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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The 2022 Benrus Type II reissue preserves the original’s asymmetric, bead-blasted military-watch look, but updates its construction and materials. It is also a substantial watch: the case measures 42.5mm across and 15mm thick. The Type II’s paired 12- and 24-hour dial is the defining distinction from the dive-style Type I, while the modern reissue adds sapphire, an aluminum bezel insert, and spring-bar strap attachment.
What was the Benrus Type II?
The Type II was one of two Benrus watches supplied under the U.S. military specification MIL-W-50717, issued in 1970. Fratello reports that Benrus supplied Type I and Type II watches from 1972 through 1980. The original models shared bead-blasted steel cases, an asymmetric profile, and a rotating bezel; the wider right side of the case formed a guard around the crown. Fratello estimates total production of both types at about 16,000 watches, a reported estimate rather than an official manufacturing count. It also says the watches were issued to military personnel rather than sold to the public. Fratello’s historical account provides the context for the reissue.
Type II versus Type I
The dial is the easiest way to tell the models apart. The Type I has a dive-style layout; the Type II uses paired Arabic numeral rings to show civilian 12-hour time and military 24-hour time. Hodinkee also notes that original Type II watches came in luminous Class A and non-luminous Class B versions. That is original-watch history, not a choice offered with this 2022 reissue. Hodinkee’s vintage Type II overview describes the 12/24-hour display and original classes.
What changed in the 2022 reissue?
Visually, the reissue stays close to the original: it retains the asymmetric steel case, crown guard, utilitarian dial, and rotating bezel. Fratello describes the visual differences as negligible, but several materials and construction details are modernized. Fratello’s review and The Time Bum’s review discuss the updated case and strap arrangement.
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- 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
- The original acrylic crystal is replaced by a double-domed sapphire crystal.
- The original acrylic bezel insert gives way to an aluminum insert, with engraved minute and 12-hour markings.
- The reissue has a screw-in caseback rather than the original top-loader construction.
- Ordinary lug holes and spring bars replace fixed bars. That allows a wider choice of straps; the lug width is 20mm.
The bezel rotates in both directions. The Time Bum notes that its 12-hour markings can be used as a simple second-time-zone indicator, in addition to the bezel’s elapsed-time function. The Time Bum’s review describes the markings and bidirectional operation.
Dimensions, movement, and specifications
Fratello’s 2022 review lists the following specifications for the black-dial reissue. These are the reported specifications of that edition, not measurements from an independent test.
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
| Specification | 2022 reissue |
|---|---|
| Case material and finish | Bead-blasted 316L stainless steel |
| Case diameter | 42.5mm |
| Case thickness | 15mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 47.5mm |
| Lug width | 20mm |
| Crystal | Double-domed sapphire |
| Bezel insert | Aluminum |
| Caseback | Screw-in |
| Movement | Soprod P024 automatic, identified by Fratello |
| Power reserve | 38 hours, as stated by Fratello |
| Water resistance | 300m, also expressed as 30ATM in Benrus launch copy |
| Strap | 20mm two-piece seatbelt-style nylon, with quick-release spring bars |
| Display | Time only |
| Edition size | 500 pieces, announced by Benrus in 2022 and reported by Fratello |
There is a movement-description discrepancy in the launch-era material. Fratello’s review identifies the production watch’s movement as a Soprod P024 with a stated 38-hour reserve, while Benrus’s July 2022 launch email describes it more generally as an “ETA Swiss automatic movement” without naming a caliber or reserve. The specific caliber above follows the later review’s identification; the early launch wording does not establish that the movement was an ETA caliber. Fratello’s review and Benrus’s archived July 2022 launch email contain the respective descriptions.
How does it wear?
The measurements make this a broad, thick watch rather than a compact vintage-style field watch. The 47.5mm lug-to-lug is shorter than the 42.5mm diameter might suggest, but the 15mm thickness still gives the case considerable height. Wrist experience varies, and the available reviews are personal impressions rather than controlled fit tests.
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.
Fratello reviewer Thomas Van Straaten says the watch wore well on his 17cm wrist. He describes it as weighty but comfortable, with the bead-blasted finish, domed crystal, and bezel creating a rounded, pebble-like feel. The Time Bum reviewer Loren Sciurba says the short lugs kept it from feeling overwhelming on his 6.75-inch wrist and found the supplied strap comfortable. Those reports suggest that short lugs may help the watch sit on smaller wrists, but they do not guarantee fit. Van Straaten’s Fratello review and Sciurba’s review give their individual impressions.
Dial, lume, and strap
Fratello reports that the hands and markers use BGW9 Super-LumiNova. Van Straaten found the lume less bright than some alternatives but sufficient for reading the time; that is his visual impression, not a measured brightness comparison. He also found the supplied black seatbelt-style nylon strap glossy and visually subdued at first, though it grew on him with wear. He noted that its brushed hardware does not match the bead-blasted case finish. The strap uses quick-release spring bars, and Benrus described a tan option at launch as an extra-cost choice. Fratello’s hands-on review records those observations and the launch strap options.
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.
2022 price and present-day availability
Fratello recorded a retail price of $1,495 and availability on Benrus’s website when it reviewed the watch on August 2, 2022. Benrus’s July 2022 launch communication and Fratello both identified the edition as limited to 500 pieces. Those are launch-era facts, not a current offer: the available information does not establish whether Benrus has remaining stock or what the watch sells for on the secondary market today. Fratello’s August 2022 review and Benrus’s archived launch email document the period price and edition size.
Who is the reissue for?
The Type II reissue makes most sense for someone drawn to the original’s military design and 12/24-hour dial, but willing to wear a modern, substantial watch. Its 20mm spring-bar setup makes strap changes more straightforward than fixed bars would, and its 300m stated water resistance gives it diver-style capability on paper. The trade-offs are its 15mm thickness and the fact that historical fidelity does not extend to every material or construction detail: sapphire, aluminum, a screw-in back, and a Soprod movement distinguish it from the original. Current stock and market price need to be checked with a seller before purchase.
Quick Recap
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.
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.
