BENRUS TYPE 1 M1

From Manhattan to Military-Spec

Words by: Hourstriker Staff
July 14, 2025
A significant new chapter in the storied history of military-inspired timepieces has been written with the introduction of the Benrus TYPE 1 M1. This watch is not merely a reissue but a thoughtful evolution of the legendary Type 1 MIL-SPEC watch, a tool once indispensable to the elite forces of the United States military during the tumultuous 1970s. The new M1 model takes the core principles of its battle-hardened predecessor and reimagines them for the contemporary watch enthusiast, blending a rugged, utilitarian past with modern materials and a refined aesthetic. The result is a timepiece that pays homage to its formidable lineage while forging its own distinct identity.



The story of BENRUS is a quintessential American narrative, rooted in the ambition and determination of three immigrant brothers. Founded in 1921 in New York City by Benjamin, Oscar, and Ralph Lazrus, the name "BENRUS" was a clever amalgamation of Benjamin's first name and the family surname. From their origins as a watch repair shop, the brothers quickly transitioned to manufacturing watch cases and assembling timepieces with high-quality Swiss components. This commitment to quality and a keen sense of marketing, including associations with figures like Charles Lindbergh and Babe Ruth, propelled the brand to prominence.

Courtesy of BENRUS


The company's trajectory became inextricably linked with the United States military during World War II. BENRUS, like many American manufacturers, pivoted its production to support the war effort, creating critical timing devices for munitions. This experience solidified their reputation for producing robust and reliable instruments. In the decades that followed, BENRUS continued to supply the U.S. military, culminating in the creation of the iconic Type 1 and Type 2 watches, which were built to the stringent MIL-W-50717 specification and issued to elite units like the Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and Green Berets during the Vietnam War. These original timepieces were the epitome of function over form, with sterile, no-logo dials to minimize reflections and a focus on uncompromising legibility and durability.



The new TYPE 1 M1 carries this legacy forward, but with a series of deliberate and well-executed updates that speak to a modern sensibility. Visually, the watch makes an immediate impression with its unique champagne-colored dial. This is a significant departure from the stark black of the original military-issue pieces and lends the M1 a sophisticated character that feels at home in a variety of settings, from the field to a more formal environment. The dial is not merely a new color; it possesses a subtle sunray finish that plays with the light, adding a dynamic quality to the watch's face.



Framing this distinctive dial is a uni-directional 1-hour rotating bezel. The bezel is crafted from brushed stainless steel, giving it a purposeful, tool-like appearance. A key upgrade is the inclusion of a ceramic inner ring, a material prized in modern watchmaking for its exceptional scratch resistance and fade-proof properties. This ensures that the crisp, legible markings on the bezel will remain so for the life of the watch. The bezel's edge is toothed, providing a secure grip for easy operation, a feature that would be appreciated in any real-world application, whether timing a dive or a parking meter.

Courtesy of BENRUS


The hands and markers on the dial are a study in clarity. Large, geometric markers—a triangle at 12 o'clock, rectangles at 3, 6, and 9, and circular plots for the remaining hours—are rendered in black for maximum contrast against the champagne background. Both the hands, which are a simple and effective fence-post style, and the markers are generously filled with BW G9 Super-LumiNova. This high-performance luminous material ensures that the time can be read at a glance in low-light or no-light conditions, a direct and practical link to the watch's military heritage where legibility could be a matter of life and death.



A significant update that sets the TYPE 1 M1 apart from its forebears is the inclusion of the BENRUS logo on the dial. While the original military-spec watches were sterile for tactical reasons, the addition of the brand's name on the M1 is a confident assertion of its identity as a modern, commercially available timepiece. It signifies a shift from a purely utilitarian object to a piece of horological design, meant to be worn and appreciated for its aesthetics as well as its capabilities.



The case of the TYPE 1 M1 is a masterclass in functional design with a touch of refinement. Measuring 41.5mm in diameter, it strikes a contemporary sweet spot, offering substantial presence on the wrist without being overly cumbersome. The case height of 13.70mm and a lug-to-lug length of 49.85mm contribute to a balanced and wearable profile. The primary finish is a satin brushing, which helps to minimize the appearance of minor scratches and reinforces the watch's tool-watch character. However, a closer inspection reveals polished bevels along the edges of the case, a subtle but significant detail that adds a touch of visual interest and elevates the overall look of the watch.

