Up for sale is my circa 1950s Benrus Sky Chief Chronograph -the "Official Watch of Famous Airlines" as the Benrus slogan went. It's 35mm of stainless steel cool. A sought-after true pilots' watch with rare 4-minute hash marks on the chrono to aid "dead reckoning" navigation, as opposed to more "mundane" tasks like timing telephone calls that typically used 3 minute hash marks. This is also the more highly sought-after Valjoux 72 version, as evidenced by the two lume "dots" at 3 and 9 o'clock. Other Sky Chiefs with a more commonly seen Venus movement won't have those same dots. Fantastic black gilt dial in sharp condition that glistens in the sun, with original radium numerals and hands that still retain their glow - and likely will long after we're all gone... (see UV photo!). Lugs appear sharp, and are 18mm. Lug to lug is about 42mm, and I believe it's about 13.8mm thick. The custom strap is almost brand new (worn less than 5 or 6 times, I would guess). It's a soft and premium calf leather, black with contrast grey stitching. Buckle is generic. I'll let the pictures do the talking but it's in great cosmetic condition, and works well. Chrono hand re-sets sharply to 12 noon. Seems to keep very good time (it's a vintage watch, of course...). Manual winding Valjoux 72 column wheel chronograph movement that's rhodium-plated. It has 17 jewels, a shock absorber device, and a straight- line lever escapement. It includes an antimagnetic monometallic balance, and a self-compensating blued Breguet balance spring. My watchmaker serviced it within the past year, and was careful to take proper precautions with the radium (including the gloves you'll see in the shot he provided). To my knowledge, everything is original other than the crown which is the right vintage size and style (the thicker one shown in the pics) but sits a little wide on the case until a closer match can eventually be sourced. Asking $2,295 net to me, via PayPal friends and family, Venmo or wire. Will cover priority shipping in the US. International shipping costs and logistics will be subject to discussion with the buyer. Please feel free to ask any questions - the watch is sold as is, with no returns unless materially misrepresented. All pics are mine, except the movement shot that came from the prior owner when I acquired it (and the shot from my watchmaker - with the gloves). As a bonus, I'll also include a period-correct Benrus box to the successful buyer (and the thinner crown that originally came on the watch - not sure about the markings on the clear envelope). Thanks for looking. Mark
Bump, and meaningful price drop on eBay. Can do even better direct here. Motivated to get this to a new home. Make an offer. Thanks.
Now sold, pending funds. Thanks OF, and glad to see it heading to a worthy new home in this terrific watch community!