BENRUS 3061 GT

A notable new release in the watch world, the Benrus #3061 GT, made its debut at the Windup Watch Fair in San Francisco, signaling a significant moment for the brand. This timepiece is not merely an instrument for telling time; it is a carefully crafted homage to a legendary film, an iconic actor, and a historic automotive chase that captivated audiences. The watch aims to capture the spirit of Bullitt, the classic 1968 film starring Steve McQueen, and the visceral thrill of its famous San Francisco car chase. This new field watch seeks to merge a vintage aesthetic with the advancements of modern watchmaking.

The historical roots of BENRUS are deeply intertwined with American watchmaking. Founded in Manhattan in 1921, the company quickly established a reputation for blending American design and marketing acumen with precise Swiss manufacturing techniques. This approach allowed BENRUS to produce reliable timepieces that were accessible to a broad audience. Throughout the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1960s, BENRUS became a household name in the United States, producing over a million watches annually at its peak. The brand was instrumental in developing watches for the U.S. military, and these robust, functional designs contributed significantly to its public image and popularity. BENRUS was also known for introducing innovative watch complications to the American market, further cementing its role in the evolution of watchmaking in the country. After a period of diminished presence, the independent New York-based brand is now staging a significant comeback, aiming to reintroduce modernized versions of its most iconic and sought-after tool watches to a new generation of enthusiasts. This resurgence, more than a century after its founding, marks a new chapter for BENRUS, as it seeks to honor its rich heritage while embracing contemporary watchmaking standards.



The design of the #3061 GT is rich with details that directly reference the Bullitt movie and its automotive star, the Ford Mustang GT Fastback. The most immediate of these is the Highland Green dial, a direct nod to the distinctive color of McQueen's Mustang. This specific shade of green is instantly recognizable to fans of the film and automotive enthusiasts alike, creating an immediate connection to the watch's inspiration. The dial also features a subtle texture, intended to evoke the grid-like layout of San Francisco's streets, the very stage for the film's groundbreaking chase sequence. This textural element adds a layer of visual interest and reinforces the watch's narrative.

A significant and novel feature for BENRUS is the introduction of a California dial. This dial style, which combines Roman numerals for the top half of the hour markers and Arabic numerals for the bottom half, offers a unique and somewhat retro aesthetic. On the #3061 GT, the California dial incorporates ton-sur-ton 24-hour numerals, a subtle addition that enhances its functionality as a field watch while maintaining a clean and balanced look. The BENRUS owl logo is also present, depicted in "full flight," adding a touch of brand identity to the distinctive dial layout. Furthering the cinematic connection, the second hand is designed to mimic the shape of the speed indicator from the dashboard of the 1968 Mustang Fastback GT. This specific detail is a clever tribute that deepens the watch's link to the film and the car that played such a pivotal role. The minute hand also shares this speedometer-inspired design.

The case of the BENRUS #3061 GT is crafted from 316L stainless steel, a material widely favored in watchmaking for its durability and resistance to corrosion. The case measures 39.5 mm in diameter, a versatile size that should appeal to a wide range of wrist sizes and preferences, sitting comfortably between overtly vintage dimensions and larger contemporary sports watch trends. The case height is a relatively slim 9.95 mm, allowing the watch to sit neatly on the wrist and easily slip under a cuff. This restrained thickness contributes to its wearability and understated profile. The case features a combination of brushed and polished finishes. Typically, brushed surfaces are applied to the larger, flatter areas of the case to minimize the appearance of minor scratches and provide a tool-watch sensibility, while polished accents on chamfers or bevels can add a touch of refinement and visual contrast. This interplay of finishes enhances the case's overall aesthetic appeal.



Protecting the dial is a double-domed sapphire crystal. Sapphire crystal is highly valued in watchmaking for its exceptional scratch resistance, second only to diamond. The double-domed shape means the crystal is curved on both its upper and lower surfaces. This can reduce distortion when viewing the dial from an angle and often adds a vintage-inspired character to the watch's appearance. Furthermore, the crystal is treated with a dual anti-reflective (AR) coating. This coating is applied to minimize glare and reflections, significantly improving the legibility of the dial, especially in bright lighting conditions. An AR coating is a practical feature that enhances the user's experience by ensuring the time can be read quickly and easily.

At the heart of the #3061 GT beats a Swiss ETA 2892 automatic movement. The ETA 2892 is a well-regarded and widely used movement in the Swiss watch industry, known for its reliability, accuracy, and relatively slim profile, which contributes to the watch's manageable case height. Being an automatic, or self-winding, movement, it harnesses the natural motion of the wearer's wrist to power the watch, eliminating the need for manual winding if worn regularly or kept on a watch winder. This particular movement provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. This means that once fully wound, the watch will continue to run for about 42 hours off the wrist before it would need to be wound again or worn to replenish its power. The inclusion of a Swiss-made movement like the ETA 2892 underscores BENRUS's commitment to quality and performance, aligning with its historical practice of combining American design with Swiss mechanical expertise.

Legibility in various lighting conditions is a key attribute of any field watch, and the #3061 GT addresses this with the application of BW G9 Super-LumiNova on the dial elements and hands. Super-LumiNova is a non-radioactive photoluminescent material that absorbs light (either natural or artificial) and then glows in the dark, allowing the time to be read in low-light or nighttime situations. The BW G9 variant typically offers a bright and lasting glow. The specific application on the hands and presumably the hour markers ensures that the watch remains functional and easy to read regardless of ambient light. This focus on legibility is consistent with the practical, no-nonsense ethos often associated with field watches and watches inspired by utilitarian designs.



