1969 Benrus MIL-W-46374 Vietnam Era US Military Watch Plastic Case Working

An original Benrus MIL-W-46374 US military field watch dated May 1969, from the Vietnam War era. This is the early disposable or “non-maintainable” model produced for issue to US military personnel as a simple, practical and economical field watch.

The watch has a one-piece olive-drab plastic case, fixed strap bars and a highly legible black military dial with white Arabic numerals, an inner 24-hour scale and central seconds hand. It is powered by a manually wound, seven-jewel mechanical movement.

The watch is currently working. It winds, sets and runs; however, it has not been tested for long-term accuracy or power reserve, and its service history is unknown. As a military watch more than 55 years old, it is being sold as a collectable vintage item rather than as a serviced everyday timepiece.

The case measures approximately 35 mm across excluding the crown, approximately 41 mm from lug to lug and approximately 10 mm thick. The fixed lugs accept an approximately 18 mm one-piece military or NATO-style strap.

The back of the case is marked:

WRIST WATCH (NON MAINTAINABLE)
BENRUS WATCH CO.
MIL-W-46374
DATE: MAY 1969
FED STOCK NO. 6645-952-3767
MFG PART NO. 11K11865Q
CONT. NO. DAAA25-69-CO011

MIL-W-46374 was introduced by the US military in 1964 as a specification for an inexpensive general-purpose wristwatch. Unlike the more expensive maintainable military watches of the period, these watches were issued with sealed plastic cases and were intended to be replaced rather than repaired through the military supply system. Surviving working examples are therefore increasingly difficult to find.

The dial and hands originally used period luminous material. No guarantee is made regarding its present luminosity. The watch has not been pressure tested and should not be considered water-resistant. It should be kept away from water and moisture.

The watch shows age-related wear, marks and patina consistent with an authentic military field watch dating from 1969. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description. No representation is made regarding whether the strap or any individual component has been replaced during the watch’s life.

A genuine and historically interesting Vietnam-era Benrus military watch, suitable for collectors of US militaria, military watches and Vietnam War material.

Item specifics:

Brand: Benrus

Model: MIL-W-46374

Year/date: May 1969

Country of issue: United States

Movement: Mechanical, manual winding

Jewels: Seven

Case material: One-piece plastic

Case colour: Olive drab

Approximate case diameter: 35 mm excluding crown

Approximate lug-to-lug length: 41 mm

Approximate thickness: 10 mm

Approximate strap width: 18 mm

Dial colour: Black

Display: Analogue, 12-hour and 24-hour scales

Caseback: Military contract markings

Condition: Vintage, pre-owned and currently working

Water resistance: Not tested; no water-resistance guarantee

Included: Watch and pictured strap only