This is one of several watches from the private collection of a United States military veteran of 31 years who was deployed in Iraq and ultimately stationed as a Senior Military Representative at the Pentagon. His merits include the Bronze Star Medal and a Purple Heart, among many others; a career which took him around the globe, all the while he collected watches and took great care to keep them in perfect condition. Some watches he picked up at flea markets, some were gifts from other soldiers.

Issued in October of 1964 this Vietnam-era Benrus is a very early and first year reference "DTU." The dial is a rare variant with a lumed 12 o-clock that is much more sought after compared to the standard counterpart. This was designed for added legibility in high stress situations and although subtle, adds a great amount of character to its overall beauty. With most of the Benrus military watch attention focused on the Type 1 and Type 2, we believe these simple field watches stand to be more appreciated in the future, especially as the scholarship grows on them. One such example is a Phillips auction from 2019 which was the first officially confirmed the use of a “DTU” by a CIA operative during Vietnam. Furthermore, this model was of course the predecessor to the famed Type 1 and Type 2. Not only does this piece have an interesting story to tell, it remains in fantastic overall condition. It just had an overhaul and even had the tritium hands stabilized so they are worry-free for decades to come. 

Dial: Fantastic with all of its tritium plots present and evenly aged to a warm patina. No notable blemishes. Bezel: Normal signs of use. Hands: Are matching and were just professionally stabilized to prevent any possible lume loss. Case: Normal signs of use consistent with age. Correct "dimple" crown. Bracelet: What appears to be a period strap with plenty of patina and character. Crystal: There are some light scratches but no cracks. They could always be buffed off but we prefer to leave the history there. Accessories: NA The recently serviced movement is running well on our timegrapher and comes with our 1-year mechanical warranty.

Year/era: 1964 Reference: DTU-2A/P Serial: 30XXXX Dimensions: 34mm wide, 18mm lug width. Movement: Manual wind caliber DR2 F2.