Benrus Just Brought Back One of the Coolest Pilot’s Watches Ever Made

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We here at Men’s Journal are absolute suckers for a flawlessly executed re-issue of a classic watch. So obviously, we are over the moon, or at least above 30,000 feet, with the revival of the Benrus Sky Chief. Originally introduced in 1940, the purpose-built three-counter chronograph quickly became an “it” watch for commercial aviators thanks to its impressive functionality as a cockpit tool. The highly domed crystal and svelte bezel improved legibility during flight, while an aeronautical graduation on the chronograph’s minute counter improved air navigation and cruise calculations.

Today’s version comes in a 36mm 316L stainless steel case (up from the 35mm of the original), and a slim 11.9mm profile. A modern double-domed box sapphire crystal with dual anti-reflective coating honors the mid-century model’s curved crystal but improves readability. The dial’s Arabic numerals are painted with Super-LumiNova as are the hands, to aid low-light legibility. The contemporary Sky Chief’s tri-compax chronograph layout is available in two dial colors—Stratus Grey or Cirrus White, both with snailed-texture sub dials. The two dial variants each come on a gray leather strap with a polished pin buckle. But an 18mm lug width opens the door to options galore. 

Through a screw-down, exhibition case back, owners can peak the COSC-certified ETA 2894 automatic movement (and its customized black, Benrus stamped rotor) that powers the Sky Chief. The ultra-reliable Swiss-made calibre offers 42-hours of power reserve. Thanks to the screw-down case back and screw-down crown, the modern Sky Chief is water resistant to 100 meters. 

Both the Stratus Grey and Cirrus White Sky Chiefs are each available now at benrus.com for $3,950.