Which Benrus is Best Benrus?

[MiguelBricaBrac]

Hello,

I am currently looking to acquire a vintage Benrus watch to work on, but I have found very little information on the models aside from Sky chief, Dial-0-Rama, DTU-2A and the  civilian model, Series#3061. Is there any information as to how the series numbers work in relation to the value or quality of the watch? for example, all "Bullitt" watches have a series of #3061 and these have a high value, but the Series #3051 have a value much lower than #3061 and looks very close to the "Bullitt" watch, but what makes these different from the #3061?

[Geotex]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

The thing about the Benrus series numbers is that they just refer to the case style, not the actual watch configuration or model. Series #3061 denotes a stainless steel “waterproof” case that is designed to hold an ETA 2370-family movement and a domed dial without an additional movement ring being needed. The value comes in as a factor of what actual movement, dial and hands were used inside that case. The “Bullitt” gets its high sales price from three factors: 1) it’s somewhat rare, 2) although it is a civilian watch it has a direct military connection (the same hacking movement as used in the DTU-2A/P as well as a military-style dial), and 3) it appears to have been worn onscreen by Steve McQueen in the movie of that name.

However, there were many other models/styles of watches with a non-hacking version of the same movement placed in the #3061 case. The attached photo shows two watches in the #3061 case and one in the virtually identical Belforte #9061. The #3051 case is very similar but with more linear angles on the lugs giving it a slightly different look. The non-Bullitts are serviceable, relatively inexpensive watches that are a reasonable choice for someone to use as a starting place for watch repair practice, but they don’t fetch collector prices.

The modern company currently licensing the Benrus name is now making an homage to the Bullitt that they call “The Series #3061” which certainly makes it seem that the series number equates to a model number, but that’s a recent marketing label, not the historical meaning to watch buyers or repair shops at the time…

[MiguelBricaBrac]

Thanks, just the kind of information I need clarify my question and great looking examples you got there. 

Edited July 18, 2023 by MiguelBricaBrac