Benrus, a watch company that made some of the most iconic timepieces for the US armed forces. One of their most famous models was the 763, a simple and sturdy watch that was issued to US soldiers in the Vietnam War. Today, we are going to review the Benrus Military Watch 763 Olive Swiss Made, a reissue of this classic model that aims to capture the spirit and style of the 1970 original.
We will look at the design, features, performance and fade of Benrus watch, and see if it is worth buying for military watch enthusiasts or casual wearers.
Design
The Benrus Military Watch 763 Olive Swiss Made boasts an understated and classic design, reminiscent of its military lineage. With a round plastic casing measuring 35mm in diameter and 11mm in thickness, its muted olive green PVD finish radiates a resilient vibe. This coating complements the case back that’s etched with the signature Benrus emblem alongside essential details about the timepiece.
An acrylic shields the dial, ensuring it remains unscathed from potential abrasions and bumps. Its gently domed shape bestows the watch with a touch of retro elegance. The dial of the watch is also olive green, the hands are matched with white Arabic numerals and the hour markers are all white, which has a luminous effect. This striking color contrast ensures optimal readability, amplifying the watch’s practicality.
Accentuating its overall aesthetic is an 18mm nylon strap in a shade identical to the watch’s body and dial. Paired with an olive green PVD-finished stainless steel clasp, it’s not only robust but also exudes a laid-back, sporty vibe, perfect for daily wear.
Drawing parallels with the original version sported by the American troops in Vietnam, this Benrus watch captures the essence of timeless military fashion. Vintage enthusiasts and history aficionados would undoubtedly find its authentic military flair appealing. Absent features like water-resistance pose a risk when exposed to water. Additionally, modern upgrades like sapphire crystal protection, a secure screw-down crown, or defenses against magnetism are missing. Thus, while its design might transport you back in time, it lacks some contemporary features that could boost its longevity and performance.
Features
The Benrus Military Watch 763 Olive Swiss Made is equipped with a quartz movement, guaranteeing precision and dependable timekeeping. Renowned for its impeccable quality, this Swiss-made movement lives up to the global standards of excellence.
Its 12-hour dial presents the time – spanning hours, minutes, and seconds – in an uncomplicated manner. There’s an absence of subdials or additional complications, preserving the dial’s straightforward functionality. The watch doesn’t boast of extra features like a chronograph or a countdown timer, focusing solely on its primary purpose of time indication.
Performance
In varying conditions, this watch stands out for its performance. Thanks to its quartz movement, it remains precise, trustworthy, and user-friendly. Once you set the time and date, infrequent adjustments are all it needs. The timepiece promises clear legibility under diverse light conditions, even in dimly lit settings. Furthermore, its durability is amplified with a plastic casing coupled with an acrylic, making it resilient to shocks and potential damages.
The Benrus Military Watch 763 Olive Swiss Made encapsulates the basics – providing quintessential timekeeping without the distraction of extravagant features. It echoes the essence of its ancestral model worn by US soldiers during the Vietnam War, maintaining its military-driven simplicity.
Fade
This watch is quite lightweight and comfortable to wear. The case is virtually scratch free compared to the previously described MWC military watches, but it will scratch on the acrylic surface. If you replace a faded strap with a new nylon strap, it will look like new.
Conclusion
The Benrus Military Watch BR763 Olive Swiss Made is a reinterpretation of an iconic military timepiece sported by American troops during the Vietnam War. It offers an authentic, minimalist design paired with a trustworthy quartz movement, all at a pocket-friendly price. If you’re a fan of vintage and historical watches, its military origins and aesthetics will strike a chord.
However, it isn’t without its downsides. Absent features like water resistance or contemporary upgrades may leave some wanting more. The watch doesn’t exactly boast versatility or advanced functionalities, potentially making it less attractive to those seeking a feature-rich or value-added timepiece.
