Why This Watch Matters One of the best values in vintage pilot chronograph history, the Benrus Sky Chief has history and wrist presence in spades. 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. Before the brand's work for the U.S. military, Benrus made a chronograph for pilots – the Sky Chief. Advertised in the period as "the official watch of famous airlines," Benrus created the Sky Chief as a professional tool watch to be used by pilots and citizens alike. Utilizing one of the best available ébauche movements at the time, the Valjoux 71, the Sky Chief became the official chronograph of American Export Airlines (AEA). AEA was famous for their transatlantic "Flying Aces" Vought-Sikorsky VS-44s, or as Benrus called them, "the luxurious flying boats to Europe," on which all personnel wore Sky Chiefs. Eventually, AEA was purchased by American Airlines to enter the transatlantic flight market. Today, the Benrus Sky Chief is somewhat of a forgotten pilot chronograph, likely due to how hard they are to find in great condition. Due to the rotating bezel and, with it, rotating crystal as well as the snap-back case, water resistance is not the Sky Chief's strong suit. Therefore, these dials in both black and silver tend to have uneven and unattractive wear. This is not the case with our example as the silver dial shows some patina but is overall very attractive. We paired this Benrus Sky Chief with our Navy Museum strap to play off of the blued steel hour and minute hands. The Fine Print Maker: BenrusModel: Sky ChiefReference: N/AYear: 1950sCase No: 2882Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 38mm diameter; 15mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: NoneCaliber: Valjoux, manually-wound, caliber 71 with "AXA" import stampBracelet/Strap: Navy Museum Calf Watch Strap For HODINKEELug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - 38mm case diameter- Great aviation history and pilot chronograph look- Excellent overall condition Things To Know: - Light even patina on dial- Light scratches on case This Benrus is in excellent vintage condition, especially if you enjoy a nice honest patina. The case has some light scratches from normal use. The lugs are remarkably sharp. The caseback has a few scratches. The dial has a very warm and distinct patina that is even throughout. The printing is still crisp. There are some scratches in the sub-registers. The hands have developed some patina but remain generally vibrant in their blued steel or red-painted finish. The dial, case, and movement are signed by Benrus. The movement is marked with the correct "AXA" import stamp. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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