Field watches are the functional workhorses of the horology world. But they tend to be, well, drab. The Benrus #3061 BOR flips that script with one of the most eye-catching designs of any field watch I’ve tested.
If stealth is your aim, just move on from this sparkling gem. But if you love the modest scale of a 39.5mm case, 24-hour timekeeping, and field watch simplicity in an absolutely beautiful Swiss-made package under $2,000, the Benrus #3061 is an unexpected choice that brings a lot of history to the wrist.
In short: The Benrus #3061 BOR ($1,995) brings more than 100 years of complex history to a dazzling field watch with 100 m of water resistance, an ETA 2892 movement with a 42-hour power reserve, and an open caseback. The beads-of-rice bracelet catches light with smooth, handsome links. It has good legibility, 3-D numerals that seem to almost float off the dial, and a fine fit and finish. It’s a beautiful field watch that breaks the stealthy convention in favor of outright bling.
Compare the Benrus #3061 BOR with those on GearJunkie’s guide to the Best Field Watches.
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Gorgeous appearance -
Dial catches light in many angles -
Comfortable and thin on the wrist -
Open caseback is a fun twist on a field watch
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Eye-catching design is not covert or stealthy -
While legible, deviates from many field watch conventions
Benrus #3061 BOR Review
Benrus offered me a 2-week test of the BOR #3061. As I’d never seen anything from the Brooklyn-founded brand with a long military history, I figured, why not? Something about the BOR #3061 grabbed my eye. The dial seemed almost luminous in images, an uncommon attribute for a field watch.
So I put the loaner through (light) paces, strapping it on cross-country skiing and hiking in the Rocky Mountains. Yes, it’s pretty. But as a field watch, it also has to walk the rugged-duty walk.
Through several days of skiing, including one hard crash on a nordic track when my ski fell off at high speed, the watch didn’t so much as hiccup. It kept accurate time day after day for 2 weeks, deviating by only about 30 seconds during my trial.
Yes, that means it meets expectations for a modern, quality automatic watch. Any watch worth its weight in 2026 really must keep good time and be durable enough to go through the wear and tear of daily life. But for anyone willing to drop $2,000 on a watch, it also has to bring joy to the wearer.
And for me, the Benrus has been a genuine pleasure to test.
That’s critical in this case because the #3061 deviates so far from typical field-watch appearance that it levels into dress-watch territory.
A Dressed-Up Field Watch
From the first time I laid eyes on it, the Benrus captivated me with its shimmering, slightly gold dial. Barely a shade off silver, the dial’s subtle gold is stunning. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but to me, it’s one of the prettiest dials I’ve seen, even when compared with vastly more expensive watches. Something about the way it catches light, appearing to move with changes in angle, is captivating.
The black-outlined yellow numerals hover above the dial with enough BG W9 Super-LumiNova to be legible (but not bright) many hours into the night.
The hands, slender yet clear, balance nicely on the face, and the single red arrowhead minute hand moves smoothly at 28,000 vibrations per hour. It moves smoothly around the watch. And while setting the time, the crown unscrews smoothly. All the workings of the watch movement are also smooth and pleasant to adjust.
The bracelet opens and closes with a confirming snap. The bracelet is a close second to the dial in terms of beauty. It shimmers in the light, oozing luxury while being exceptionally comfortable on the wrist. I loved wearing this watch, both for how it felt and how it made me feel. It’s pretty, functional, and downright cool.
Benrus: A Complex History
Benrus was founded in 1921 in New York City by three brothers, Benjamin, Oscar, and Ralph Lazarus. It became a major American brand, renowned particularly for its aeronautical and military watches. During World War II and the Vietnam War, Benrus became a key U.S. military contractor, famous for the rugged DTU-2A/P field watch and the Type I diver watch. It also made the “Sky Chief” chronograph for pilots in the 1940s.
The brand was popular among consumers, but eventually fell out of favor and went bankrupt in 1977.
But it seems to be on the rebound. In 2025, an investment group revived the brand, returning its headquarters to New York to reintroduce its legacy of American-designed, Swiss-made timepieces. The plan seems to be working.
Today, Benrus builds some very nice watches. While I don’t have experience with older Benrus models, the #3061 BOR is an exceptional wristwatch. It deviates from many field-watch fashion choices with its dazzling dial and sparkly band, but that’s a distinct choice. Benrus also offers several foundational field watches, such as the DTU-2A/P, in much more muted colors and band configurations.
Benrus #3061 BOR Watch: Who Should Buy It?
From my experience, Benrus makes one darned nice watch, and I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one if it fits my needs. In the case of the Benrus #3061 BOR, that means field watch functionality with luxury timekeeping bling. This is one gorgeous watch. It should stand up to the rigors of serious outdoor use. But it is flashy, so those who need stealth (military, hunting, etc.), take note.
Across the board, Benrus looks to be on the uptick. The brand has character and history, so it’ll be fun to see what it builds in the near future. For those itching for a unique watch at an attainable price, the Benrus #3061 BOR is definitely worth a look.
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