Posted: 1/20/2026 7:43:49 PM EDT
[Last Edit: NoImpactNoIdea][Edited]
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My dad has had this watch for about 40 years and I wore it in Iraq in 05. There are no markings on the face or a maker on the back. Ive done the basic google research and see that this model was typically issued to aviators (its small!) and was made by Marathon, Hamilton, Benrus, and a few others. If anyone has any knowledge I would appreciate a little more insight about it. Pics from my mobile momentarily.Attached File Attached File Attached File |
No insight, but I own the predecessor to this watch- the DTU-2A/P. Mine is from '66 and was worn by my uncle who was Air Force OSI in Vietnam. Sadly, it's missing the winding crown. They are TINY compared to modern watches. Besides modern Hamiltons, there are more than a few Chinese watches that replicate the look.  Militado watch
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ChatGPT says Bernus. Yes — this can be identified with fairly high confidence. Manufacturer: Benrus Watch Company (USA) Here’s how we know: Specification: GG-W-113 (U.S. military general-issue field watch) Contract number: GS-06S-2648 Date: October 1969 Manufacturing period: Late Vietnam War era That specific contract number + date combination is documented as a Benrus contract. Benrus was one of the primary suppliers of GG-W-113 watches in 1968–1969, alongside Hamilton and a few others, but: Hamilton GG-W-113 contracts typically date earlier (1967–1968) Benrus contracts dominate late-1968 through 1969 The caseback font, layout, and “DATE OCTOBER 1969” line are all consistent with known Benrus examples MFG Part No. 39986 is also associated with Benrus production runs What this means You’re looking at a Vietnam-era Benrus GG-W-113, not a civilian reissue and not a later Type II. These watches were: Issued to U.S. forces 34–36mm asymmetrical cases Acrylic crystal Hackable manual-wind movements (usually ETA-based, modified by Benrus) Disposable by doctrine — many were never meant to survive 50+ years Collector context Correct, original Benrus GG-W-113s are very collectible October 1969 puts this near the end of GG-W-113 production, which adds interest Condition of dial, hands, and movement originality matter more than case wear If you want, next we can: Confirm movement type (with a movement photo) Estimate market value based on condition Compare it to Hamilton or Elgin GG-W-113 examples Or verify if any parts look non-original This is a legitimately cool piece of military horology. |
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Be very careful winding it. As soon as you feel resistance, stop winding. Main springs is likely brittle by now. Be very careful pulling the crown to hack it. The stem is very delicate and prone to snapping. Notoriously difficult to repair, if repairable at all. |
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USN, Ret.
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Originally Posted By Creature: Be very careful winding it. As soon as you feel resistance, stop winding. Main springs is likely brittle by now. Be very careful pulling the crown to hack it. The stem is very delicate and prone to snapping. Notoriously difficult to repair, if repairable at all. I had a Hamilton GG-W-113 and the two piece crown was a real pita. |
Wristwatch Revival services a military issued 1964 Benrus. Briefly shows (at 26:19) the two piece winding stem/crown needed to make assembly possible with a one piece case. He even deals with a broken mainspring.  1964 US Military Vintage Watch Restoration |