pifpaf
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Great Post!! Nicolas Make me discovers this amazing watchs too. About the "deniability" :
I know that French milititary undercover, and US or Soviet too, they use weapon and ammo that are not marked, for exemple, actually french COS, use ofently some Soviet weapon, for can't be specificely identified.... I think that work same for watchs.
"It is thought by many that the "sterile" watches were issued to covert operators. This lack of identification on the watch would maintain a level of deniability in the event the soldier was captured during a covert operation. Another less exotic (but probably more believable) theory regarding these "sterile" watches is they were unmarked prototypes issued for testing prior to regular production."
An in deep view about the Benrus Type I Sterile.
In the early ´70s some awesome watches born. Them are higly prized by collectors and endlessly copied/hommaged by other firms ... The Desirables Benrus Type I & II. These amazingly durable and accurate watches have faithfully accompanied their owners on m...
Thanks, Mkvc!
Always is a pleasure learn more about great watches. My pleasure doing it. Best Emilio
Deep subject
Thank you for the "in-depth" summary of a very specialised subject. I tend to believe the prototype story for the 'sterile' . If you really wanted to have deniability, the operatives would be using equipment used by other sides e.g. China, USSR or East Ge...
I'm more convinced of the exotic explanation . . .
. . . as the intent was not so much for outright deception as to allow a captured Special Forces operative a plausible cover story as a member of another unit. I've been told of a first hand conversation between a Purist and a retired SAS operative. The f...
Both explanations are interesting, and exotics at the same time...
Protos or watches issued for covert operators (or both versions) must be possible, Art. By the way, them are iconic watches, IMO, with lot of soul and a great history behind. Best Emilio
Thanks, MTF..
I think, too, that these watches were prototypes of the Type I Class A. As I said, a less exotic version but interesting at the same time. It makes more interesting and desirable these Sterile versions. Thanks for your nice words, it was my pleasure compi...
Plausible deniability ...
Very interesting review, Emilio. I always enjoy learning something new about horological history. The hacking seconds are interesting too. I am thinking that I need a sterile F.P.Journe tourbillon. Then when my wife asks me: "isn't that one of those expen...
Really thanks, Andrew.
A great piece of History, indeed. These watches have a lot of soul. And, about you Sterile watch.... ... I think that you must try it. I´m sure that your wife will allow you to buy a sterile tourbillon.... come on, buy it! I will phone Santa....next ...
informative
and enriching, i just keep discovering other faces and side of watch collecting or loving. Thanks for posting. Faisal
Thanks, Faisal. Informative and interesting review...
but this watches deserve it. Thanks for your kind words. BEst Emilio
very informative review thanks Emilio and an excellent example you have
i had a type 1 class A from 76 in my old collection, but i'm now going to look very very silly. i had another style Benrus dated august 1964. the very month i was born, and i let it go with all the others as i hadnt yet got the idea of collecting birth ye...
A Class I from 1976.... this is my birth year, Graham.
It´s a real pity that your sold this awesome watches. And the one from 1964 would be, now, a perfect watch in your awesome "I born in 1964" collection, Hermano. Don´t be silly, amigo... your enjoyed them! Thanks for your kind words, amigo mio Be...
This watch talks to me very loud, Emilio.
The funny thing is that I have this review in stock for many months, now, and that I waited for the good moment to post it... I will wait a bit more. Back to your watch, it is in very good condition from what I see, and I'm very happy that you got it. It ...
Thanks Hermano. I´m sure that your Autopsy would be perfect!
Waiting it, hermano. I´ve compile some info in the net, and I´ve make a mix (un combinado, que se dice en España ) this watch talks to me very loud, too. Now, in my wrist, it has an awesome presence. I love it! Waiting for a nice sunlight t...
Great Post!! Nicolas Make me discovers this amazing watchs too. About the "deniability" :
I know that French milititary undercover, and US or Soviet too, they use weapon and ammo that are not marked, for exemple, actually french COS, use ofently some Soviet weapon, for can't be specificely identified.... I think that work same for watchs. "It ...
Thanks, Pifpaf.
Nico is a Devil!. He gives us a difficult to beat virus Best, and thanks for your kind words emilio
Sterile?
So in this case, the way to ensure no one knows you're from the US military is to wear a completely unique watch, with no external markings, but a nice BENRUS on the movement.... I always thought the point of unmarked equipment was not to provide deniabil...
An excellent post, Emilio!
This really is a great series of watches! Military watches (and those modern versions inpired by them) have a certain tough-guy appeal that is just sexy and awesome. I love your watch, and enjoyed learning more about it from your wonderful post! Cheers, D...
Daos, Why girls always love Bad Boys?? :)))
I love your words: tough-guy appeal that is just sexy and awesome. Certanlly, sister, this watch has an awesome and strong look, an impressive appereance in your wrist, and it´s History makes it more desirable. Thanks for your, as always, kind words, my d...
Bad boys are the most fun! :-)
Ask your wife, Emilio! I'm sure she agrees! ;-) Have a wonderful week, my friend! Cheers, Daos
Yes, Daos...I´ve just ask to my wife...
and she agrees with you. I´m so... I can´t change it! Have a great week you too, my dear hermana Best Emilio
very comprehensive review...
... don't know much about this watch until reading this review. very enligthening and am impressed by your knowledge on these watches. should keep this watch safe and many thanks anyway! stefan
Really thanks, Stefan, for your kind words...
I don´t have a great knowledge about them, Stefan, so I´ve make a mix of all the info that I´ve find in the net. By the way, thank to it, now I have a bit of knowledge Them are extremely rare and interesting watches. Pure passion and beauty...
Very nice & good article.
...perfect field watch, simple and functional - but taken to its nth degree. Great poachers watch!
Thanks, Andy!
Certanlly, in this watch is sure that "less is more". Thanks again for your nice comments. best emilio
Old military Benrus watch
I was reading your post about the military benrus watch. I picked up a benrus watch that is very unique. It is 10 kt rolled gold plate bezel, stainless steel back. It however looks dramatically different then the military issues you have pictured. This pa...
would really like to see...
would really like to see pics of this Kimby as its not one i've come across before. G
Benrus military.
My camera is just not that great so I apologize, Underneath the 12 marker is red, white and blue wing, directly underneath this is a square box for the day of week, BENRUS name, then hand dial, and another round dial with straight lines, appears to be a 2...
Benrus military
I forgot to mention, in case you can't see from the pictures at the 3-6-9-markers there is merely just a raised gold dot. Mabey it is the generals watch or higher ranking officer watch. I really don't know.
hi Kimby, in its...
hi Kimby, in its day it would have been a very nice watch, but the dial seems to be past its best now which is a real shame. it is a benrus, but it isnt a military watch IMO. firstly its gold or gold plated and i've never come across a gold military watch...
a very nice and underrated collectible
Very nice post emilio. Ithink people should pay more attention to these watches because they are well made and collectable