Following in the success of the Megalodon 4, Benarus has announced their newest model, the Sea Snake. Benarus seems to have a knack for developing distinct and rather original designs, and the new Sea Snake is no exception. Featuring a 44 x 14 mm stainless steel case with a lug to lug length of only 50mm, the Sea Snake should be completely at home on most wrists and, given its 42 mm bezel, it will likely wear a bit smaller than its 44 mm case size would suggest. This new Benarus three-hander is powered by the reliably ubiquitous ETA 2824-2 and employs a domed sapphire crystal, wide-set 24 mm lugs and a lumed bezel scale to round out its spec sheet.
I don’t generally care for large watches. Much over 44 mm and I usually don’t even pay attention, which is why I largely ignored the first three iterations of the Benarus Megalodon. Regardless of my general indifference, the Megalodon has been soldiering on as a very successful, low production model aimed at buyers who are interested in a large watch which packs considerable wrist-presence without costing too dearly. Now in its fourth generation, the Megalodon 4 is the product of careful evolution, adding polish to its proven formula of offering a large case, distinctive prehistoric styling and as much luminous paint as can be applied to any single watch. Given the previous success of this line and some general curiosity as to how well a watch this large can actually wear, we were happy to experience a Megalodon first hand when Benarus offered one for review.
Benarus has announced availability of their newest TI47 models. The TI47 incorporates titanium construction and an expanded case size into the stylish good looks of the Benarus Moray (which we reviewed here). The TI47 is a lovely and simple design which has been built to be as tough as possible. This Benarus features a 4mm double domed sapphire crystal, 2000m water resistance and timekeeping is provided by the reliable Swiss ETA 2824-2. Assuming your wrist can handle the 47 mm case, the TI47 should have little trouble keeping pace.
We do not generally do PSAs but we have reviewed a series of Benarus watches in the past (see: Moray, Worldiver, and Remora) and thanks to their high quality, unique style, and attractive pricing, they quickly sold out. We received a few disappointed emails as some of you tried to get a Benarus only to find it was too late.
Benarus models are produced in limited editions and the watch collecting community snatches them up quickly, often in pre-orders and months before they are available. If you have been waiting for an opportunity to put a Benarus on your wrist (or under your tree), then you are in luck as they have limited stock of a series of models including the Moray Ti, Moray 3, the newest iteration of the Remora (now featuring a sapphire bezel), and even the Megalodon.
Benarus annouced today that reservations are open for limited production runs of the previously sold-out Remora and Moray. We have reviewed both the original Remora and Moray dive watches and came away very impressed with the quality, attention to detail and pricing. The new Moray 3 is fitted with the Miyota 9015 which is a nice update over the 8125 that was used in the original. The Remora 2 remains largely unchanged but is currently listed as having a polished alloy bezel as opposed to the ceramic bezel found on the model we reviewed, this change facilitates luminous paint in the bezel. Reservations are open for only 7 days but allow the buyer to choose from a series of dial colors and finish options so if you have been waiting for your chance at a new Moray or Remora this is probably it.
Benarus Watches announced earlier today that they are taking reservations for the newest iteration in the Moray series. The new model, dubbed the Ti47, is available in a three hand design and as an automatic chronograph. As the name suggests the cases are made of titanium and measure a mammoth 47mm across. The three hand model is slated to cost $950 and feature 2,000m water resistance, measure 18mm tall, and feature and ETA 2824-2 movment. The chronograph model will cost $2,300 and boast 500m water resistance, a 16.6mm height and be powered by an ETA 2894 movement (chronograph version of the ETA 2892). As these are early renderings details may change but we think they look great and almost any dive watch can be improved by incorporating titanium. You can make a reservation and get more details on Benarus’ website.
In the ever expanding world of independent watch makers, it can be hard to know if you are buying a fad that will flash in the pan and one day leave you with an unreliable and unserviceable watch. There are so many new companies sprouting up and making sports watches for an eager online market that keeping them all straight can be tough. Recently, we had the opportunity to spend some time with the new Benarus Remora. You might remember Benarus from our review of the Moray and the Worldiver GMT Auto, two excellent dive watches that represent only part of the model line up from Benarus, a company that is always making new limited edition watches (Barracuda, Moray, Moray II, Worldiver GMT, Sea Devil, 1km, Megalodon, Megalodon 2, Bronze Moray). Due to their popularity all of these models have sold out, except for the new Remora. The Remora takes the vintage style tool-dive archetype and adds some definitive maturity.
A few months ago, we reviewed the Benarus Moray and came away impressed by the style, build, and price. Today we bring you a different type of watch from the same family: the new Benarus Worldiver GMT Auto. The Worldiver is a military style GMT dive watch aimed directly at some of the industry heavy hitters. How does it stack up? Let's start with the specs:
45mm Stainless case.
500m/1,650ft water resistance.
Sapphire crystal.
22mm lugs.
ETA 2893-2 GMT movement.
15mm thick.
Choice of blue on black dial, or orange on grey.
Includes many straps, and an option for a mesh bracelet.
We have long spoken of our love for simple and easy to read dive watches. In fact, many dive watches have built a cult following by offering a no-nonsense approach to accuracy and legibility. Perhaps most famously, watches like the Panerai Luminor, Rolex Sea-Dweller, and even brands like Marathon have developed their tool divers into an entire brand image.
I have always liked Panerai divers but the entry cost is very high and one could easily purchase an entire collection of great watches for the cost of a new Luminor. Nevertheless, the style is timeless and has endured, remaining largely unchanged since the 1930's. That simple dial and wide case is distinct, and it represents one of the most beautiful (and copied) dive watch designs seen in modern timepieces. For the past couple of years, I have been searching for a watch that shared that similar ethos, but did so in a unique and distinctive way.
This search led to Benarus; a small indie brand based out of Germany. I first came across Benarus while reading a forum post about their very popular Sea Devil model, and upon checking their site, I found the Moray — an italian styled classic dive watch. Much of Benarus's lineup is available in limited quantities, and this was the case with the black dialed Moray (limited to 50 pieces). I had to go to the second hand market to find one, and after a couple months of patience I came across, a well priced example. Now that it is on-wrist, here are the details:
44mm stainless steel case.
500m water resistance (about 1,600 feet).
24mm lugs.
120-click unidirectional dive bezel.
Miyota 8215 automatic movement.
Domed sapphire crystal with internal AR coating.
Solid end link bracelet with screwed links and lugs.
Following in the success of the Megalodon 4, Benarus has announced their newest model, the Sea Snake. Benarus seems to have a knack for developing distinct and rather original designs, and the new Sea Snake is no exception. Featuring a 44 x 14 mm stainless steel case with a lug to lug length of only 50mm, the Sea Snake should be completely at home on most wrists and, given its 42 mm bezel, it will likely wear a bit smaller than its 44 mm case size would suggest. This new Benarus three-hander is powered by the reliably ubiquitous ETA 2824-2 and employs a domed sapphire crystal, wide-set 24 mm lugs and a lumed bezel scale to round out its spec sheet.
