Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Dive watch

Benrus Type II Class A

Partially verified

The Benrus Type II Class A is a military-issued mechanical dive watch produced in 1976. Developed to adhere to the U.S. government MIL-W-50717 specification, the timepiece features an asymmetrical 43mm parkerized steel case with fixed-bar lugs and is rated to a depth of 1,200 feet. The watch is powered by an automatic movement and includes a bidirectional bezel, an oversized crown, and a dial displaying Arabic numerals with 24-hour time markings. The watch design prioritizes utility and legibility, incorporating a matte, non-reflective finish on the case. It was designed for use by military units, including Navy SEALs and Army Special Forces, during a period of active service before the adoption of quartz technology in military procurement.

Front view of the Benrus Type II Class A military watch with black dial and fixed-bar lugs.
Front view of the Benrus Type II Class A military watch with black dial and fixed-bar lugs. — Analog:Shift. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
analogshift.com
Category
Wristwatch · Dive watch
Maker / attribution
Benrus
Reference
MIL-W-50717
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1976
Source-reported place
United States

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The watch is housed in an asymmetrical 43mm steel case finished with a matte, non-reflective parkerized treatment. The construction includes fixed-bar lugs, which serve to securely hold the strap in place under rigorous conditions. The watch is equipped with an oversized crown positioned at the 4 o'clock position on the case flank.

The dial is black and features printed Arabic numerals for both 12-hour and 24-hour timekeeping. The perimeter is surrounded by a bidirectional rotating bezel. The design is intended for high readability, with the 24-hour markings included specifically for military-time reference.

Evidence for this section
  • “rugged 43mm asymmetrical parkerized steel case”
  • “fixed-bar construction”
  • “highly legible Arabic-numeral dial with 24-hour military time”

Movement and Functional Specifications

The Benrus Type II Class A is powered by an automatic movement. It was manufactured to meet the requirements of the U.S. military MIL-W-50717 specification, which mandated specific performance standards. The watch is built with a water resistance rating of 1,200 feet, intended for use by specialized military personnel.

The watch includes no decorative elements, with all features deemed mission-critical by the procurement requirements of the early 1970s. The components, including the bidirectional bezel, serve intended functions for timing and deep-sea environments.

Evidence for this section
  • “automatic movement”
  • “MIL-W-50717 specification”
  • “1,200-foot depth rating”
  • “nothing added for decoration and nothing included that wasn't mission critical”

Historical Context and Production

Dating to 1976, this object is described as one of the last generations of mechanical military watches produced before the transition to quartz technology. It was issued to various military branches, including the Navy SEALs and Army Special Forces, for use in environments identified as demanding.

The watch series was produced in limited quantities. The Type II Class A designation represents the highest military specification assigned to this series by the United States government during the era of its procurement.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dating to 1976”
  • “one of the last generations of American-made mechanical military watches issued before quartz technology reshaped military procurement”
  • “highest military specification assigned to the series”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber utilized within this reference?
  • How does the serial number range of this specimen correspond to the 1976 production window?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Benrus Type II Class A
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBenrus“Benrus”
SpecificationMIL-W-50717“MIL-W-50717”
Case materialParkerized steel“parkerized steel”
Depth rating1,200-foot“1,200-foot depth rating”
Date1976“Dating to 1976”
Bezel typeBidirectional“bidirectional bezel”

Visible details

  • Asymmetrical parkerized steel case with fixed-bar lugs
  • Bidirectional rotating bezel with Arabic numerals
  • Black dial featuring both 12-hour and 24-hour time markers
  • Oversized crown positioned at 4 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • The exact military service history of this specific unit is not documented.
  • The full mechanical condition of the internal movement is not detailed in the source.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت نظامی Benrus Type II Class A

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record a9bbad87fc

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other dive watch records