When I think about Benrus, my mind usually goes straight to the Type I and Type II military divers and those Vietnam-era field watches that feel purpose-built. That’s the version of the brand that stuck with me as a collector. Over the past few years, I’ve watched Benrus slowly recalibrate under new management, leaning harder into its archives in a way that feels more deliberate. I’ve come close to pulling the trigger on one of the modern Type I releases more than once, which says a lot about how far they’ve come. The Sky Chief, though, is a different corner of their history. I’ll admit that I had to do a little digging on this one.
The new reissue model measures 36mm in diameter and 11.9mm thick, including a sapphire caseback, which keeps it in “vintage” territory. In a market where heritage chronographs routinely swell past 40mm, I appreciate the restraint. The 316L stainless steel case retains the steep bezel profile and strong vertical transitions of the original, while the double-domed sapphire crystal gives the dial plenty of visual presence without adding unnecessary bulk. With 100 meters of water resistance, it also feels more wearable day to day than many true vintage pieces.
Inside is a COSC-certified ETA 2894 automatic chronograph with a 42-hour power reserve, which is not the most fashionable movement choice these days but is a serious one. A lot of brands have moved away from the 2894, so seeing it here, regulated to chronometer standards, signals that Benrus wanted this to compete on performance. There are two dial options that mirror common vintage configurations. Stratus Grey is essentially a glossy lacquered black dial with snailed subdials, while Cirrus White offers a light grey sunburst base with the same concentric detailing. Both use printed indices with vintage-toned BG W9 Super-LumiNova, though the hands are not tinted to match.
The watch ships on a grey leather strap with a polished pin buckle, with an additional black strap available, which feels appropriate for a mid-century aviation chronograph and leaves plenty of room for strap experimentation. Where things become complicated for me is the $3,950 price tag. That figure immediately forces comparisons. I can’t help but think about the Longines Avigation BigEye, which offers a similar vintage aviation character at a lower retail price and even more attractive numbers on the secondary market. I also think about other heritage-driven chronographs that land well under four thousand dollars.
That said, from what I can tell, Benrus did manage to position the Sky Chief at or slightly below the cost of a clean vintage example, and anyone who has chased original pieces knows how inconsistent that market can be. Paying just under vintage pricing for a new, warrantied, chronometer-certified chronograph with modern water resistance is not unreasonable, even if it feels out of left field.
For me, the darker Stratus Grey dial and the 36mm sizing are the real draw, and I admire how far Benrus has come from its earlier revival attempts across different models. Whether the approach here justifies the price will depend on how strongly you connect with the proportions, the movement, and the name on the dial. I’m intrigued, a little hesitant, and very aware that this is the kind of watch that will either resonate deeply with the right collector or be compared to everything else in its bracket.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.