BENRUS

BENRUS

14 products

BENRUS Information and FAQ

About BENRUS Watches

Benrus is an American watch company with roots stretching back to 1921, when it was founded in New York City by Romanian immigrant brothers Benjamin, Oscar, and Ralph Lazrus. Best known for supplying rugged, reliable timepieces to U.S. servicemen from World War II through Vietnam, Benrus built its reputation on military-grade toughness and legibility — a legacy reflected in today's lineup of Type 1 and Type 2 dive watches, field watches, and aviation chronographs like the Sky Chief. Now under new ownership and relaunched with a renewed focus on heritage-accurate reissues, Benrus continues to build Swiss automatic watches with sapphire crystal and modern Super-LumiNova, while staying true to its bold, purpose-built American design roots. King Jewelers is proud to be an authorized Benrus retailer, bringing this storied American brand to collectors in Nashville.

History of BENRUS

Benrus began in 1921 as a watch repair shop in New York City, founded by brothers Benjamin, Oscar, and Ralph Lazrus, who pooled their savings to import Swiss movements and assemble watches in Manhattan. The brand grew quickly through savvy marketing, including endorsements from Charles Lindbergh and Babe Ruth, and by the 1940s had become known for tool watches built for real use — including the Sky Chief chronograph, developed for pilots and airline crews. Benrus's most enduring legacy came through its military contracts: the brand supplied watches to U.S. forces from World War II through Vietnam, including the MIL-SPEC Type I and Type II dive watches used by Navy Underwater Demolition Teams and special forces, and the DTU-2A/P field watch issued during Vietnam. The rise of quartz watches in the 1970s hit Benrus hard, leading to bankruptcy in 1977 and decades of changing ownership. In 2020, a private investment group relaunched Benrus, reestablishing its New York roots and focusing on faithful, modern reissues of its classic military models — bringing one of America's original tool watch brands back to life for a new generation of collectors.

Frequently Asked Questions About BENRUS Watches

Where can I buy BENRUS in Nashville, TN?
BENRUS is available at King Jewelers in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit our showroom at 4121 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215, to explore the collection in person, or shop online at kingjewelers.com. For questions about availability, call (615) 724-5464.

What is BENRUS known for?
BENRUS is known for American watch heritage, military-inspired designs, and vintage-style tool watches. The brand has deep roots in aviation, field watches, and mid-century watchmaking, making it appealing to collectors who appreciate history-driven design.

Is BENRUS an American watch brand?
Yes. BENRUS was founded in New York City in 1921 by Benjamin, Oscar, and Ralph Lazrus. While the brand has American roots, modern BENRUS watches are Swiss made, combining heritage design with contemporary watch production.

What types of BENRUS watches does King Jewelers carry?
King Jewelers offers a curated selection of BENRUS watches, including vintage-inspired sport watches, field watches, and military-style timepieces. Availability may vary, so customers can shop the current BENRUS collection online or contact King Jewelers for help comparing models.

What makes BENRUS watches unique?
BENRUS watches stand out because they connect modern watchmaking with authentic American watch history. Many designs are inspired by the brand's archival military, aviation, and tool-watch models, giving BENRUS a distinct vintage character.

Did BENRUS make military watches?
Yes. BENRUS has a strong connection to U.S. military watches, especially during the mid-20th century. The brand produced rugged, legible timepieces associated with military use from World War II through the Vietnam era, which remains a major part of its collector appeal.

Are BENRUS watches Swiss made?
Yes. Modern BENRUS watches are Swiss made, according to the brand. This gives customers a watch with American heritage and Swiss watchmaking standards.

Are BENRUS watches good for everyday wear?
Yes. BENRUS watches are designed with practical proportions, legible dials, durable cases, and versatile styling. Their field-watch and sport-watch designs make them easy to wear casually, professionally, or as part of a vintage-inspired watch collection.

Are BENRUS watches automatic or quartz?
BENRUS offers mechanical and quartz watches depending on the model. Customers should review each product listing for movement details, case size, water resistance, and strap or bracelet information before selecting a watch.

Who wears BENRUS watches?
BENRUS appeals to customers who appreciate heritage watches, military-inspired design, vintage American style, and tool watches with real historical character. It is a strong choice for collectors who want something distinctive without moving into traditional luxury watch pricing.

Why buy a BENRUS watch from King Jewelers?
As an authorized BENRUS retailer, King Jewelers gives Nashville-area collectors a reliable source for authentic pieces backed by manufacturer warranty. Our team can walk you through the brand's military archives and reissue lineup to help you find a watch with the right story and fit for your collection.