Benrus Sky Chief Chronograph 36mm

Benrus, the historic American watchmaker known for its military and aviation timepieces, announces the return of one of its most iconic pilot’s watches: the Sky Chief. Originally introduced in 1940 and revered by airline pilots and collectors alike, the Sky Chief is reborn for a new generation—faithful to its aeronautical roots while engineered for modern wear.

Following the success of early pilot models such as the Flyer and Pilot in the 1930s, Benrus developed the Sky Chief as a purpose-built chronograph for the cockpit. The original stood apart with a highly domed crystal and slim bezel that created a distinctive porthole-like effect—dramatically enhancing legibility during flight. Its tri-compax chronograph layout became a favorite among aviators, while an aeronautical graduation on the chronograph’s minute counter allowed for precise air navigation and cruise calculations.

A Modern Reissue, Rooted in Heritage

The 2026 Sky Chief Chronograph stays true to this legacy while introducing refined proportions and modern materials. Housed in a 36mm 316L stainless steel case with a slim 11.9mm profile, the watch retains the balanced dimensions of the original while offering contemporary durability. A double-domed box sapphire crystal with dual anti-reflective coating echoes the original’s curved crystal and ensures optimal readability from every angle.

Powering the Sky Chief is the Swiss-made ETA 2894 automatic chronograph movement, COSC-certified for chronometer-grade precision, delivering a 42-hour power reserve and visible through an open sapphire case back. The glossy lacquered sunburst dial features azuré-finished sub-counters, with BG W9 Super-LumiNova applied to the numerals and hands for superior low-light legibility.

The Sky Chief Chronograph will be offered in two dial colorways: Stratus Grey and Cirrus White. Both are paired with an elegant grey leather strap with a secondary black leather strap available as an additional option, and finished with a polished pin buckle. Water resistance is rated to 100 meters (330 feet), making the Sky Chief as capable on the ground as it once was in the air.

A Legacy on Your Wrist

Swiss Made and designed with the same precision-driven ethos that defined the original, the Sky Chief Chronograph reinforces BENRUS’ enduring connection to aviation and functional tool watches. It is a watch born from necessity, revived through heritage, and built for those who value purpose-driven design.

Technical specifications

Benrus Sky Chief Chronograph 36mm

Reference: SKY-SS-B-036-01 (Stratus Grey)

Reference: SKY-SS-W-036-01 (Cirrus White)

Case

• Material: 316L stainless steel
• Diameter: 36mm
• Thickness: 11.90 mm
• Lug to lug: 42.50 mm
• Double domed box sapphire crystal
• Double anti-reflective coating
• Screw-down crown
• Open sapphire case back
• Water-resistant to 100 meters

Dial and hands

• 2 Models - Dial colors – Stratus Grey & Cirrus White
• Glossy lacquered sunburst dial with azuré counter finish
• BG W9 Super-LumiNova on dial numerals and hands

Movement

• ETA 2894
• Power reserve of 42 hours
• COSC Certified Chronometer

Functions/Indications

• Chronograph, hours, minutes, seconds

Strap and buckle

• Grey leather strap with polished pin buckle
• Lug width: 18mm

MSRP

• CHF 3'469
• USD 3'950

For more information, please visit benrus.com