Benrus - Wristalarm "14k Gold Electroplate" - No reserve price - BEN1IJPNWW000 - Men - 1960-1969

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage An iconic example of mid-century functionality, this Benrus Wristalarm combines the elegance of a dress watch with the mechanical ingenuity of a portable alarm. The distinct double-crown profile and red-tipped alarm hand make this a conversation starter and a highly collectible piece of horological history. Brand: Benrus Model: Wristalarm Movement: Manual Winding Alarm Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 14k Gold Electroplate Bezel and Stainless Steel Back Production Year: c. 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest and charming vintage aesthetic, showing visible wear to the gold plating on the lugs and case edges, while the dial remains attractive and legible. Timegrapher monitoring shows +66 to +73 seconds per day, indicating an active movement. Dial and Hands The watch features a silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals at the cardinal positions and faceted baton markers for the remaining hours. The gold-tone Dauphine hands show signs of aging and oxidation consistent with the vintage nature of the piece. A defining feature is the central alarm hand tipped with a vibrant red arrow, allowing for precise setting of the mechanical alarm function. The text "Wristalarm" is printed cleanly above the six o'clock position. Case and Crystal The 35mm case is designed with a 14k gold electroplated bezel and a stainless steel caseback. It features the characteristic dual-crown layout, with one crown controlling the time and winding, and the other dedicated to setting and winding the alarm. The case shows clear signs of vintage wear, with plating loss visible on the lugs and sharp edges where the base metal peeks through. The domed acrylic crystal is in presentable condition. The caseback is stamped with "Benrus" and "Open Thru Crystal," showing surface scratches and marks from past handling. Movement The timepiece is powered by a manual winding movement equipped with a mechanical alarm complication. This intricate mechanism allows the wearer to set a specific time for the watch to vibrate and buzz, a feature that was highly innovative for its era. Timegrapher testing indicates the watch is running between +66 and +73 seconds per day, which indicates a movement that is alive and functioning. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern. It secures with a gold-tone buckle that complements the warm tones of the case. The strap is in good condition and ready for immediate wear. Condition This Wristalarm is in good vintage condition, offering an honest representation of its age. While the case shows evident wear to the gold plating and the caseback has scratches, the integrity of the watch remains intact. The dial is the highlight, remaining attractive despite minor spots of patina. It is a genuine piece of history that has been worn and enjoyed. Dimensions With a case diameter of 35 mm excluding the crowns, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist in a classic mid-century proportion. The lug design allows it to wear slightly larger, giving it a notable presence suitable for both formal and casual attire. Remarks The mechanical alarm watch is a fascinating subset of vintage collecting, offering tactile interaction that modern digital watches simply cannot replicate. The Benrus Wristalarm is a quintessential example of this genre, blending American branding with Swiss engineering. History Benrus was a prominent American watch company based in New York, known for importing high-quality Swiss movements and casing them in stylish, durable designs. During the mid-20th century, Benrus competed directly with brands like Hamilton and Bulova. The Wristalarm series was one of their most technically interesting offerings, marketed to busy professionals who needed a reliable reminder on their wrist. Today, these watches are celebrated for their clever utility and distinctive 1960s design language. / Second Vintage SKU: BEN1IJPNWW000