The Benrus DTU-2A/P is one of the most historically significant field watches ever issued to American soldiers, and its modern reissue has become one of the more compelling tool watches available under $1,000. It brings a documented military story, a Swiss automatic movement and deliberately authentic proportions into one highly focused package.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Genuine military heritage. The original DTU-2A/P fulfilled the U.S. military’s MIL-W-3818B specification in 1962.
- ✓Authentic 34mm proportions. The current production model retains the original compact case size and 40.2mm lug-to-lug span.
- ✓Swiss automatic movement. An ETA 2671 provides a 38-hour power reserve, while the case offers 100 meters of water resistance.
- ✓Serious modern build. A double-domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating, screw-down crown and two supplied straps make it practical as well as historic.
- ✓Available locally. It’s About Time Inc. carries Benrus watches at its Johns Creek showroom.
The History That Makes the DTU-2A/P Matter
In 1962, the U.S. Department of Defense issued MIL-W-3818B, a specification that changed how the military sourced field watches. The standard called for instruments that were accurate, durable and serviceable in the field rather than disposable timepieces built only to a price. Benrus won that contract. The DTU-2A/P designation, commonly read as Department Technical Unit, 2nd Amendment, Army/Personnel, identifies the model issued to soldiers serving in Vietnam.
That history is more than a marketing story. The contract record is documented by military and collector organizations, and the modern reissue keeps the original model’s purposefully spare aesthetic. For more background on the brand, explore the legacy and craftsmanship of Benrus watches.
Why the 34mm Size Is the Right Call
Benrus did not follow the recent trend toward ever-larger case diameters with this reissue. The DTU-2A/P remains 34mm across, which helps it sit low under a sleeve and look right on a wide range of wrists. A clean dial, narrow bezel and 40.2mm lug-to-lug measurement give it more visual presence than the headline diameter alone suggests.
DTU-2A/P Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Case | 34mm sandblasted 316L stainless steel |
| Thickness / lug-to-lug | 10.9mm / 40.2mm |
| Movement | Swiss ETA 2671 automatic, no-date configuration |
| Power reserve | About 38 hours |
| Water resistance | 100 meters / 10 ATM |
| Crystal | Double-domed sapphire with double anti-reflective coating |
| Straps | Brown leather bund strap and green NATO-style strap |
| Retail price | $990 |
Case and Build
The case is bead-blasted rather than polished, so it handles fingerprints and light nicks more gracefully than a dressier finish. Both the crown and case back screw down, supporting its 100-meter water-resistance rating. That is a meaningful modern improvement over the original 1960s issue and enough for ordinary active wear, rain and swimming.
Movement
Inside is the Swiss-made ETA 2671 automatic movement, a service-friendly 4Hz caliber with a 38-hour power reserve. It runs in a no-date configuration to keep the dial clean and period-correct. The movement can show the ghost date position common to a date-capable ETA caliber used without a date display; that characteristic does not affect accuracy or function.
Crystal and Legibility
The double-domed sapphire crystal uses anti-reflective coating on both surfaces. Its dome supplies vintage visual softness while sapphire provides stronger scratch resistance than the acrylic used on original military watches. The matte black dial, white Arabic numerals, inner 24-hour track and BGW9 Super-LumiNova keep the focus on clear, rapid reading.
What Works and What to Know Before Buying
What Works
The DTU-2A/P combines a historically accurate 34mm case, a proven ETA movement, 100 meters of water resistance, sapphire crystal protection and legitimate military provenance. It also ships with both a bund strap and a NATO-style strap, giving owners two useful looks out of the box.
- Compact by modern standards: The 34mm size is intentional and authentic, but buyers accustomed to 40mm-plus watches should try it on.
- No date complication: The clean no-date layout suits the original specification, but it is worth noting if a date display is essential.
- Premium field-watch pricing: At $990, it costs more than an entry-level field watch. The documented heritage, Swiss movement and finish are the reason for the difference.
Who Is This Watch For?
The DTU-2A/P suits buyers who want a mechanical field watch with traceable military history rather than a generic vintage-inspired design. It is especially compelling for someone who appreciates an understated sterile dial, Swiss movement serviceability and period-correct sizing. It also makes sense as a step up for an owner coming from a Seiko or Hamilton field watch.
If you are comparing the full field-watch category rather than choosing this model in isolation, read our guide to the best field watches for everyday wear. It places the DTU-2A/P’s history and proportions beside practical alternatives at several price points.
See the DTU-2A/P in Person
It’s About Time Inc. carries Benrus watches at its Johns Creek showroom. The DTU-2A/P retails for $990 and is best evaluated on the wrist, particularly because its compact dimensions and low profile are central to the design. Our team can help you compare it with other modern field watches and discuss present inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does DTU-2A/P Stand For?
DTU-2A/P stands for Department Technical Unit, 2nd Amendment, Army/Personnel. It is the U.S. military designation for the field-watch specification issued under MIL-W-3818B in 1962, which Benrus fulfilled for soldiers serving in Vietnam.
Is the Benrus DTU-2A/P a Good Everyday Watch?
Yes. Its 34mm case, automatic movement, 100-meter water resistance and tool-watch construction make it a capable daily wearer. Buyers who need a larger case or a date display may prefer another model, but the DTU-2A/P is designed for practical, unobtrusive use.
How Does the DTU-2A/P Compare to the Hamilton Khaki Field?
Both have field-watch heritage. The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical generally offers a longer power reserve at a lower price, while the Benrus carries a more specific documented military history and adds a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. The choice depends on how much the DTU-2A/P’s provenance and movement appeal to you.
Can I Get the DTU-2A/P Serviced Locally?
Yes. The ETA 2671 is a well-supported Swiss caliber with broad parts availability. It’s About Time Inc. handles contemporary and vintage watch service and can advise on service intervals and movement maintenance.
Where Can I Buy the Benrus DTU-2A/P in Atlanta?
It’s About Time Inc. carries Benrus watches including the DTU-2A/P. Visit the Johns Creek showroom to see it in person or contact the team about current availability.
