Wrist watches have been developed ever since the 15th century although their popularity was not realized until the 1920s where manufacturers went to work in developing these worn timepieces that can accurately track time. That was also the age where pocket watches were commonly used alongside these antique wristwatches. One of the watch brands that graced New York City was Benrus Watches.
Benrus Watches Company History
Watch collectors should be very familiar with Benrus watches but the actual company itself is a bit shrouded in mystery especially since these watches are no longer made despite their excellent quality at the time. It all started with Benjamin Lazrus who started out with a simple watch repair shop. His career slowly shifted to creating watches and bands instead. His brothers then became involved and it eventually turned the operation into a business forming the company name which is a combination of his first and last name. In the early years, Benjamin Lazrus was recognized as a wholesaler and importer rather than a manufacturer.
That changed in the mid-1920s but some people still debate as to whether or not Benrus was considered an American or Swiss company since Lazrus rented a single floor of a watch factory in Switzerland. Lazrus actually purchased items known as Ebauches movements which were used to craft the early Benrus watches. The cases that were made, however, were made in the US factory after these items were shipped. Some old records report that the company started out as the Benrus Watch CASE Company as proof that the company has been active for many years.
Nearing World War II, Benrus started to make more sophisticated designs to stand out from the competition, impressing consumers with rectangular faces and cushioned builds. During the heart of the war, watch factories had to alter their objectives in making watches for the military including other unrelated pieces of hardware. Benrus did not have to do this since they lacked the equipment to produce other items, giving them a significant advantage after the war ended. From that point forward, Benrus took the lead in innovation by taking advantage of technologies to create advanced and functional watches.
Benrus Watches Collector’s Value
Benrus watches expanded so greatly that the name”Benrus” was immediately recognized as a watch by most people. Even the less expensive ranges of Benrus watches like the Sovreign and Belforte models are considered collector items just because the name is there, and no more units are being made other than their existing quartz lineup. The value increased even further when other companies started to use the Benrus name for their new watches for added appeal. However, these new watches are very different to the classic Benrus watches since the new ones often lack quartz movements and go for mechanical ones instead.
While these watches may have respectable qualities, collectors should take note of the true essence of Benrus watches. Those looking for a classical feel may well feel at home with the Benrus models.