In my private, hands-on Benrus Orbit Robotic Skindiver watch assessment I put this traditional duplicate to the take a look at to see if it makes the minimize as one in all my favorite dive watches!
Welcome to our deep dive into the Benrus Orbit Robotic Skindiver watch, a exceptional timepiece that fantastically combines historical past, model, and performance.
Crafted by the famend Benrus model, this watch showcases the Skindiver model’s finest options whereas standing out within the crowded discipline of diving watches.
On this complete assessment, I’ll discover the watch’s key options, delve into the wealthy historical past of the model and Skindiver model, and perceive why it’s such a coveted piece amongst diving watch lovers.
So, whether or not you’re a seasoned collector or a curious beginner, strap in as I submerge into the world of the Benrus Orbit Skindiver.
The Background of the Benrus Model
The Benrus model has been round for over 100 years, and has created a loyal following of watch followers ever since.
Began in New York Metropolis method again in 1921, Benrus got here to life due to Benjamin Lazrus and his two brothers, who arrange a small watch restore store.
Little did they know, this modest enterprise would evolve into the long-lasting watch model we all know as Benrus. The identify is a artistic mash-up of the founder’s identify.
From fixing watches to creating their very own with elements from Switzerland, Benrus began to make its mark early within the firm’s historical past.
After a short hiatus throughout World Battle II, when the founders put their abilities to work creating timing techniques for bombs, the corporate kicked off once more post-war dropping some severely cool watches just like the Sky Chief and the Dial-a-Rama.
However it wasn’t all clean crusing. Japanese watches flooded the market within the 70s, and Benrus took successful, having to file for chapter twice.
However like a phoenix, they rose from the ashes, obtained purchased out, and made a giant comeback within the 80s and 90s, promoting their watches in main retailers like Walmart and Sears.
By way of all of the ups and downs, Benrus has stayed afloat within the fickle world of watchmaking and has bounced again as one of many most-loved watch manufacturers amongst collectors at present. Now that’s resilience for you!
Historical past of the Skindiver Fashion
The Skindiver model of watches rose to prominence within the mid-Twentieth century, as pores and skin diving turned a trendy pastime after the second World Battle.
Throughout this time, famend watch manufacturers like Longines stepped into the highlight, creating iconic fashions such because the Nautilus Pores and skin Diver.
What set Skindiver watches aside was their slimmer, smaller circumstances. These have been much less water resistant than skilled dive watches, but they carried a particular allure, making them appropriate as costume watches or for informal put on.
This versatility was a boon for smaller watch firms that lacked the assets to fabricate skilled dive watches.
The Skindiver watch development held sway from the Fifties to the Seventies, interesting to each diving lovers and those that wished a trendy, useful timepiece on land.
Nonetheless, because the period of quartz watches dawned, the Skindiver model light.
At the moment, we see a revival within the recognition of classic Skindiver watches. Fashionable variations draw inspiration from their classic counterparts whereas incorporating revolutionary supplies and capabilities for enhanced sturdiness and underwater resistance.
Benrus has caught to their values and continued to create these timeless, lovely watches.
Overview and Options of the Benrus Orbit Robotic Skindiver Watch
The Benrus Orbit Robotic Skindiver watch, first launched in 1972, is a good instance of how model and practicality can come collectively.
This older mannequin isn’t generally discovered, so to seek out an authentic is kind of particular. Fortunately for us Benrus has delivered a brand new model of the traditional for us to get pleasure from.
What’s fascinating is that the reissued model of the watch holds true to the unique design and dimensions however comes with the added advantages of contemporary supplies.
Fashion and Heritage
The Orbit Robotic Skindiver’s design is a nod to the previous of its authentic gray watch mannequin, with its 41mm chrome steel ‘UFO’ cushion case and matching bracelet.
Such a case is also known as a ‘cushion’ case as a result of its form is harking back to a cushion or pillow.
