[Serviced] 1965 Vietnam-War Issued Benrus Field Men's Wrist-Watch

This watch isn’t pretty but neither is war, and that is what this watch was born for. 

This Benrus was produced in February of 1965, one month before the first US Marines were deployed in Vietnam. While watches are certainly handy, especially when you forget your phone, they are absolutely vital in war. When having access to accurate & reliable time can mean life or death you don’t want to take your chances on a substandard no-jewel watch, and the US government certainly knew that. 

The life of a US military watch begins not in a cozy Swiss alp workshop, but rather in a formal and all too bureaucratic government office where the parameters for a war appropriate watch are sketched up. 

Following the parameters for acceptance, companies are then able to submit their designs and if approved will begin production for the US military. 

However, let’s talk more about this watch in specific. While military issued watches cannot be too liberal in their designs for obvious reasons they certainly do carry a special type of charm. 

A matte black dial first meets the eye with gentle off-white patina most likely acquired during combat. The eyes quickly shift over to the well-aged & beautifully patinaed Tritium lumed hands & indices that once shined bright to allow the soldier to view the time regardless of the time. 

Powering this watch is a highly reliable Benrus 17-jewel Swiss made hand-wound movement that provides excellent accuracy, shock protection & hacking for precise time setting. 

Housing this watch is the definition of a tool watch, this watch forgoes any notion of decadence in favor for a striking bead-blasted gray steel case. 

Condition: Being a military issued watch that saw action, this watch certainly is far from NOS; with noticeable marks of usage. The crystal although replaceable was not done so to preserve the well-earned marks of usage. 

Size: 34mm diameter (35.5mm with crown), 10mm height, 18mm lug to lug width. 

Movement condition: The movement was serviced in April of 2023 and is currently running at ±6-11 seconds per day, an amplitude of 300 & a beat-error rate of 0.4MS