The Benrus Type 1 M1 combines the silhouette and tool-watch features of the historic Type I with a warmer dial, polished details and a visible automatic movement. It is a contemporary civilian reinterpretation—not a newly issued military watch or a demonstrated MIL-SPEC-certified model. Its manufacturer-listed 41.5 mm case, 200 m water resistance and ETA 2892 movement make it capable on paper, while its champagne dial and luxury finishing soften the stark military look. Benrus listed it for $1,995 on October 8, 2026.
What the Type 1 M1 is—and what it isn’t
Benrus describes the M1 as an evolution of the Type 1 MIL-SPEC. Its design draws on the historic Type I military-watch formula, but the M1 is positioned as a civilian, off-duty watch rather than a new military issue. The champagne sunray dial, prominent Benrus logo and open caseback make that distinction visible.
That matters if you are buying for period fidelity. The M1 carries recognizable Type I cues, but it is not a period-correct reproduction: its branding, dial treatment and exhibition back give it a more contemporary, polished character. Independent launch coverage likewise presents it as a civilian reinterpretation rather than a military procurement piece (Oracle Time’s July 2025 launch article).
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | Benrus Type 1 M1 |
|---|---|
| Case | 41.5 mm satin stainless steel with polished bevels |
| Thickness | 13.70 mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 49.85 mm |
| Lug width | 20 mm |
| Crystal | Double-domed sapphire with dual anti-reflective coating |
| Bezel | One-hour unidirectional rotating bezel with ceramic inner ring |
| Movement | Swiss ETA 2892 automatic; 42-hour power reserve |
| Lume | BG W9 Super-LumiNova |
| Water resistance | 20 ATM (200 m) |
| Strap | Fabric strap with pin buckle |
| Caseback | Open sapphire caseback |
| Origin | Swiss Made |
These are the model-specific specifications listed by Benrus. The brand’s product page also mentions water resistance up to 370 m for the Type I Collection, but that collection-wide statement is not the M1’s listed rating; the M1 is specified at 200 m.
#1 Best Overall
- Black Dial Design: Black dial with full Arabic numerals pairs with a green fabric slip-thru strap that changes in seconds
- Adjustable Strap: A comfortable band fits securely up to an 8-inch wrist circumference for everyday wear, day in and day out
- Indiglo Backlight: A push of the button illuminates the dial and luminous hands in the dark, day or night, rain or shine
- All-Weather Durability: A mineral glass crystal and water resistance to 50 meters keep this field watch ready for daily wear
- Built to Last: A Timex watch is designed for durability and everyday reliability; every piece reflects our commitment to quality without compromise
How it wears: substantial, with an important measurement caveat
By Benrus’s listed dimensions, the 49.85 mm lug-to-lug span is the figure to consider alongside the 41.5 mm diameter when judging wrist fit. The 13.70 mm thickness gives the watch noticeable height, and the 20 mm lug width leaves room to change straps if the exact replacement strap is compatible with the watch’s hardware.
There is a measurement difference in one hands-on review: Hourstriker reports a 44 mm case diameter, 49.4 mm lug-to-lug, 13.7 mm thickness and 97 g on strap. The reviewer says the 44 mm diameter was measured from the 50-minute to the 20-minute points, rather than using a standard across-case measurement. For an ordinary size comparison, Benrus’s 41.5 mm listed diameter is the more useful figure; the review’s other measurements describe that reviewer’s sample and method (Hourstriker’s review).