The watch has a particular gray fumé dial which supplies it a novel look. The dial begins as a light-weight gray metallic within the centre and will get darker as you progress in the direction of the sides, and it’s topped off with orange and white fingers.
Primarily you’re getting your self a vintage-style watch with the identical design as a traditional however with improved efficiency and most versatility.
Mechanisms and Finer Options
By way of options, the watch has a Soprod P024 Swiss motion. Soprod is a Swiss producer identified for making dependable and high-quality watch actions, that are the inner mechanisms that energy a watch.
It has a domed sapphire crystal that’s sturdy and scratch-resistant, and glow-in-the-dark hour indices and fingers due to the BGW9 Tremendous-LumiNova coating.
The brushed chrome steel bezel is beautiful, and has a glow-in-the-dark triangle on the 12 o’clock place. With its screw-down crown, the watch is water resistant as much as 200 meters (20ATM).
And for many who like to change up their watch straps, the interior lug measurement has been elevated to suit 20mm straps with out altering the general measurement of the watch.
The again of the watch has a enjoyable design that includes a robotic orbiting the Earth, which is a play on the watch’s identify.
Listed here are a couple of of the options of the watch:
- Case Diameter: 41mm (with out crown) and 43mm (with crown)
- Case Sort: Brushed 316L SS case w/ screw-down crown
- Case Top: 13mm
- Case Size: 43mm (prime lug to backside lug)
- Motion: Soprod P024 with fast set date perform and 38-hour energy reserve
- Bezel: Stainless Metal Friction Match Bezel with Lumed 12 o’clock Triangle
- Strap: Stainless Metal Bracelet with Deployment Clasp
- Lug Width (Strap Measurement): 20mm
- Water Resistant: 20ATM
- Domed Sapphire crystal
- BGW9 Tremendous-LumiNova on hour indices, and fingers
- Gray Fume Dial (gradient from mild to darkish) with orange and white fingers
- Swiss Made
- Packaged in Customized Waterproof Clamshell Journey Watch Case
Efficiency as a Diving Watch
As a diving watch, the Benrus Orbit Robotic has a number of options that makes it a stable selection for many who wish to have a beautiful timepiece on their wrist when hitting the water.
Vital observe – It is a dive watch, not a dive pc. It won’t inform you issues like depth, decompression illness, dive profile, and many others. It merely tells the time.
Water Resistance
With a water resistance of as much as 200 meters (20ATM), it should deal with all leisure diving actions, seeing as our most depths are 40m.
In the event you’re a business or tec diver you’ll have to supply watches with larger water resistance rankings.
READ MORE: Take a look at our full listing of the finest snorkel gear available on the market!
Readability
Using BGW9 Tremendous-LumiNova on the hour indices and fingers enhances visibility in low mild situations, which is an important characteristic for us divers.
The orange and white fingers additionally present distinction towards the grey fumé dial, making it simpler to learn the time underwater.
Bezel
The chrome steel friction match bezel with a lumed 12 o’clock triangle is a standard characteristic in dive watches.
he bezel is used to trace elapsed time, which is essential for divers to watch their air provide.
Sturdiness
The domed sapphire crystal and chrome steel case are sturdy supplies that may stand up to the stress adjustments and potential knocks or scrapes that may happen whereas diving.
Strap Compatibility
The elevated lug measurement that accommodates 20mm straps permits divers to simply change between steel bracelets and different varieties of straps, corresponding to rubber or nylon, which is likely to be extra appropriate for underwater use.
In order you may see it ticks all of the packing containers for what you want for a implausible dive watch.
It’s additionally value mentioning that whereas the watch is designed with diving in thoughts, its vintage-inspired aesthetic and trendy design cues additionally make it appropriate for on a regular basis put on.
What Makes the Benrus Orbit Skindiver Stand Out?
The Benrus Orbit Robotic Skindiver stands out from different dive watches for a number of causes:
- Distinctive Design: The watch gives a trendy nod to the previous with its ‘UFO’ cushion case, a design that’s not generally seen in fashionable dive watches. This, mixed with the grey fumé dial that darkens in the direction of the sting, provides it a novel, visually fascinating aesthetic.
