Horological Meandering

G99
13685

• Show profile
• Show other posts

for fans of the Super Compressor, i'd like you to welcome the Benrus Ultra Deep

I have aquired a couple of vintage pieces in the last few weeks, but due to the IGOTT build up i didnt think it was the time to post them until now.

I purchased this piece several weeks ago and having researched it a bit i am led to believe that it is not only fairly uncommon, but also quite desirable along with the more famous brands like Longines, JLC, UG and Enicar.

Benrus have quite a long history in the US and many of their models have been very popular with US servicemen, especially during the Vietnam war. This model was never officially issued, but was sold through the PX (equivalent to the UK NAAFI) and was particularly popular with Navy divers for reasons which will become obvious.

For those reading who dont know much about super compressors i'll give a very brief overview. These cases were designed by EPSA to be 200m WR and to have a rotating inner time elapse bezel rather than the simpler and possibly more reliable outer bezel. The crown at 4 oclock operated the movement and the crown at 2 operated the inner bezel. They are not screwdown crowns, but are recognised by the cross hatching on the ends although some brands used their own marked crowns. The casebacks have a multi sided centre section for unscrewing it and you either need a special tool or an adjustable wrench(which is what i use) to undo them. Many people over the years have tried and failed to open them with pliers and other unsuitable tools so often the casebacks are badly scratched. The backs were either bayonet fittings or screwdown depending on brand preference. These cases were made in 36mm and 42mm and were purchased and used by many brands, some very famous and other's unheard of. Usually the 42mm cases are the most popular, but i think that is down to modern preferences rather than anything else. This model has a 36mm case, but i'm not aware of Benrus making a 42mm version.

I'll start the pics with a wristshot so you can get an overall look at the watch. Nice and legible and wears bigger than 36mm due too the 2 big crowns.

If you look at the hands you may think they are replacements, I certainly did until i googled the watch. They are the weirdest hands i think i've ever seen on a watch of this period. I would call them 'cathedral' hands and am used to seeing them on pocket watches and early trench watches. A very unusual choice, but they do make the watch stand out from the crowd.

On the dial you can see the original text and the registered trade name of Ultra-Deep. Benrus made several different models of Ultra-Deep over a number of years, all the others being single crown dive watches of different styles. This is the only EPSA case Benrus used. They have also used the depth rating of 666ft rather than 200m, a sure sign that it was made for the US market. The matt black dial is in lovely original condition as is the white text and minute markers, although i'm not too sure about the lume. It doesnt shine so if it has been redone it was a long time ago. I 'think' the only piece that may have been redone is the triangle at '0' which is very amateurish compared to the rest of it.

The plexi is quite high domed, quite common amongst super compressors. I have no idea if it is original or not as correct replacements are, according to BDLJ, virtually impossible to find. It does however have the correct inner loupe over the date at 3 oclock and fits well. When the watch first arrived the inner bezel turned and then stopped in this position you see in the pics. I took the plexi off, repositioned the inner bezel and once i'd replaced the plexi it worked perfectly and has continued to do so...............so far.

As you can see, the caseback has quite a few scratches, but nothing too disastrous as you can clearly read the engraving, including the name of one of the previous owners. As for personalised engravings, i have no real problem with them unless they are love tokens. A presentation watch with date engraved on it actually adds to the history of the piece and makes it more than just a watch. just my opinion of course

All EPSA cases have the divers helmet logo, most also have the brevet numbers and date code. No need to look to guess which year this one was made

So thats the Benrus Ultra-Deep super compressor from 1964, but why is it so desirable when 36mm versions are deemed to be less popular. Well to be honest, i'm not too sure, I think it has a lot to do with its quirky hands, the relatively small numbers made, the popularity with serving divers in a war most can still remember and the fact that a large number of them used in active service no longer remain in anything like servicable condition. The question is....'have you seen another one' ??  i have, but only archive pics on the internet.

There is something about super compressors that fire the imagination even though they have inherent faults in the bezel design, I have 2 now from 1964 and i'll buy more from different brands if i find them at the right price, although i may avoid those brands that have no history(of which there are many).

As for Benrus as a brand, they contributed hugely to the US militaries arsenal of timepieces from the late 40's until the very late 70's and these are the pieces that deserve to be collected.

I hope you enjoyed my diatribe and pictures, if not please be nice

Graham 

Site Info.