The NYC based company Benrus produced the Sky Chief in the 1940’s and as the name suggests, it was made for the aviation industry. I must say, I do think that the Sky Chief presents great value in today's vintage market as it has many things going for it.
The 35mm stainless steel case is muscular with a thick three-piece case. Featuring long bevels and lugs, the overall look on the wrist wears larger than its diameter suggests. Moving on to the dial, it has a beautiful black glossy gilt dial with enlarged Arabic numerals and thick syringe hands. Flip it over and you are greeted by the ever classic Valjoux 72 movement, a high-quality column wheel calibre that was used on the Rolex Daytona and Heuer Autavia.
You might be wondering why a regular black dialled chronograph would be classified as a pilots watch and after researching online, it turns out it is all in the details. You will notice that in the minute register that there are hash marks at the 4/8/12 minute markers, which is highly unusual. Some have said that in the early days of aviation, a pilot would be required to take a measurement every four minutes as celestial navigation was used back then.
All in all, you get a very attractive wearable chronograph with a great aviation history at a very attractive price point. What’s not to love?