July 24 2025

The Benrus DTU-2A/P — A Vietnam-Era Standard Makes Its Return

Ricardo Amaral BENRUS, NEW RELEASES 2025, Field Watch 0

Drawing from a legacy that spans over a century, BENRUS brings back a cornerstone of American military watchmaking with the reissue of the DTU-2A/P Field Watch. Originally developed in response to updated U.S. military requirements in the early 1960s, the new DTU-2A/P remains a near-exact recreation of the model first issued to soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Built to Spec – Then and Now

This 2025 version is crafted to meet the same MIL-W-3818B military specifications set by the U.S. Department of Defense in 1962. At 34 mm in diameter and just 10.90 mm in height, the sandblasted stainless steel case mirrors the compact and rugged proportions required for duty in the field. Its 40.20 mm lug-to-lug measurement ensures a comfortable fit on a wide range of wrist sizes.

Though the dimensions and overall silhouette are historically accurate, BENRUS has introduced key modern enhancements. A double-domed sapphire crystal with internal and external anti-reflective coatings replaces the original acrylic glass for greater clarity and scratch resistance. A screw-down crown helps secure 100 meters of water resistance—more than sufficient for modern field use and a notable upgrade from its vintage counterpart.

Field-Ready Functionality

The sterile, matte black dial is true to the original 1960s design, devoid of any branding or extraneous text. Bold Arabic numerals mark the hours, paired with a smaller 24-hour military scale at center. A high-contrast minute track with triangular index markers runs around the dial’s perimeter, offering easy legibility at a glance.

Super-LumiNova lume is carefully applied to both dial and hands, providing visibility in low-light conditions while preserving the no-frills, utilitarian aesthetic. This is a design language shared by many military watches of the era, prioritizing function over flair.

Movement & Mechanics

Inside the DTU-2A/P ticks the reliable ETA 2671 automatic movement. With 25 jewels, a 28,800vph beat rate, and a 38-hour power reserve, the Swiss-made caliber brings mechanical precision to this compact military reissue. The movement offers central hours, minutes, and hacking seconds—an essential feature for synchronization in military operations. Importantly, it retains the no-date configuration, just like the original.

Historically, BENRUS sourced movements from Swiss manufacturers even during its mid-20th century operations, and this continued Swiss-American connection supports the authenticity of the modern reissue. The ETA 2671, compact enough to suit the 34mm case, also pays quiet homage to the wartime ETA 2370 that powered the original field models.

Straps & Wearing Experience

The watch is available with two strap options: a brown leather bund strap for a more pronounced wrist presence, or a classic green NATO strap that underscores its military roots. With an 18mm lug width, the case offers versatility in pairing with other field-ready straps.

A solid stainless steel caseback completes the package, engraved with the original military specification—an understated but significant detail for enthusiasts who appreciate historical accuracy.

Final Details

Compact, durable, and purpose-built, the BENRUS DTU-2A/P reissue offers a direct connection to military history with practical upgrades for everyday wear. Priced at CHF 892 (excluding VAT), the watch strikes a balance between authenticity and modern reliability. For those who appreciate field watches that stay true to their origin, this one checks all the boxes.