The watch features an open case back, also fitted with a sapphire crystal. This transparent exhibition case back allows a view of the ETA 2892 automatic movement within. For many watch enthusiasts, being able to observe the intricate workings of a mechanical movement – the oscillating rotor, the balance wheel, and the train of gears – is a significant part of the appeal. It offers a glimpse into the mechanical artistry and engineering that powers the timepiece. The choice of sapphire crystal for the case back ensures that this view remains clear and scratch-free, just like the crystal on the front of the watch. This feature adds a layer of appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in creating a mechanical watch.

The #3061 GT is rated for 10 ATM water resistance. ATM stands for "atmospheres," and a 10 ATM rating means the watch is resistant to water pressure equivalent to a depth of 100 meters (or approximately 330 feet). This level of water resistance makes the watch suitable for everyday wear, including exposure to rain, splashes, and showering. It is also generally considered safe for swimming and snorkeling, though not typically recommended for high-impact water sports or scuba diving unless specifically designated as a dive watch. This practical degree of water resistance enhances the watch's versatility and robustness as an everyday timepiece.

Adding a bold and contemporary contrast to the vintage-inspired elements of the watch is a vibrant orange leather strap. Leather straps are a classic choice for many watches, offering comfort and a traditional aesthetic. The choice of orange, however, is a more modern and striking statement. This pop of color complements the Highland Green dial in an unexpected way and adds a sporty, energetic feel to the overall design. The strap is secured with a pin buckle, a standard and reliable type of watch clasp that is easy to use and secure. The lug width is specified as 20 mm, which is a common size, offering owners the flexibility to easily find and fit alternative straps if they wish to customize the look of their watch over time.



The overall visual impression of the BENRUS #3061 GT is one of carefully considered contrasts and purposeful details. The deep Highland Green of the dial, with its subtle grid texture, immediately draws the eye. This rich green surface provides a backdrop for the distinctive California dial layout, where the creamy, off-white Roman numerals on the upper half and Arabic numerals on the lower half offer a vintage charm. The ton-sur-ton 24-hour numerals are discreetly integrated, visible upon closer inspection without cluttering the primary time display. The hands, particularly the second hand shaped like a Mustang's speedometer needle, are a focal point, directly linking the watch to its cinematic and automotive inspiration. The orange of the second hand's tip and potentially other small accents on the dial provide a vibrant counterpoint to the green, echoed more boldly by the orange leather strap.

The polished and brushed finishes of the 39.5mm stainless steel case give it a sense of solidity and quality craftsmanship. The way light would play off these varied surfaces—catching on the polished chamfers while the brushed areas maintain a more subdued, tool-like appearance—would make the watch visually engaging from different angles. The double-domed sapphire crystal, rising slightly above the bezel, would not only offer clarity but also contribute a certain warmth and vintage feel, perhaps subtly distorting the edges of the dial in a pleasing way characteristic of older acrylic crystals, but with modern scratch resistance.

Flipping the watch over, the exhibition case back reveals the Swiss ETA 2892 movement. The sight of the decorated rotor spinning with the wearer's movement, the rhythmic pulse of the balance wheel, and the general intricacy of the mechanical components would offer a constant reminder of the traditional watchmaking techniques employed. The contrast between the utilitarian, film-inspired front of the watch and the intricate mechanical display on the back adds another layer to its appeal. The bright orange leather strap makes a definitive statement, ensuring the watch doesn't go unnoticed and lending a contemporary, sporty edge to the otherwise classic and cinematically referential design. It suggests a certain confidence and a willingness to embrace a bolder aesthetic.



This watch is presented as more than just an accessory; it is positioned as a declaration of identity, appealing to a diverse group including watch collectors, automotive enthusiasts, and individuals who appreciate stories conveyed through design and mechanics. It aims to resonate with those who identify with a spirit of rebellion, a passion for speed, or a fondness for nostalgia. The #3061 GT is explicitly designed to be a "true declaration of identity—for the rebel, the racer, and the nostalgic soul."

The BENRUS #3061 GT was available for pre-order following its unveiling, with deliveries anticipated to begin in May. The pricing for the watch is set at 1665 Swiss Francs (CHF), exclusive of tax, and 1800 US Dollars (USD). This positions the #3061 GT in a competitive segment of the market for Swiss-made automatic watches with strong design narratives and quality components. The launch of this model, just a month after BENRUS announced a "new chapter," underscores the brand's commitment to its revitalization and its strategy of leveraging its rich heritage to create compelling new products.

Case: 39.5 mm diameter, 9.95 mm height, 20 mm lug width. 316L stainless steel with brushed and polished finishes. Double-domed sapphire crystal with dual AR coating. Open case back with sapphire crystal. 10 ATM water resistance.

Movement: Swiss ETA 2892 automatic movement. 42-hour power reserve.

Dial: Highland Green with texture inspired by San Francisco's streets. California dial with date display and ton-sur-ton 24-hour numerals. BW G9 Super-LumiNova on dial and hands. Speedometer-style second and minute hands.

Strap: Orange leather strap with pin buckle.

Price: 1665 CHF (excl. tax) / 1800 USD

Reference Number: #3061 GT

Notes: A tribute to the 1968 BENRUS model worn by Steve McQueen in Bullitt and the Ford Mustang GT Fastback from the film. Features a speedometer-inspired second hand and a Highland Green dial. First California dial for the brand.