In late 2020, amid the global pandemic, Benrus unveiled the Type 1 diver watch, followed by the Type II two years later. These timepieces were faithful reissues of the original ’70s models designed for the U.S. Military. With their straightforward and no-nonsense militaristic vibe, Benrus rightfully claimed its recognition. However, these watches only scratched the surface of what the brand had to offer. It was in late 2022 that Benrus reached into its bag of wonders and pulled out the magnificent Sea Lord.
Let’s dive in and take a closer look at this extraordinary timepiece crafted for watch enthusiasts.
Contents
The Case: A Blend of Elegance and Versatility
The Sea Lord originated in the ’60s as a public offering for watch buyers who didn’t have access to the military-issued Benrus watches of that time. This distinction in its audience reflects in the design of the Sea Lord’s case. Its 39mm stainless steel case features multiple facets and polished trim, adorning both the bezel and caseback. With a thickness of 13mm and a lug-to-lug dimension of 45mm, this watch wears smaller than its counterparts, providing a versatile experience. Despite its aesthetic and dimensional changes, the Sea Lord maintains its robustness with a water resistance of 300 meters.
The Dial: Classic Simplicity
Benrus remains true to the original design with the dials of the Sea Lord. From the timeless no-date layout to the thin coin edge bezel, even the indices embody the classic appeal. The addition of a green colorway and luminous hands adds a touch of modernity. The 120-click unidirectional bezel, now made of ceramic, features lumed markers and numerals. Together, these dials offer a classic and casual look that transcends the depths of water.
The Bracelet: Comfort Meets Style
The Sea Lord offers two options when it comes to straps. The green-dialed version comes with a 20mm five-piece bracelet, with three brushed pieces and two polished center links. It features a butterfly clasp and reminds wearers of its casual nature by omitting micro-adjustments. On the other hand, the black and aged lume version presents a classic diver look and feel. It comes with a black rubber tropic strap and a simple signed clasp, making on-the-fly adjustments a breeze. Both strap options provide comfort and seamlessly complement the watch case.
The Movement: Reliability and Craftsmanship
Powering the Sea Lord is the Soprod P024, an ETA 2824-2 based movement. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of 38 hours. This dependable movement can be easily serviced, ensuring long-lasting performance. Benrus chose to hide the movement behind the caseback, allowing us to admire the beautifully etched Benrus seal instead.
The Verdict: A Classically Designed Diver with Heritage
After spending a week with the Sea Lord, one might wonder, what sets this watch apart from the sea of classic divers out there? The answer lies in the brand’s significance and commitment to quality. Benrus boasts a rich history and a catalog filled with remarkable designs. Although the current ownership may differ from that of the past, the brand remains devoted to maintaining its legacy. This dedication, combined with above-average specifications and well-proportioned dimensions, makes the Sea Lord an excellent choice for any diver watch enthusiast.
To learn more about the Benrus Sea Lord, visit the Ambassadeur Hotel website.
The Benrus Sea Lord is available for purchase on the brand’s website. The strap version is priced at US$895, while the bracelet version is priced at US$995. Dive into the world of quality timepieces with the Benrus Sea Lord – a testament to craftsmanship and style.
