BENRUS DTU-2A/P Vietnam Field Watch Swiss Automatic 39mm US Military MIL-SPEC Field Watch Under $600

[@AleFairchild]

Just received this and it is soo good. Quality is faultless. Real provenance and revival that honors the history in many ways beyond what replicas are doing. Size is just right for modern use, not too large and not too small. Great movement, high strap quality. Everyone call this strap NATO but its not, its a pass through strap with two keepers, Nato strap has three keepers and an extra layer underneath acting as a watch pad to insulate watch case from wrist. I love it!

[@WatchChris]

Thanks for the comment enjoy the watch!!!

[@jjbuckmaster7059]

I have quite a few field watches. I like this one….Great movement choice. But, they’re asking Hamilton prices, North of $500 and a snap on case back(w/50m of WR), and no sapphire. I just think you should get more spec-wise at that price. Thanks Chris!

[@paultaegel5641]

Oof. Yeah. Those are Timex Expedition specs.

[@mgb1971]

A nice watch and a fair price considering it is assembled here in the USA. The originals were 35mm or probably less. Just a guess on my part but definitely not larger than 35mm. Probably 33mm. I think Benrus missed the boat on its size. At 39.5mm, it is too large for a RECREATION. Should have been 36mm to be more historic. The strap is crap and looks terrible on the watch. For $595, they would have been better with a canvas two piece or even leather. They will have stiff competition with Hamilton and even the Bulova Hack (1/2 the price). Even Long Island Watch's field watches will compete if the buyer is not looking for a recreation.

[@heisenberg470]

I completely agree, very good points.

[@bradhart6487]

Agreed. I have a vintage Benrus gg-w-113. It is a 34mm, which gives it a real charm.

[@fabiandee8178]

the original was a LOT smaller at 33mm. They could gave gone up to 36-38mm and it would have been a big step up but still sociably small. This 39.5mm is a bit excessive for a sterile watch with no diver bezel.

[@andrewd7586]

Good review Chris! I bought an original 1968Vietnam issue model purely because I’m a Steve McQueen nut!🤪 He wore one in the Bullitt movie!😎 Yeah it goes well with my 68 GT390 fastback!🤤Since then I’ve bought another 4 original, one a plastic issue version, then added 2 WW2 reissue models. The originals keep fantastic time! I’d definitely look at buying this one too!👍🏻

[@RedwoodAggie]

I think this is a very cool release. I would have been okay with the Benrus name on the dial. I'd prefer a sapphire crystal, but I agree the acrylic is better than mineral in this particular use case. The seatbelt strap is higher end than typical NATOs, and the hardware on it looks nice. I like that they threw in the compass, and I would absolutely wear it with that. The sizing is my sweet spot of compact sizing, but not so compact that it lacks all presence/readability. I found the Hamilton Khaki 38mm hand wind mechanical to be a touch small feeling on my wrist, possibly due to it being so thin. The Hamilton is priced comparably, but does add a higher power reserve, and sapphire. Benrus obviously doesn't have the scale benefits of being part of the Swatch group, so it would be hard to compete 1:1. Oh, I also love that they use white lume, instead of fauxtina. I want to feel what it would be like originally, not after a Tritium dial aged. My only negative I could see is it would be nice to have something to differentiate the 12 o'clock index on the lume (different color or something).

[@RoaroftheTiger]

Less that "current date"; those markings on the center of that Caseback are correct, as per "Mil-Spec" ... I was there.

[@WatchChris]

Ah thanks for the clarification!

[@RoaroftheTiger]

... But BGW -9 ??? What the Hell ! A Green Lume is correct, not the Lume in Fashion. As a Vietnam Veteran, I pass.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

@@WatchChris Your welcome. But did you note my response to the Lume ? That makes me ... "unhappy" ?

[@Nciswit1]

Chris I just got the new Benrus 3061 the “civilian” version of the DTU. The one that Steve McQueen wore in Bullitt. Same as this one but with a stainless case, red tipped second hand, different lume (numbers and indices), Benrus name on dial at 12, and a “civilian” case back. Love the watch as originals are always over 1500 on the Bay. FYI: these don’t have snap backs, they have to be serviced from the front or crystal side, just like the originals. Has a Sopod Swiss movement, and yes a ghost date but not noticeable really. You should check it out. Actually love the 39.5 size as my older eyes can actually see it! Came with the watch “taco” in black with logo and a nice quick change black leather rally strap and the green single pass. Great channel, keep it up!

