Benrus Selfwinding "Three Star" 776781 (1955)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This distinguished Benrus Selfwinding "Three Star" is a classic representation of mid-century American watch design, featuring a stunning glossy black dial and distinctively sculpted fancy lugs. The contrast between the 10k rolled gold plate bezel and the dark dial creates a sophisticated aesthetic that epitomizes 1950s elegance, making it a desirable piece for collectors of vintage dress watches. Brand: Benrus Model: Selfwinding Three Star Serial Number: 776781 Movement: Automatic Dial: Black with gold-tone accents Case Size: 32 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 10k Rolled Gold Plate Bezel, Stainless Steel Back Production Year: 1955 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher result: -49s-55s/day. Dial and Hands The watch features a striking glossy black dial that has preserved well, showcasing a charming vintage patina with light speckling and aging consistent with its history. It is adorned with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals at the even hours and dot indices at the odd hours, creating a balanced and legible layout. The iconic Benrus three-star logo and "Selfwinding" text are crisp in gold print. The gold-tone Dauphine hands show visible signs of oxidation and aging, adding to the authentic character of the piece, while the central sweep seconds hand tracks time smoothly. Case and Crystal The 32 mm case is defined by its elegant fancy lugs which provide a distinct silhouette on the wrist. The bezel is crafted from 10k rolled gold plate and exhibits honest vintage wear, with visible brassing on the high points and lug edges typical for a watch of this era. The stainless steel caseback is screwed down and clearly engraved with the serial number and technical specifications. The acrylic crystal shows surface scratches and marks from use but remains clear enough to enjoy the dial details. Movement Inside beats a self-winding automatic movement that allows for daily wear without manual winding. The watch has been tested on a timegrapher, showing a rate of approximately -49s to -55s/day, which indicates a functioning mechanical movement that is operating, though likely in need of routine maintenance to return to factory precision. Strap The watch is fitted with a dark brown leather strap with matching stitching, which complements the black dial and gold case tones perfectly. The strap is in good condition, showing only minor signs of use, and secures comfortably with a gold-tone pin buckle. Condition Rated in good vintage condition, this timepiece shows clear signs of its age and history, particularly through the wear on the gold plating and the patina on the hands and dial. These elements contribute to its honest vintage appeal rather than detracting from it. The movement is operational, with timegrapher results provided to ensure transparency regarding its current performance. Dimensions With a modest diameter of 32 mm excluding the crown, the watch offers a classic vintage proportion that sits discreetly and comfortably on the wrist. The elongated fancy lug design adds visual presence and length to the case, making it wear slightly larger than the dimensions might suggest. Remarks This Benrus Selfwinding is a charming example of the brand's mid-century output, featuring the desirable "Three Star" branding on the dial. The combination of the ornate lugs and the deep black dial makes this a standout dress watch for enthusiasts who appreciate 1950s styling. It captures the essence of the post-war watch boom with its automatic convenience and stylish presentation. History Benrus was a prominent American watch company founded in New York in 1921 by three brothers, taking its name from the first syllable of their name (Benjamin) and the last syllable of their surname (Lazrus). By the 1950s, Benrus was known for producing reliable and stylish watches, often using Swiss movements cased in the United States to circumvent import tariffs. The "Three Star" line was one of their signature automatic series, marketed as a premium everyday watch that combined durability with the fashionable aesthetics of the era. / Second Vintage SKU: BENW5X04Y0000