The Benrus Type I and Type II are among the category of iconic military watches that first took root in the 1940s around WWII with the famous Dirty Dozen. The Type I and II are an extension of this lineage with designs that met the U.S. military’s formal specifications for wristwatches better known as MILSPEC during the Vietnam War in the 1970s and later throughout the special operations community, particularly among CIA paramilitary forces, Navy SEAL, and UDT teams conducting maritime missions. Benrus has kept this piece of horological history alive in its contemporary catalog, with modern interpretations of both models becoming part of the brand’s permanent collection in the new millennium. Now, that legacy continues with a brand new twist and a brand new collection: the Type 3X.
Today, the needs of military forces look very different than decades ago when the Type I and Type II were originally developed. Technology has transformed warfare, but there’s still a need for simple, dependable tools that work if technology fails. This sparked a simple question among a group of former special operations veterans: what would a modern version of the Type I and Type II look like if it was designed by the people who actually use it? Instead of beginning in a design studio, the project started the way many special operations ideas do – around a table, with this small group of individuals who had spent their careers solving problems in demanding environments. Their approach was different from traditional product designers, and the guiding principle was clear from the beginning: honor the spirit of the original while building a watch capable of meeting modern demands. The result is the Type 3X.
The model comes in two styles, one with more classic design codes featuring a black dial paired with a classically finished titanium case and the other thoroughly modern in a turquoise green with a treated titanium case achieving a darker finish. Beyond the appearance of the dials, the contemporary elements extend throughout. Both versions come equipped with a composite carbon mid-case and a unidirectional rotating titanium dive bezel with an aluminum inner ring. They measure 42mm in diameter and are 12.5mm tall.
The modern elements continue with rubber straps, one in a contrasting taupe color for the black dial variant and one in the same turquoise green for the other iteration, creating a more monochromatic look. For me, this choice of strap feels like the most contemporary element of the design, firmly anchoring this collection in the 21st century. There’s also the additional option of a utilitarian Velcro strap.
Of course, legibility remains key, and both models are enhanced with Old Radium Super-LumiNova on the markers and hands. Inside, the watches are powered by the ETA 2893 automatic movement with a 24-hour quick set GMT hand and 42 hours of power reserve. Other specs include 250 gauss anti-magnetic resistance and 20 ATM or 660 feet of water resistance.
The Type 3X joins the Benrus catalog as the latest extension of the Type I and Type II lineage with a price tag of $2,950. For more information, head over directly to Benrus.
