Benrus Jungle Master 6345 (1967)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Benrus Jungle Master, a timepiece that perfectly encapsulates the "jewel wars" of the mid-20th century with its impressive 39-jewel movement. This specific model features a sharp, angular stainless steel case design that commands attention on the wrist, combining rugged durability with elegant dress watch aesthetics. With its distinct "Jungle Master" branding and the desirable gold medallion caseback, this watch represents a high point in Benrus's post-war commercial history, offering collectors a piece of American watchmaking heritage with Swiss mechanics. Brand: Benrus Model: Jungle Master Reference Number: 6345 Movement: Automatic Caliber FE 2D5 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1967 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with sharp case lines and a clean dial. The movement is running at -16-22s/day which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is preserved in remarkable condition, showing a consistent and light radial finish that catches the light elegantly. It features distinctive applied faceted hour markers that add depth and architectural interest to the face. The dauphine-style hands are original and show mild oxidation consistent with age, featuring central lume strips that have aged to a dark patina. The date window at 3 o'clock is framed, and the dial proudly displays the applied Benrus coat-of-arms logo along with the "39 Jewels" and "Jungle Master" script, all of which remain crisp and legible. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is a standout feature, boasting a semi-cushion design with sharp, angular lugs that remain well-defined. The surfaces show light scratches and handling marks typical of a vintage piece, but the factory edges appear unpolished and crisp. A significant highlight of this model is the caseback, which features a stunning, deep-relief gold medallion depicting the Benrus coat of arms, surrounded by "Jungle Master" and "Benrus" engravings. The crown features a distinctive cross-hatch pattern, adding a tactile detail often associated with compressor-style cases of this era. The acrylic crystal is clear with no major distractions. Movement Inside beats the Benrus automatic Caliber FE 2D5, a copper-finished movement boasting an impressive 39 jewels. This high jewel count was a signature of the era's engineering prowess and marketing competition. The rotor is signed "Benrus Watch Co Inc" and "Swiss." The movement is clean and currently running within vintage tolerances at -16-22 seconds per day, indicating healthy mechanical function for a watch of this vintage. Strap The watch is fitted with a new black leather strap featuring a reptile grain texture and contrasting white stitching. This strap choice complements the monochrome aesthetic of the silver dial and steel case, giving the watch a sporty yet sophisticated appearance ready for immediate wear. Condition This Jungle Master is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean for its age with no significant staining or damage. The case retains its architectural integrity with sharp lines, while the caseback medallion is fully intact and retains its gold tone. The movement is functioning reliably. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic mid-century size that wears slightly larger due to the angular lug design and robust case profile. Remarks The Benrus Jungle Master is a fascinating collector's piece that combines distinct 1960s styling with the unique horological history of the high-jewel count era. The presence of the gold medallion on the caseback is a premium feature that sets this specific example apart from standard models. It is a robust and stylish vintage daily wearer that sparks conversation. History Benrus was an American company founded in New York in 1921, which grew to become one of the prominent US watch brands of the 20th century alongside Hamilton and Bulova. While they are famously known for their US military-issued field and dive watches, their commercial line in the 1960s produced high-quality timepieces like the Jungle Master. This model was marketed as a robust, waterproof automatic watch capable of handling adverse conditions, positioning it as a direct competitor to other "Master" lines from major Swiss brands. / Second Vintage SKU: BEN59W9Y50000