Courtesy of BENRUS


This thoughtful combination of finishes demonstrates an understanding of what modern watch collectors appreciate: a timepiece that can withstand rigorous activity but also exhibits a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The asymmetrical case design, with its robust crown guards protecting the screw-down crown, is a direct nod to the original Type 1, a design feature born from the necessity of protecting a critical component from impact in the field.



Protecting the dial is a double-domed sapphire crystal. Sapphire is the industry standard for high-end watches due to its extreme hardness and scratch resistance, second only to diamond. The double-domed shape helps to reduce distortion when viewing the dial from an angle, and a dual anti-reflective coating applied to the crystal minimizes glare, further enhancing legibility in bright conditions. This is a premium feature that underscores the quality of the components used in the M1's construction.



One of the most significant departures from the original military-issue Type 1 is found on the reverse of the watch. The TYPE 1 M1 features an open sapphire case back, offering a view into the mechanical heart of the timepiece. This is a feature that would have been unthinkable on a military watch, where a solid case back was necessary for maximum durability and water resistance. However, for the modern enthusiast, the opportunity to observe the intricate workings of a mechanical movement is a major part of the appeal of watch ownership.



Through this sapphire window, one can admire the Swiss ETA 2892 automatic movement. The ETA 2892 is a highly regarded and widely respected caliber in the Swiss watch industry, known for its reliability, accuracy, and relatively slim profile. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), which translates to a smooth sweep of the seconds hand. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours, meaning the watch will continue to run for nearly two days after being fully wound, even if it is not worn.

Courtesy of BENRUS


The choice of the ETA 2892 is a testament to BENRUS's commitment to providing a high-quality, dependable timepiece. While some brands have moved towards in-house movements, the ETA 2892 is a proven workhorse with a long track record of excellent performance. Its ubiquity also means that it can be serviced by any competent watchmaker, ensuring the long-term viability of the watch. The finishing on the movement, while not overly elaborate, is clean and industrial, befitting the watch's overall aesthetic.



The TYPE 1 M1 is rated for a water resistance of 20 ATM, which is equivalent to 200 meters or approximately 660 feet. This is a substantial level of water resistance, making the watch suitable for a wide range of aquatic activities, including recreational diving. This capability is ensured by the screw-down crown and the solid construction of the case, further cementing the M1's credentials as a true tool watch that is ready for any terrain.



Completing the package is a fabric strap with a traditional pin buckle. The strap is colored to complement the champagne dial, creating a cohesive and visually appealing look. Fabric straps are lightweight, comfortable, and durable, making them an ideal choice for a watch with a military heritage. They are also easily interchangeable, allowing the owner to customize the look of the watch with different strap options. The pin buckle is simple, secure, and in keeping with the no-nonsense character of the timepiece.



The manufacturing of BENRUS watches is a testament to their commitment to quality. All of their timepieces are designed, engineered, and assembled in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, one of the historic hearts of the Swiss watchmaking industry. This "Swiss Made" designation is a legally protected term that guarantees a high standard of quality and craftsmanship, from the components used to the final assembly and inspection of the watch.

Courtesy of BENRUS


The BENRUS TYPE 1 M1 is available for purchase directly from the BENRUS website. With a retail price of $1,900, it represents a significant value proposition in the competitive landscape of Swiss-made tool watches. For this price, the buyer receives a thoughtfully designed, historically significant, and robustly constructed timepiece with a premium Swiss automatic movement.



Case: 41.5mm satin stainless steel finish case with polished bevels. 13.70mm height, 49.85mm lug to lug, 20mm lug width. Uni-directional rotating bezel with ceramic inner ring. Double-domed sapphire crystal and open sapphire case back. 20 ATM water resistance.

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

Dial: Champagne color. Hands and markers feature BW G9 Super-LumiNova.

Strap: Fabric strap with pin buckle.

Price: $1,900

Reference Number: TYPE 1 M1 Notes: A modern reimagining of the original Type 1 MIL-SPEC watch from the 1970s. Unlike the original, this version features a champagne dial, the BENRUS logo, and an open case back showcasing the movement. Swiss Made.
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