Up for sale is this classic and original 1950s Benrus “Sky Chief” aviator’s chronograph with fantastic Near Mint gilt/gloss dial. This rare Benrus is in overall Excellent used condition and all functions are running well.

The price for this great Sky Chief is $1,750 USD including worldwide shipping and Paypal. Bank Wire is also OK of course. Other payment options upon application. Payment must be made in US DOLLARS. Watch will ship upon full clearance of the funds, as well as any necessary bank vetting.

CASE, BEZEL & CASEBACK: This sweet little chrono measures 35 x 43mm and rides tall on the wrist at 13mm to the top of the crystal. The case and back are unpolished with all original finish showing on the satin parts and some superficial scratches, Excellent overall. The mirror-finish bezel shows slightly more scratches and a tool mark from being removed in the past so Very Good. Inner part of the snap caseback is corrosion-free and has all correct Benrus hallmarks.

DIAL & HANDS: Absolutely Near Mint gloss lacquer dial with gilt printing is simply gorgeous with only the most minor imperfections visible under a high-powered loupe. The dial is trending to brown but this is quite subtle and hard to capture in pictures. All original Radium (I assume) luminous numerals are intact. All hands are Excellent overall with minimal oxidation and the hour and minute hand still have their original luminous filling intact.

CROWNS & PUSHERS: Flat pushers and base metal knurled crown are Near Mint and Excellent respectively with some brassing to the crown (possible replacement?). The crown winds and pulls out to the time-setting position as it should and the pushers are quite crisp when they stop, start & reset the chrono.

CRYSTAL: High-dome acrylic crystal is Excellent with only some minor scratches.

MOVEMENT: Marked “BE-11”, according to Best Fit this is a Venus 178 same as the classic 806 Breitling Navitimer (or an immediate precursor), in lovely cosmetic condition. I do not know this watch’s service history but it keeps great time and all chronograph functions operate perfectly, including proper resetting.

BAND: This great Sky Chief comes on a seldom-worn brown leather Speidel band with Croc pattern in Excellent condition. This watch takes straps with 18mm ends.

I make NO guarantees for the water resistance of this watch in any way, shape or form due to its age and the dodgy water resistance of most vintage chronos in general and snap back chronos specifically.

This great Vintage Benrus is offered with a 3-day inspection period from the date of receipt and may be returned for a full refund less any shipping costs incurred by the buyer. This refund is unconditional and once I get the watch back in exactly the same condition as it was sent to you, your money will be refunded. Of course, once the 3 days are over the sale will be considered FINAL.

Thanks for looking,
T.
tomvox1@hotmail.com