Vintage Benrus Serial Numbers

Hello, Newbie here! I have recently acquired a Benrus watch that looks very old.

It's not working at present and I don't know enough about it to determine if it is worth the money for repair. Please feel free to post any information you may have about this watch. I have no idea how to open this watch and I don't think I'll attempt it. There are some numbers on the back.ID number or serial number?

The roots of Benrus go back to a watch-repair shop founded in New York City in 1921 by a Romanian immigrant named Benjamin Lazrus. One of three brothers, Lazrus quickly branched into the manufacture of watch cases, which he’d fill with movements, dials, and hands assembled in, and imported from, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

Any information is appreciated Thank you! Sorry this picture isn't very good. I'll go take some more now.

** You can't see in this photo but the glass over the face is raised kind of like there is a glass bubble over the face. Your watch could date anywhere from the late 1930s to the early 1950s, but I believe it's probably earlier in that range. Benrus typically used good quality Swiss movements from various manufacturers (they didn't make their own movements). While a few Benrus models are considered collectible, most of their time-only watches are not highly sought after.

The question of whether it's worth it is up to you. While this is not an investment grade watch, it is an attractive piece of good quality. You can generally have a watch like this completely overhauled for less than the cost of a modern fashion watch, and it should give you years of service. If parts are needed, or there is damage to the case, repair becomes more expensive.

I believe (and don't quote me on this) that the term 'shock absorber' was a reference to a Benrus-specific modification that allowed the cap jewel on the balance to lift. It was used in the 30's primarily, I think. This case design was aimed at mimicking the rectangular models that were popular whilst using the more common 'round' watch movement. I have one similar that houses an ETA 900; you can see the shock absorber screwed to the balance cock.

We could tell you more if you could get a movement picture; maybe take it to a jeweler and ask them to take the back off for you so you can take a picture? Click to expand.As Cary said this cost is significantly less then a good modern fashion watch.

Swiss made watches today will set you back several hundred dollars. The flash 2 khatrimaza. The quote is quite good; find out what kind of warranty the watch maker offers on his workmanship.

A good one will stand behind his service with about 3 to 6 months on workmanship. Service schedule should be about once every 5 years or so. The modern Swiss are about the same; think about the fact that you get the oil in your car changed on a regular schedule. If you waited until you car came to a halt and wouldn't run prior to a lube job it would be exponentially more expensive. Same idea but smaller scale.