[@briancarpenter1255]

I have the 1994 50th anniversary of D-day Benrus which I believe is the best offering of a modern but with that vintage feel in a more true to the original size of 34mm by 42 LTL and under 10mm thick and 18mm lugs. I know people will say that is to small but I have a 7in wrist and I really prefer the 34-36mm size watch. And lastly it has a ETA 2801 manual wind movement which is more true to the original. Thanks for the great video and keep up the good work.

[@beedeviled1896]

Just purchased this watch with a Benrus military discount, so even more attractive buy at five hundred bucks!

[@hansobermann4871]

Pretty nice field watch. Thanks for presentation. Stay healthy everybody. Greetings from Germany

[@Andrew.W75]

I've got an original & they are 34mm with a lug to lug of 39mm, only about 8mm thick excluding the plexiglass crystal. They wear quite small so I wear mine on a thick nato strap! I think this new one looks close to the original apart from the size. The originals also had similar info on the back including the month & year of issue

[@gregalonzo747]

As always, another good review. My step-father served in the Marine Corps and was in Vietnam. He said he had a Glycine, and a Benrus. He preferred his Benrus while in the field. When I was on active duty in the Marine Corps my picks were Glycine (gift from my step-father), and my pick was Marathon. I am looking forward to your review of the Zenith. Now that I have my Panerai, Zenith is next on my list. Semper Fi

[@jaredhill1021]

I love this watch. I have the original release khaki mechanical with the ETA-2801. I prefer the overall look of the Benrus though as is still maintains that military grade look and feel while the khaki feels diminutive. The SW-200 is a big upgrade over the H-50 and the lume is way better than the Hamilton. After chipping the sapphire crystal on another watch, Im starting to think that acrylic is king. I may have to sell my Hamilton and get this watch.

[@MiguelBricaBrac]

Cutting corners with the packaging, acrylic crystal, clone movement of the ETA 2800 calibers, and basic NATO strap is going to be difficult to buy, when the Hamilton Khaki is selling for about the same price with better components. Still, nice watch.

[@charlesgraham9954]

i love field watches, i have a Hamilton, Bulova and a Seiko field watch, plus a few more, i will defiantly get this one, no day/date i like that. who needs to know the date when u are out having fun? like on a dive watch with day/date, you're not staying under water for days weeks and months. lol thank u for the video, it really does help to see the watch on video, pics can hide a lot.

[@rodneykinnaird640]

for that price i would expect an atm10=min 100mm +better crystal

[@CharlieHustle1687]

I’m really going to think about replacing my Hamilton Khaki Field with this one. The lug situation on the Hammy just isn’t right, there a huge gap in between the straps and the case and once you see it, you can’t un-see. Good video

[@Ferien7]

The Hamilton Khaki mechanical is terrible. So are the autos. Any other brand field watch is better

[@Chef_Alpo]

@@Ferien7 lol! It's refreshing to see someone not singing the high praises of Hamilton for a change.

[@tommyle7376]

I originally wanted a HKF for a field watch as well but after hearing quite a bit of issue with its main spring failing while winding it killed my interest for the Hamilton. Came to this brand and I think it is really being slept on and I made the decision to get this instead. I would rather spend money on something that works

[@tilio9380]

finally soneone is making a review of this!

[@armero83]

Nice watch, but I prefer the Contar MKI that was presented in this channel a few weeks ago, yes it's quartz but sapphire crystal, 100m WR, slimmer and for 120 euros, I just got mine and it is pretty spectacular.

[@strud_]

I’ve watched this twice now, it’s ideal for what I’m looking some heritage and sterile dial. Only the price for me… by the time it comes to Aus it’s getting close to $1000, there’s a lot of watch you can buy for that money

[@zman8340]

Screw down case back and crown id already own one. Great looking piece but 50m doesnt give me enough assurance .

[@stoic900]

Also worn by McQueen in Bullitt

[@tmoh99]

Benrus name has changed hand so many times and are now attempting to go WAAAY upmarket! I’ve got a few that I’ve repaired and have less than $10 in….. I rank them with Armitron…..

[@Joe-xo3xy]

@WatchChris hey there, hope ur well? I will like to kindly ask, where are the Benrus watches made? Prices are very affordable, kind of like Doxa but still out sourced in switzerland. Are these in the same boat?

