MONOCHROME
The 2025 Benrus Type 1 MilSpec, a Tough and Purposeful Combat Tool
Monochrome’s latest article revisits the rich heritage of Benrus, one of the few American watch brands with deep military and aviation roots. From its beginnings in 1921 New York, Benrus earned a solid reputation for practical, rugged timepieces—famously worn by pilots, soldiers, and even CIA operatives.
The piece walks us through Benrus’s golden years, spotlighting iconic models like the Sky Chief chronograph and its military-issued Type I and Type II dive watches, built to U.S. MIL-W-50717 specs. After years of silence following the Quartz Crisis, Benrus is making a strong comeback with the 2025 Type 1 MilSpec 39.5mm, a modern yet faithful reissue of its legendary tool watch.
This updated model features a more compact 39.5mm sandblasted steel case, AR-coated sapphire crystal, and a Super-LumiNova dial that stays true to its functional, military-grade design. Powered by the Swiss ETA 2892movement, the watch offers 365m of water resistance and arrives ready for action on a robust rubber strap.
Monochrome’s review celebrates how this new release successfully blends modern reliability with authentic military character, honouring the original’s no-frills, mission-ready appeal.