Presented for auction by Second Vintage Steeped in the romantic nostalgia of the post-war era, this mid-century Benrus offers a remarkable glimpse into 1940s American horological history. Distinctive for its elegant tonneau case and beautifully shrouded lugs, this timepiece is elevated by a deeply charming and perfectly preserved caseback engraving dated Christmas Day, 1946. It stands as a genuine artifact of its time, combining honest vintage character with a robust Swiss-made caliber that continues to run with surprising precision over seven decades later. Brand: Benrus Serial Number: 230067 Movement: Manual Wind, Caliber BB 4, 17 Jewels Dial: Silvered dial with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals, exhibiting heavy vintage patina, prominent spotting, and age-related staining Case Size: 27 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-tone upper with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1946 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and significant dial patina Dial and Hands The silvered base dial presents a deeply aged aesthetic, characterized by heavy, prominent patina and distinct spotting throughout the surface. Moisture marks and age-related staining are clearly visible, particularly concentrated around the outer minute track and the lower hemisphere near the sub-seconds register at six o'clock. The dial features highly stylized, applied gold-tone Arabic numerals that catch the light beautifully against the patinated background. The original printed typography, including "BENRUS" below the twelve o'clock position and "SHOCK-ABSORBER" above the sub-seconds dial, remains fully legible. The watch is fitted with elegant gold-tone leaf hands that show a gentle, age-consistent oxidation, perfectly matching the overall vintage character of the dial. Case and Crystal The 27 mm tonneau-shaped case is a quintessential example of 1940s design, featuring elegant hooded lugs that seamlessly integrate the strap into the case profile. The gold-tone upper case exhibits honest signs of wear, including micro-scratches and a slight softening of the factory edges, entirely consistent with a watch of this vintage. The transition between the case flanks and the prominent bezel remains attractive. The domed acrylic crystal is well-preserved, providing clear visibility of the dial with only minor surface wear. The stainless steel snap-on caseback is a true highlight, featuring a crisp, deeply engraved dedication reading "DORIS TO GUS 12-25-46", alongside the stamped serial number 230067 on the outer edge. Movement Powering this timepiece is the manual-wind Benrus Caliber BB 4, a reliable 17-jewel Swiss movement. Close inspection of the movement reveals clean bridges stamped with "BENRUS WATCH CO", "MODEL BB 4", and "UNADJUSTED". The balance bridge bears the "OXW" import code, confirming its authentic export to the United States market. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +3 to +8 s/d with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome brown leather strap featuring striking yellow contrast stitching, complementing the gold-tone elements of the case and dial. The strap is secured with a classic gold-tone pin buckle and shows very light handling wear, remaining supple and ready for immediate wear. Condition This Benrus is presented in good vintage condition. The case retains its attractive architectural shape with moderate, honest surface wear and no severe impacts. The dial shows heavy, unmistakable patina, spotting, and staining that clearly reflect its age and history. The caseback engraving remains remarkably crisp. The movement is exceptionally clean and well-preserved, running with outstanding mechanical health. Dimensions 27 mm case excluding the crown. Remarks It is exceptionally rare to find a vintage timepiece with such a precise and romantic provenance. The Christmas 1946 engraving transforms this watch from a mere timekeeper into a wearable piece of history. With its strong mechanical performance and unmistakable mid-century charm, this Benrus is a captivating addition to any collection focused on American-market heritage. History Founded in New York City in 1921 by three Romanian immigrant brothers, Benrus quickly grew to become one of the most prominent watch brands in America. By importing high-quality Swiss movements and casing them in stylish, domestically designed cases, Benrus positioned itself perfectly for the booming American middle class. During the 1940s and 1950s, the company was renowned for its elegant dress watches and robust military timepieces, eventually becoming the second-largest watch company in the United States. Pieces from this post-war era capture the optimism and distinctive design language of the time, remaining highly collectible for their historical significance and enduring mechanical quality. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: BEN-BHX-0001