- Heritage: As a reissue of a 1972 mannequin, the watch carries with it the historical past and heritage of the Benrus model, which may be interesting to look at lovers and collectors.
- Versatility: The Orbit Skindiver isn’t just a useful dive watch; its vintage-inspired design additionally makes it appropriate for informal and formal events. The choice to simply change between 20mm straps provides to this versatility.
- High quality Supplies and Elements: With its Swiss motion, domed sapphire crystal, and chrome steel case and bezel, the watch demonstrates a dedication to high quality and sturdiness.
- Lume: Using BGW9 Tremendous-LumiNova on the hour indices and fingers ensures glorious visibility in low-light situations, a essential characteristic for divers.
- Nostalgic Component: For individuals who admire the allure of classic watches, the Benrus Orbit Skindiver gives a contemporary watch with a classic aesthetic. This mix of previous and new could make the watch stand out in a market saturated with up to date designs.
- Restricted Availability: The truth that this can be a reissue of a uncommon mannequin may make it particularly interesting to collectors or lovers who worth exclusivity.
All these parts mixed create a watch that not solely serves the useful wants of a diver but additionally meets the aesthetic and emotional wants of a watch fanatic.
My Private Expertise with the Benrus Orbit Robotic Skindiver Watch
As somebody who has all the time been extra accustomed to fashionable expertise, I discovered myself getting into a distinct period after I first strapped the Benrus Orbit Skindiver on my wrist.
In actual fact, I don’t suppose I’ve personally worn a standard watch since I used to be in highschool.
It’s my first expertise with a dive-specific watch that isn’t a digital dive pc, and I have to admit, I used to be a bit skeptical at first.
But, the second I felt the chilly chrome steel towards my pores and skin and noticed the luminescent fingers shining in low mild, I used to be immediately captivated.
Underwater, the watch carried out seamlessly. The readability of the indices, the reliability of the 20ATM water resistance, and the surety of the screw-down crown made for an unexpectedly clean swim.
I solely had the possibility to take it snorkelling round my island, so haven’t personally examined its dive capabilities but (I’ll replace this Benrus Orbit Robotic Skindiver watch assessment after I do), however to this point it hasn’t missed a beat.
Out of the water, the Orbit Skindiver reworked from a reliable dive associate to a trendy accent.
Its distinctive ‘UFO’ cushion case and gray fumé dial added an sudden sophistication to my normally informal outfits.
It was a refreshing change to put on such a trendy piece to some dinner events, moderately than my standard smartwatch.
In actual fact I even had a couple of buddies touch upon the watch and ask me questions on it!
The watch’s vintage-inspired aesthetics and the story of its heritage sparked many fascinating conversations.
It was not solely a device that served my diving wants, but additionally a dialog starter, a bit of wearable historical past with modern-day supplies.
I’m trying ahead to with the ability to take this freediving or scuba diving quickly, and to take it out for a correct formal occasion.
Conclusion of my Benrus Orbit Robotic Skindiver Evaluate – 8.5/10
The Benrus Orbit Skindiver is really a masterpiece that blends classic aesthetics with fashionable performance.
Its beautiful design, coupled with a strong construct and superior dive capabilities, makes it a worthy companion each underwater and at social occasions.
As somebody who has by no means actually worn fashionable watches earlier than, I actually fell in love with it, and may see myself changing into a little bit of a watch collector.
If I may change one factor, it could be that the watch face appeared barely small to me in comparison with the general dimensions.
However that would additionally simply be as a result of I’m used to sporting a large Garmin working watch on my wrist.
Whether or not you’re knowledgeable diver, a watch fanatic, or somebody who appreciates timeless model, the Orbit Skindiver is a exceptional piece that embodies the wealthy historical past of Benrus and the adventurous spirit of the Skindiver model.
Vital addition to any watch assortment.
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