Benrus Ultra-Deep 'Super Compressor' Ref. 6089
Dive Watch (Super Compressor) · Benrus (Independent Swiss/American brand). Historic tier: Reliable mid-range tool watches for military and professional use.
Period: Mid-Century Tool Watch (1960s)
Type
Dive Watch (Super Compressor)
Brand
Benrus (Independent Swiss/American brand). Historic tier: Reliable mid-range tool watches for military and professional use.
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding, typically featuring the ETA 2452 or Benrus caliber FE 2D1, 17-25 jewels, approx. 42-hour power reserve.
Dimensions
36.5mm diameter, 12mm thickness, 43mm lug-to-lug, 18mm lug width. Wears slightly larger due to the internal bezel and dual crowns.
Description
The Benrus Ultra-Deep is a classic example of the 1960s Super Compressor dive watch era. Utilizing the patented EPSA case that seals tighter as water pressure increases, it foregoes the traditional external bezel for a sleek, dual-crown look. The 666 ft rating (the number of the beast) was a popular marketing depth for 'Devil Divers' of the era.
Key Features
Internal rotating bezel, 666 Ft 'Devil Diver' depth rating, EPSA Super Compressor case, and distinct cathedral/skeleton hands.
Dial Description
Matte black dial with 'fauxtina' luminous cream-colored indices (round and rectangular), cathedral-style hour hand, arrow-tipped sweep seconds, and a date window at 3 o'clock with an internal cyclops.
Case Material
Stainless steel with a combination of brushed and polished finishes. Features the iconic EPSA (Ervin Piquerez S.A.) Super Compressor case design.
Crystal Type
Domed acrylic (Plexiglass) with an internal magnifying cyclops lens for the date.
Bezel Details
Internal rotating dive scale bezel adjusted via the top crown. Bi-directional with 60-minute graduation and Arabic numerals at 15, 30, and 45.
Crown & Pushers
Dual cross-hatched crowns. The 2 o'clock crown rotates the internal bezel; the 4 o'clock crown sets the time and winds the movement.
Bracelet or Strap
Seven-row stainless steel jubilee-style bracelet with straight end links; historically often paired with a Tropic rubber strap.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down case back, often featuring the Benrus logo and 'Super-Compressor' depth rating engravings.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding, typically featuring the ETA 2452 or Benrus caliber FE 2D1, 17-25 jewels, approx. 42-hour power reserve.
Water Resistance
666 Feet (approx. 200m). Practical for swimming, but vintage examples should not be submerged without verified gasket replacement.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made (manufactured in Switzerland with components like the EPSA case). Benrus was a major supplier to the US military.
Age Estimate
Likely a modern reissue or highly preserved vintage piece; original production circa 1960-1969.
Cultural Significance
Represents the golden age of SCUBA diving in the 1960s and the technical peak of non-monobloc water resistance innovation.
Condition Notes
Excellent to Mint. Lume appears crisp with consistent aging (or deliberate vintage coloring), the case shows sharp edges, and the dual-crown hatching remains defined.
Value Estimate
$1,200 - $2,500 depending on original parts vs. modern reissue status and movement service history.
Care & Maintenance
Regular pressure testing every 12 months is vital for vintage water resistance. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning for the watch head due to the acrylic crystal/internal bezel complexity.
Similar Watches
Longines Legend Diver (Internal bezel), Bulova Super Compressor, Enicar Sherpa Guide, and the Hamilton 600.
Interesting Facts
The 666-foot rating was a standard for many 1960s divers (like Bulova and Snorkel) as it sounded more impressive than the standard 200-meter rating despite being nearly identical.