Rank #2
- Cream Dial Design: Cream dial with full Arabic numerals pairs with an adjustable green fabric strap for a rugged, outdoor look
- Adjustable Strap: A comfortable band fits securely up to an 8-inch wrist circumference for everyday wear, day in and day out
- Indiglo Backlight: A push of the button illuminates the dial and luminous hands in the dark, day or night, rain or shine
- All-Weather Durability: A mineral glass crystal and water resistance to 50 meters keep this field watch ready for daily wear
- Built to Last: A Timex watch is designed for durability and everyday reliability; every piece reflects our commitment to quality without compromise
Dial, bezel and military-watch character
The historic Type I/II design family is associated in watch coverage with military specification MIL-W-50717. The familiar tool-watch elements are a steel case, rotating bezel, high water resistance and a legible dial. Type I watches used a 12-hour layout, while Type II versions added a 24-hour scale. In his review, Michael Penate of Two Broke Watch Snobs puts the distinction this way: “The Type 1 used the cleaner 12-hour layout seen here, while the Type 2 added a 24-hour scale.” (Two Broke Watch Snobs)
The M1 keeps the 12-hour Type I approach but changes the visual balance. The champagne sunray dial is warmer and less stark than a black dial with white markers. Hourstriker’s reviewer specifically found its contrast less pronounced than that of the black-and-white alternative; that is a subjective observation, not a measured legibility result. The bezel’s ceramic inner ring and the polished case bevels also read as contemporary finishing rather than strict military austerity.
Rank #3
- ⌚ MENS WATCHES ANALOG: Mens military watches made with shock-resistant stainless steel case and anti-scratch mineral window, exquisitely crafted and durable. Men's watch strap width: 22mm / 0.86 inches, stainless steel case: 42mm / 1.65 inches.
- ⌚ MILITARY WATCHES FOR MEN: This mens field watch is very suitable for active lifestyles, with a comfortable double nylon strap, will suitable for personal use and as good for anniversary, graduation, business, birthday , the father's day , Christmas .
- ⌚3 ATM WATERPROOF MILITARY WATCHES: 30M waterproof, sweat-proof, rain-proof and hand-washing for daily life, no problem. But NOT suitable for swimming, bathing, diving or touch hot water. Perfect for most of indoor / outdoor sports.
- ⌚ EASY TO READ TIME: 12 / 24 hrs military time and luminous dial. The mens watches equipped with date calendar can tell you the time quickly and accurately. Come with luminous function, easy to read the time even in the dark.
- ⌚ PURCHASE WITHOUT WORRY: Japan imported quartz analog movement and battery, long-term operation. for 1 years,24-hour customer service is at your service.
Benrus’s published M1 specifications establish its materials and features, but they do not establish formal military certification. The original MIL-W-50717 document was not independently verified in the cited coverage, so the historical connection is best understood as design context, not proof that the M1 complies with that standard.
Movement, water resistance and practical capability
ETA 2892 automatic movement
The M1 uses a Swiss ETA 2892 automatic movement with a manufacturer-listed 42-hour power reserve. The open sapphire caseback puts the movement on view, another choice that distinguishes this civilian model from a strictly utilitarian military-style watch. Hourstriker reports that its review sample averaged +3 seconds per day across several positions on a timegrapher. That is one reviewer’s sample result, not a Benrus accuracy guarantee or a result independently reproduced here.
Rank #4
- STEALTH TACTICAL DESIGN: Embrace the elite "all-black" aesthetic with this stealth military watch. Featuring a matte black case and a high-contrast dial with bold white numerals, it delivers a professional, heavy-duty look that punches far above its price point. Perfect for tactical enthusiasts and those who prefer a low-profile, rugged style.
- PRECISION 12/24H MILITARY TIME: Designed for mission-critical clarity. This analog watch features the Miyota 2105 Japanese Movement,a dual-dial display (12H and 24H military time) and a quick-read Day-Date calendar (English/Spanish). It’s an essential tool for EMS, security professionals, and night-shift workers who need instant, error-free timekeeping.
- REINFORCED FOR DAILY WORK: Engineered as a reliable "beater watch" for the worksite. Protected by a tough stainless steel case back and an anti-scratch mineral window, this field watch is built to withstand the rigors of construction, industrial work, and outdoor sports. The red-tipped second hand provides precise tracking for tactical needs.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & ADJUSTABLE COMFORT: Featuring a premium 22mm black nylon slip-thru strap, this tactical watch is designed for all-day breathability and comfort. Unlike heavy metal bands, it won't weigh you down during intense activity. The adjustable strap fits a wide range of wrist sizes, up to a 9-inch circumference.
