An Overview of the Reissued Benrus DTU-2A/P Military Field Watch

A brand’s journey to staying relevant often involves revisiting its classic pieces and making a comeback. A resemblance to how aging bands hit the road to revive their iconic songs, watch brands also tap into their archives to reintroduce timeless designs. These reissued watches often reflect the mid-century styles that were once ubiquitous as everyday timepieces.

The strategy of re-releasing iconic timepieces has proven successful for many brands. IWC brought back the Ingenieur, Seiko revived the Seiko Sport 5, and Timex relaunched its quartz Q Timex Reissue.

Among these comebacks, Benrus reintroduced its hit model, the DTU-2A/P ($495-595) a few years ago. This spring, we took a closer look at this reissued field watch to see if it lives up to its reputation.

In summary: The reissued DTU-2A/P provides an affordable entry into the vintage mil-spec field watch category. Priced just under $600, it offers nostalgic design elements and a reliable Swiss caliber movement.

For a comprehensive look at our top field watches of the year, explore our Field Watch buyers guide.

Exploring the Benrus DTU-2A/P: A Detailed Review

When considering a watch purchase, the aspects of design, build quality, and backstory often play crucial roles. In the realm of military timepieces, the design and build specifications are typically standardized. Therefore, the narrative behind the watch is often what sets it apart.

Take, for instance, the Dirty Dozen watches, a set of 12 brands commissioned to produce identical military watches. While the designs were mostly uniform, the unique story of each brand added extra significance to their offerings. For Benrus, its distinctive story sets the stage for its appeal.

In preparation for involvement in Southeast Asia, the U.S. Department of Defense mandated a new standard 17-jewel field watch in the early 1960s. The requirements were straightforward: a non-ferrous metal case with a 36-hour power reserve, a matte black dial with highly visible white luminescent markers, and a 2-year product lifespan. Benrus secured the contract for the MIL-W-3818B spec in 1963, marking the beginning of the DTU’s deployment to soldiers.

Throughout its history, Benrus has faced both successes and setbacks. Notably, its highlight was the 1963 military contract, while its low point may have been the unsuccessful attempt to acquire Hamilton. Despite no longer supplying the military, Benrus retains recognition for its military watch lineage, with the DTU standing out as a key representative of the Vietnam-era field watch genre. Priced at $595, the DTU occupies a favorable position within the brand’s lineup.

Evolution and Enhancements

Deciding what aspects to preserve and what to update can be a challenging task for any reissued watch. With the DTU, Benrus made certain subtle yet strategic enhancements.

One notable change is the increased dial size from 34 mm to a more contemporary 39.5 mm. While some may prefer smaller watches, the larger dimensions provide the face of the DTU with a more spacious layout, especially with the inclusion of a 24-hour military time track alongside the hour markers. This adjustment allows for a less crowded appearance and enhances readability, appealing to modern preferences.

Another significant modification is the adoption of the Sellita SW200 movement in place of the original ETA 2372. The SW200 is a reliable automatic Swiss movement known for its precision, offering a deviation of approximately 12 seconds per day compared to the original ETA’s wider range. This updated movement is favored by various esteemed watch brands, ensuring reliable timekeeping for the DTU.

Despite the inclusion of a date function in the SW200, which Benrus chose not to utilize, the overall performance remains commendable. The incorporation of a strap compass adds a historical touch to the watch, preserving elements of the past while catering to contemporary wearers.