Benrus Unveils the Remastered Sky Chief Chronograph, Rekindling its Rich Heritage with a Vintage-Inspired Pilot’s Watch

With origins tracing back to 1921 in New York, the watchmaking legacy of Benrus is firmly rooted in its pilot and military watches, contributing significantly to its reputation. Pioneered by Romanian-born brothers - Benjamin, Oscar, and Ralph Lazrus, the brand relied on Swiss production, reaching its zenith in the 1930s and 1940s with popular models such as the ‘Flyer’ and ‘Airman’. Dominating this era was the Benrus ‘Sky Chief’, a dedicated pilot’s chronograph that distinctly marked the minutes at four-minute intervals, an essential tool for celestial navigation calculations used by pilots and navigians. Now, nearly a century later, Benrus ventures into history to revive the ‘Sky Chief’.

Crucial to the watch’s performance is the Swiss-made ETA 2894, a compact automatic movement that offers a 42-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The layout of the chronograph indications follows the classic 3-6-9 configuration of the vintage ‘Sky Chief’ models, with a modest change in the positioning of the small seconds hand and the 30-minute chrono counter. A grey leather strap and a polished pin buckle complete the watch’s attire.