Mainspring Watch highlights the Benrus #3061 BU, a modern, urban reinterpretation of the iconic DTU-2A/P field watch. Born from the 1962 U.S. Government MIL-W-3818B specification, the DTU is described as “the quintessential discreet, legible, and robust utilitarian timekeeping device,” and the #3061 BU translates that legacy into a contemporary, polished package.

The #3061 BU preserves the spirit of the original while updating it for modern wearers. The 39.5 mm case is slightly larger than the original 34 mm DTU, making it a “statement piece but one which is averagely weighted on the wrist.” Design updates include a fully polished case, applied Arabic numerals with metallic surrounds, faceted hour and minute hands, and a red arrow tip on the seconds hand, all contributing to a modernized, elegant aesthetic.

As the review notes, “the #3061 BU isn’t just a more elegant version of the DTU, but an actual new design,” blending historical inspiration with contemporary style. The watch is powered by a Swiss ETA 2892 automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve, housed behind a sapphire caseback, and features a screw-down crown, 100-meter water resistance, a double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, and BGW9 lume on the hands and markers.

Mainspring concludes that the #3061 BU is “as well-built and spec’ed out as the [DTU-2A/P], but larger and more polished, so more contemporary and better suited… for the modern enthusiast’s wrist.” Priced at $1,895, it offers a thoughtful evolution of a classic military watch for collectors and daily wear alike.

Read the full review from Mainspring Watch here

Photos credits: Vincent Deschamps