This is one of the rare Benrus Ultra Deep Super Compressor dive watches made in the 1960s by the American firm of Benrus (named after its founder Ben LazaRus). The Super Compressor cases, made by the Swiss firm of Ervin Piquerez were ubiquitous during the 1960s and 70s with over a 100 firms using their cases. The Super Compressor cases are instantly recognisable by the twin crowns, the top one moves the internal bezel in both directions whilst the lower one performs the usual hand setting and winding functions; and though all Super Compressor cases have twin crowns, not all twin crown watches have Super Compressor cases, so be careful. Unlike almost every other user of these cases, Benrus did not use the classic crosshatched crowns, rather they used domed crowns signed with their name. The movement is the workhorse ETA 2472, with 17 jewels, Incabloc shock protection, 18,000bph balance and 42 hour power reserve. The matt black dial has been refinished with large luminous tritium blocks at 3/6/9/12 and tritium circles for the remainder of the markers; the inner rotating bezel is numbered with 15/30/45 numerals and large bars for the remainder and a large non luminous triangle at the 60 mark. The tritium is showing some signs of’tritium creep’ common with watches of this vintage which have been used in humid environments, but it is all original and fades within 10 seconds after being exposed to UV light. The watch measures 35.5mm diameter, 42.5mm lug to lug, 14mm high and takes a 18mm strap. That’s all the good news, here is the bad news. 1 Neither of the two crowns are original. 2 The gearing between the upper crown & the inner bezel only works intermittently. 3 The lower winding crown is loose and does not allow the hands to be set. 4 The balance staff is broken as the balance wheel does not rotate. 5 The case back has been polished by someone with a very heavy hand, so almost all of the text has vanished. 6 See my notes above about the dial. The item “Benrus Ultra Deep 666ft Super Compressor watch FOR PARTS OR REPAIR ONLY” is in sale since Thursday, April 26, 2018. This item is in the category “Jewelry & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Parts, Tools & Guides\Watches for Parts”. The seller is “mrrolex” and is located in Boynton Beach, Florida. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland
- MPN: Does Not Apply
- Year of Manufacture: 1960-1969
- Brand: Benrus
- Model: Ultra Deep 666ft
- Condition Col: For Parts or Repair only