- 5ATM WATER RESISTANT (LIFE-PROOF): Rated for 50M (5ATM) resistance, it easily handles rain, sweat, and hand-washing. To ensure longevity and prevent fogging, avoid exposure to hot water, steam, or high-pressure swimming. Comes in an original box, making it a high-value gift for birthdays, veterans, or any man who appreciates a functional, rugged timepiece.
200 m rating and rotating bezel
The manufacturer specifies 20 ATM (200 m) water resistance, a screw-down crown and a one-hour unidirectional bezel. Together these are substantial tool-watch specifications, but the rating alone should not be read as a recommendation for every kind of diving or as a substitute for checking the watch’s condition, crown security and maintenance. Follow Benrus’s guidance for use and care.
Crystal, lume and strap
The double-domed sapphire crystal has dual anti-reflective coating, while the dial uses BG W9 Super-LumiNova. Hourstriker’s reviewer praised the lume, bezel feel, build impression and fabric-strap comfort; those are observations from one sample and wearer, not laboratory findings. The 20 mm lug width gives strap options, though fit depends on the replacement strap’s dimensions and attachment design.
Best Value
- ⌚ MENS WATCHES ANALOG: Mens military watches made with shock-resistant stainless steel case and anti-scratch mineral window, exquisitely crafted and durable. Men's watch strap width: 22mm / 0.86 inches, stainless steel case: 42mm / 1.65 inches.
- ⌚ MILITARY WATCHES FOR MEN: This mens field watch is very suitable for active lifestyles, with a comfortable double nylon strap, will suitable for personal use and good for anniversary, graduation, business, birthday , the father's day , Christmas .
- ⌚3 ATM WATERPROOF MILITARY WATCHES: 30M waterproof, sweat-proof, rain-proof and hand-washing for daily life, no problem. But NOT suitable for swimming, bathing, diving or touch hot water. Perfect for most of indoor / outdoor sports.
- ⌚ EASY TO READ TIME: 12 / 24 hrs military time and luminous dial. The mens watches equipped with date calendar can tell you the time quickly and accurately. Come with luminous function, easy to read the time even in the dark.
- ⌚ PURCHASE WITHOUT WORRY: Japan imported quartz analog movement and battery, long-term operation. for 1 years,24-hour customer service is at your service.
How the M1 differs from the original and the 2020 reissue
It is easy to blur three different watches together: the historical Type I, the 2020 Type I reissue, and the current Type 1 M1. They should not share a single specification list. Worn & Wound’s review describes an original-era watch as nearly 43 mm and water resistant to 300 m; those figures concern that historical watch, not the M1. The M1’s own listed diameter is 41.5 mm and its water resistance is 200 m (Worn & Wound’s 2020 reissue review).
The M1’s civilian signals are the prominent branding, champagne dial, polished bevels and display back. Those updates give it a more dressed-up personality than a strictly austere field instrument, while the rotating bezel, screw-down crown and substantial water-resistance rating preserve useful tool-watch credentials.
Price and value
Benrus’s product page displayed a price of $1,995 on October 8, 2026 (Benrus). Hourstriker published a $1,900 figure in its review, and Oracle Time’s July 2025 article gave a different price in Swiss francs. Those are prices from different publication dates and currency contexts, not numbers to average; check Benrus’s current listing before purchasing.
At the displayed price, the case for the M1 rests on its combination of recognizable Type I design, Swiss ETA movement, 200 m rating, ceramic bezel insert, sapphire crystal and more refined finishing. The trade-off is equally clear: buyers seeking the most austere or period-faithful version of the design may prefer a darker, less branded presentation, while buyers who value heritage cues in a contemporary watch may see the champagne dial and exhibition back as part of the appeal.
Quick Recap
Who should consider the Benrus Type 1 M1?
- Consider it if you want Type I-inspired design with modern materials, an automatic Swiss movement, a usable rotating bezel and a warm, distinctive dial.
- Think twice if your priority is strict historical fidelity, maximum dial contrast, or a smaller case footprint; the M1 is visibly contemporary and its 49.85 mm listed lug-to-lug is worth comparing with a watch you already find comfortable.
- Before buying, confirm the current price, availability and warranty/service terms directly with Benrus, and try the case dimensions on wrist if fit is uncertain.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
