Why This Watch Matters While the Benrus Type I and II receive all the attention these days, the Ultra-Deep flies under the radar with great vintage looks and an internal rotating bezel. This example features creamy custard lume and a funky, unconventional handset. The Full Story Benrus was founded in 1921 in New York City and grew its reputation on the production of high quality, affordable watches utilizing Swiss movements. The company is perhaps best known today for the tool watches it produced in the 1960s and '70s, with its most popular vintage example being the military-issued Type I and Type II. This Ultra-Deep dive watch was created in the same period of time, but was available to the public and is an under-the-radar pick-up today for its combination of a clean design with intriguing attributes, like the shape of the handset. Like many 1960s dive watches, this Benrus Ultra-Deep features a Super Compressor case design by Ervin Piquerez, S.A. (EPSA). This is clearly indicated by the twin-crown construction with cross-hatch engraving on both; one crown controls the time setting, and the other unlocks the internal rotating bezel to track elapsed time on a dive. The Super Compressor was innovative in that it was designed to become more resistant to water ingress the deeper the watch was submerged. As outside pressure increases during a dive, the spring-loaded caseback pushes on the inside gaskets, creating a tighter seal. Dozens of prominent watch brands utilized the famous EPSA Super Compressor construction during the Golden Age of Diving, so much so that the popularity of vintage examples has become its own standalone sub-genre of watch collecting. If you've ever wanted to see what the hype surrounding vintage Super Compressor dive watches is about, and enjoy an example with some uncommon characteristics (we repeat – check out those hands!) and attractive lume patina, look no further: this is it. We paired this Benrus Ultra-Deep with our Reid Strap in Green to complete the funky and fun 1960s vibes. The Fine Print Maker: Benrus Model: Ultra-Deep Reference: 6089Year: 1960s Case No: 6089Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 36mm diameter; 12.5mm thicknessCrystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Automatic 2452 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Reid in GreenLug Width: 19mm Box/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Ultra-Deep is in overall good, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches. The caseback text engravings are all clearly visible. The facets on the lugs are visible and crisp. The caseback has some deeper scratches around the edges most likely from opening the case. The bezel has a slight nick in the edge near nine o'clock. The case is probably unpolished. The dial is clean with light patina. The lume on the dial and on the hands have developed patina and have aged to the same pale yellow color. Some of the lume plots on the dial have developed small spots of dark patina. The internal rotating bezel is functional. The cross-hair markings on both crowns are strong. The case, movement, and dial are all signed by Benrus. The watch is worn on a 175mm/6.9 in. wrist.
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