Benrus - Three Star "10K RGP" - No reserve price - 975684 - Men - 1950-1959

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This charming mid-century timepiece captures the essence of post-war American watch design, combining reliable Swiss mechanics with distinctively ornate case styling. The Benrus Three Star represents an era when wristwatches were transitioning into everyday essentials, celebrated for their robust self-winding movements and elegant aesthetics. With its striking fancy lugs and a dial that bears the honest, heavy patina of decades of wear, this watch offers an authentic glimpse into horological history, appealing to collectors who appreciate untouched vintage character. Brand: Benrus Model: Three Star Serial Number: 975684 Movement: Benrus Caliber CF 1 Automatic Dial: Cream dial exhibiting heavy, even stardust patina, visible spotting, and light surface marks, adorned with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals Case Size: 30 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 10K Rolled Gold Plate and Stainless Steel Production Year: 1950s Condition: Good vintage condition displaying honest wear and heavy dial patina Dial and Hands The dial presents a cream base that has aged significantly over the decades, developing a heavy and even stardust patina across its entire surface. Close inspection reveals distinct spotting, freckling, and light surface scratches that speak to the long life of the watch. The dial is furnished with elegant, applied gold-tone Arabic numerals that catch the light beautifully despite the aged background. The printed black minute track, the Benrus name, the iconic three-star logo, and the "SELFWINDING" script remain clearly legible. The time is indicated by skeletonized gold-tone hour and minute hands that show natural oxidation and complete loss of their original luminous material. A vibrant red central seconds hand with a distinctive arrow tip provides a striking pop of color and visual contrast against the patinated dial. Case and Crystal The 30 mm case is crafted with a 10K rolled gold plate bezel and features striking, flared fancy lugs that give the watch a larger presence on the wrist than its dimensions suggest. The case exhibits honest signs of wear consistent with its age, including minor handling marks, softened edges, and light brassing on the high points of the lugs and bezel. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, showing minor surface wear that aligns with the overall vintage aesthetic. The stainless steel snap-on caseback is well-preserved, clearly bearing the serial number 975684 and the factory text denoting the case materials. The inside of the caseback features the classic Benrus factory stamping and a large painted "Z" mark. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Benrus Caliber CF 1, a Swiss-made automatic movement featuring 17 jewels. The movement is cleanly finished and clearly stamped with "BENRUS WATCH CO INC", "MODEL CF 1", and "UNADJUSTED SWISS". Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Timegrapher readings indicate a performance of +60 to +66 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring tonal stitching. The strap is supple and pairs excellently with the warm tones of the gold-plated case, secured by a classic gold-tone pin buckle. Condition This Benrus remains in good vintage condition, offering a highly authentic and untouched appearance. The dial shows heavy, even spotting and surface marks, presenting a strong stardust patina that many collectors find appealing for its unique character. The rolled gold case displays normal vintage wear with some edge softening and minor brassing, while the stainless steel caseback remains crisp. The automatic movement is clean and fully operational. Dimensions Case Size: 30 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Benrus Three Star is a captivating piece of mid-century design. The combination of the elaborate flared lugs, the heavily patinated dial, and the striking red seconds hand creates a timepiece with immense vintage charm. It is a wonderful addition for those who value the aesthetic of naturally aged, historically significant watches. History Founded in New York in 1921, the Benrus Watch Company became a powerhouse in the American watch market during the mid-20th century. Known for importing high-quality Swiss movements and casing them in stylish, domestically designed cases, Benrus offered reliable and fashionable timepieces to the American public. The Three Star line was particularly notable for bringing dependable self-winding technology into elegant, everyday watches, solidifying the brand's reputation for combining utility with sophisticated mid-century design. / Second Vintage SKU: BEN-XXX-0001