Our never-ending search for amazing watches brought us to the Orbit Robot Skindiver from BENRUS – an American brand with a rich history in the American watch industry, and they’re making an exciting comeback. The Orbit Robot Skindiver is a character of its own, marked by its simple yet eye-catching design, elevated still by the use of atypical color combinations.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Soprod P024
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 41 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
- Price: Under $1,000
BENRUS: The Brand
Benjamin Lazrus started Benrus (BENjamin LazRUS) in 1921 in New York. At first, Benjamin Lazrus with his two brothers saved up $5,000 and started importing Swiss watch movements to create cases for them in New York City. The headquarters were – and still are – in Manhattan’s Hippodrome building, located in what is known as the jewelry district.
They had very successful decades starting in the late ‘20s up until the late ‘60s, however, things seemed to slow down in the ‘70s (as with many other brands) due to the quartz crisis.
Much to our delight, a few years ago BENRUS revisited their popular designs, and re-issued some stunning pieces. The design itself was barely changed, however, the watches were given technological updates—such as automatic Swiss movements—making them ready and more than qualified to compete in today’s market.
BENRUS Orbit Robot Skindiver: Overview
The Benrus Orbit Robot Skindiver is a show-stopping reissued version of the 1972 original model. The classic design is tastefully updated with modern materials to harmonize vintage and contemporary elements. The cushion case design retains the retro feel of the watch, boasting a comfortable 41 mm width, which works well for most wrist sizes. The brushed stainless steel bezel, case, and bracelet pair beautifully with the gray fumé dial. The dial has a lighter metallic color at the center—connecting it visually back to the case—while progressively getting darker towards the outer edge, providing a great contrast and visual frame. The orange wide baton hour and minute hands make the watch look very robust. It comes equipped with the Soprod P024 Swiss automatic movement, providing a 38-hour power reserve. The Orbit Robot Skindiver is an elegant statement piece.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Soprod P024
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 41 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
- Price: Under $1,000
Dial
The dial of the Orbit Robot is simple, yet not underwhelming due to its robust look. The gray fumé dial has a lighter metallic color at the center, and slowly transitions into a darker color towards the outer edge of the dial.
The center of the dial is not over complicated to say the least. The BENRUS brand name is below the 12 o’clock position, and the name of the watch “Orbit Robot” is placed above the 6 o’clock position, creating a nice balance. While the fumé color transition is the focus of our attention, to really make sure the dial is not empty towards the middle, the wide baton hour and minute hands provide the weight that’s needed with their bright orange color. The second hand has the same orange color and the design for this hand is an angled lollipop solution to counterbalance the very rounded feel of the case and the dial.
The square hour indices are visually connected with the very angled hour and minute hands, and their BGW9 Super-LumiNova coat provides excellent visibility.
The date window placed at the 3 o’clock position is an elegant solution, not a surprising placement and a very functional approach.
Bezel
The brushed stainless steel and slightly serrated bezel contributes to the almost monochrome look. As it blends in with the case and bracelet, the attention remains on the gray fumé dial and the orange hands. It is a bi-directional friction bezel, meaning there is a wave spring between the bezel and the case, therefore there are no clicks when you adjust the bezel.
Case
The cushion case design is brushed stainless steel, and this shape is called the “UFO” shape by BENRUS, a subtle play on the name of the watch. This cushion shape definitely brings a retro feel from the ‘70s. The width of the case is 41 mm, and the lug-to-lug distance is at 43 mm therefore making it a comfortable wear for most wrist sizes. The domed sapphire crystal provides good scratch resistance, and the screw-down crown well complements the 200 meters water resistance.
An interesting detail regarding the crown is the lack of crown guards. Dive watches usually have extra protection around the crown. We don’t really think it’s missing from the design, as the watch already has a very robust, tool-watch look, but something to keep in mind if you decide to really test the watch in action.
The back of the case has a BENRUS robot orbiting the Earth, a playful update to honor the name of the watch.
Movement
The BENRUS Orbit Robot has an automatic Swiss movement, the Soprod P024, providing a 38-hour power reserve. This 25-jewel movement is based on the ETA 2824-2 movement. This reliable Swiss automatic movement is considered a competitor to the popular Sellita SW200 movement.
Stainless Steel Bracelet
The Orbit Robot comes with a jubilee bracelet, which is a very classy choice, as it’s a more elegant design. Going with the jubilee bracelet counterbalances the dial’s simple and rugged look, and we like the resulting design harmony. While seeing this watch on a classic oyster bracelet would be interesting, it would give this timepiece a very sporty look. The distance between the lugs is 20 mm – an increase from the original design to accommodate popular strap sizes.
Pros and Cons
Let’s take a look at the summary of pros and cons, in our humble opinion:
Pros
- Excellent quality at great price point.
- The 41 mm case width is perfect for all wrist sizes.
- A unique, eye-catching design.
- Can be easily dressed up or down.
Cons:
- Definitely has a retro feel due to the cushion case – might be a con for those of you who are fans of more modernistic design.
- Although sturdy, the lack of crown guards could be a problem if you really want to test the watch in action.
Summary: Takeaway and Final Thoughts About BENRUS Orbit Robot Skindiver
The BENRUS Orbit Robot is a character of its own that delivers a modern yet timeless design inspired by its rich heritage. The 41 mm case width, the 43 mm lug-to-lug distance, the combination of a simple and sporty dial with the jubilee bracelet make this watch a perfect choice as an everyday go-to timepiece that can perform well in more formal situations as well. The automatic Swiss movement (Soprod P024 caliber) provides a 38-hour power reserve. This watch is a statement timepiece, and an inspired re-issue of a great watch from a brand that plays an important role in the American watch industry.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Soprod P024
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 41 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 m
- Price: Under $1,000
Other Watch Reviews
Review: Longines Legend Diver
The Longines Legend Diver is an updated, modernized re-issued version of a super compressor dive watch from the ‘60s. It is a beautiful combination of a serious sports watch and an elegant design, therefore it can be easily dressed up or down.
BENRUS Sea Lord Hands-On Review
With its distinctive personality, the BENRUS Sea Lord is a beautiful vintage-inspired dive watch drawing inspiration from its illustrious heritage.
VAER R1 Racing Chronograph Review
The VAER R1 Racing Chronograph is a vintage-inspired statement piece. Its cushion-shaped case with the cream dial design combination definitely brings us to a ‘60 auto racing vibe.
Sternglas Marus Black Automatik Review
Minimalist watches are fun, but we love how the Sternglas Marus is a bit more robust than the Bauhaus-style watches we usually see.
VAER D5 Meridian Navy Diver Review
The VAER D5 Meridian Navy is a serious dive watch with a touch of elegance: the warm-toned gold secondary colors on the dial make this timepiece a perfect choice as an everyday go-to watch as it is easy to dress up or down.
Nodus Sector Pilot Phantom Review
The Nodus Sector Pilot Phantom is a refreshingly modern take on the pilot watch that has the potential to become an evergreen classic.