height: 15mm
• Lug Width: 20mm
• Case Material: Bead blasted 316L stainless steel with a screw-in high-grip textured crown
• Movement: Soprod P024 with a 38-hour power reserve
• Strap: Quick-release two-piece rubber tropic strap
• Water Resistance: 30 ATM
• Crystal: Double-domed sapphire crystal
• Luminosity: BW G9 Super-LumiNova on dial markers and hands
• Special Feature: American Flag case back
• Origin: Swiss Made

These specifications highlight the watch’s durability and precision, essential for professional and everyday use.

 

 

The Type 1-C introduces modern enhancements while respecting its historical roots. The use of Swiss-made components ensures high reliability and performance. The 30 ATM water resistance and durable construction make it suitable for extreme conditions, aligning with its military heritage.

The Soprod P024 Movement with 38-Hour Power Reserve

The Benrus Type 1-C features the Soprod P024 movement, known for its precision and reliability. With a 38-hour power reserve, this movement ensures the watch maintains accurate timekeeping even when not worn for a day or two.

Why Soprod P024?

The choice of the Soprod P024 movement is strategic, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and durability. Soprod movements are Swiss-made, aligning with Benrus’s high standards for craftsmanship. Known for their robustness, these movements can withstand the rigors of daily wear and extreme conditions, making them ideal for a watch inspired by military use.

Robustness and Reliability

The Soprod P024 is celebrated for its stability and low maintenance. It incorporates advanced engineering to minimize friction and wear, ensuring longevity. This movement’s reliability underpins the Type 1-C’s reputation as a dependable tool for professionals and enthusiasts. The 38-hour power reserve is sufficient for most users, providing ample time before needing to wind or wear the watch again.

Incorporating the Soprod P024 movement enhances the Type 1-C’s appeal, offering a blend of historical authenticity and modern reliability. This ensures that the watch pays homage to its military roots and meets contemporary standards of precision and durability.

BW G9 Super-LumiNova on Dial Markers and Hands

The Benrus Type 1-C is equipped with BW G9 Super-LumiNova on its dial markers and hands, ensuring exceptional legibility in low-light conditions. This feature is crucial for a watch designed for military and tactical use, where readability can be a matter of life and death.

Importance of Legibility

The ability to quickly and accurately read the time is essential in harsh environments. Whether navigating at night, diving, or in any low-visibility scenario, the Super-LumiNova coating ensures the watch face is easily visible. This phosphorescent material charges quickly in natural or artificial light and provides long-lasting illumination, making it reliable for extended operations in darkness.

Performance in Harsh Conditions

The BW G9 Super-LumiNova is known for its brightness and durability. It is resistant to aging and can maintain its luminosity for many years, ensuring that the Type 1-C remains a dependable tool. This advanced luminous material outperforms traditional luminous paints, making it a superior choice for a high-performance watch.

By incorporating BW G9 Super-LumiNova, Benrus ensures that the Type 1-C meets the high standards of legibility required by military personnel and adventurers alike. This attention to detail in design enhances the watch’s functionality, making it a reliable companion in any condition.

Additional Features of the Benrus Type 1-C Watch

Case Material: Bead Blasted 316L Stainless Steel

The Benrus Type 1-C’s case is crafted from bead-blasted 316L stainless steel, known for its corrosion resistance and durability. This robust material ensures the watch can withstand harsh environments, while the bead blasting provides a matte finish, reducing glare and enhancing its tactical appearance. The screw-in high-grip textured crown adds to the watch’s resilience, allowing for secure adjustments even in wet or gloved conditions.

Strap: Quick Release Two-Piece Rubber Tropic Strap

The Type 1-C comes with a quick-release two-piece rubber tropic strap designed for comfort and versatility. This strap is durable, resistant to the elements, and easy to replace, allowing for quick changes without the need for tools. Its flexibility and ergonomic design ensure it fits securely on the wrist, making it suitable for various activities, from diving to everyday wear.

I’ve been through my fair share of watches, and typically, the strap that comes with them is subpar, leading me to replace them with a far better aftermarket strap. That is not the case here. The new Benrus Type 1-C strap is extremely comfortable right out of the box and has performed exceptionally well over the last three weeks. Whether diving into the ocean’s depths or simply going about your daily routine, this strap delivers unmatched comfort and durability.

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.

Water Resistance: 30 ATM

With a water resistance of 30 ATM, the Benrus Type 1-C is built to endure significant underwater pressures, making it suitable for professional diving and other aquatic activities. This high level of water resistance ensures that the watch remains functional and reliable even in the most demanding water-based environments, protecting its internal components from damage.

Crystal: Double Domed Sapphire Crystal

The double-domed sapphire crystal on the Type 1-C offers exceptional clarity and scratch resistance. This type of crystal is renowned for its hardness, second only to diamond, ensuring that the watch face remains clear and unmarred over time. The double-domed shape also reduces reflections and distortion, enhancing readability from different angles, critical in fast-paced or low-visibility situations.

The combination of these features underscores the Benrus Type 1-C’s commitment to quality and performance, making it a formidable tool for professionals and a stylish accessory for watch enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The Benrus Type 1-C watch is a testament to Benrus’s commitment to excellence, combining historical significance with modern advancements.

With its robust Soprod P024 movement, exceptional luminosity, durable materials, and thoughtful design features, the Type 1-C stands out as a reliable and stylish timepiece.

Whether you’re a military professional, an adventurer, or a watch enthusiast, the Benrus Type 1-C offers the perfect blend of form and function, making it a worthy addition to any collection.

The Benrus Type 1-C is not just a watch; it’s a tribute to American military history and a symbol of enduring quality.