[@timmanion7459]

It would appear that Benrus really missed the mark with this watch , other than looks. The Hamilton Khaki Field is much superior for about $200 less . Hamilton has 100mtrs water resistance, sapphire cristal , screw in case bac k , better lume , Swiss movement with 80 hrs power reserve and on and on . I just saw Jonathon selling them for $399. Benrus did a great job with their re-issue of the Dive Watch Type 1 . I should know , as I actually have the original that I was issued in 1972 in Vietnam. That's why I'm definitely disappointed with this offering and the price . Just 1 collectors opinion.

[@timmanion7459]

I meant Jomashop

[@Ferien7]

Benrus didn’t miss any boat. Field watches should NEVER have sapphire crystals. Those are ridiculously too reflective for field watches. The Hamilton field watch has only 50m of water resistance. Reissue Field watches should also not have water resistance as the originals had none. The Benrus in this vid is superior to the Hamilton

[@timmanion7459]

@@Ferien7 so many holes in your response and wrong on all counts . You must have bought the Benrus. LOL

[@Ferien7]

@@timmanion7459 I don’t own the benrus, and there are no holes in my comment. Your response contained literally no arguments. Try again

[@climbmaintain]

@@timmanion7459 he's 100% right LOL ...theres still time to delete your comment

[@heisenberg470]

Pretty nice but it's a misssed opportunity. They could have made it in true-to-original sizes with a 35/36mm case, in a 39.5mm case makes no sense.

[@patrolmanmalik3121]

Hi, Chris which one should I buy the new one ? Or the old one on eBay? Which one would be best! Please let me know asap thanks

[@WatchChris]

Depends on how often you are going to wear it. If you're going to wear it on a daily basis, get the new one if you're going to wear it very sparingly by the vintage off of eBay thanks for the comment!

[@watchchimp3102]

I'd prefer to get this over the Hamilton, the Hamiltons typically have terrible lume! I like the size, apparently the originals were 33mm which is crazy small by modern standards. I have one of the new Benrus field watches and I really love it, but the Miyota movement they used sucks and the lume is sad 😥

[@fabiandee8178]

well Marathon are still selling 34mm plastic field watches, I personally find them too small but there is a market for them it seems.

[@Ferien7]

I own the Hamilton. Wish I had gotten the Benrus. Everything about it is better than the Hamilton

[@wescobts]

A nice watch but i feel it's too expensive considering the other options out there, but you did make a nice video for it, well done.

[@Not-a-bot222]

Looks good but, I’ll stick with my Hamilton PVD mechanical 38mm. My only complaint is long lug to lug.

[@edteach3r]

A very desirable watch, but not enough to entice me away from my Hammy. My Hamilton Khaki has the high beat ETA, which I prefer to the newer movement. Seeing that it cost me $350 new 5 years ago, this Benrus is a bit pricey, in my opinion.

[@minuteman1280]

sholud be yellow time marker and 36mm ~38mm

[@RA6162]

Acrylic was a let down even though it does make it authentic ! But not for $600 price point. Hamilton Khaki filed is alot better choice !

[@williamhill7312]

I own an original, it's around 34mm diameter, looks like this one

[@ivermec-tin666]

I like the sterile dial, and the lume execution, as well as the bead blasting and acrylic crystal. But, it is too large for a field watch, and too tall. The 50m WR is a major drawback. IMO, a field watch should be 36mm in diameter at the outside. It is supposed to fit under the cuff, to be small, slender, and discrete so as to not reflect sunlight, or to glint. I would rather see this as a manual winder. The ghost date would irritate me. The hacking and winding features are nice to have.

[@adbraham]

You can see this and the Hamilton share the same lineage

[@millersciencesms762]

I'd take it over the Hamilton for the lume and price.

[@Not-a-bot222]

If you want lume, go for seiko or marathon with tritium

[@Trex100]

This, I like.

[@a_z.tazzzfan8497]

Ghost 👻 pull not acceptable at any price.

[@mikejamieson419]

The 1994 Benrus ‘D-Day Anniversary’ way better

[@trogpo]

A field watch with which you can't swim (50m WR) for 600 Dollars? Absurd.

[@trogpo]

@@climbmaintain No, my friend. You are ignorant of the true meanings of the conventional depth ratings used by watch manufacturers. 100m rating usually means "safe for swimming and shallow snorkeling". Below this rating, a watch is considered unfit for swimming. Please educate yourself, and take this as a lesson in jumping to conclusions.

[@timothyfoley3000]

What is a ghost date? I will get this watch with next tax refund...

[@meow1990_2]

It means that the watch movement has a date wheel that you can move by using the crown. Obviously, this won't make any difference because the dial doesn't have a date window.

[@martinryder6910]

$600 is way overpriced for a reproduction