The Fast Lane: Exploring the Benrus 3061 GT Watch

Benrus is a name steeped in history, a brand founded in 1921 in New York City by the Lazrus brothers who combined Swiss watchmaking expertise with American casing in the heart of the city’s jewellery district, headquartered in the iconic Hippodrome building – where the company remains today. Following the launch of what the brand describes as a “new chapter,” Benrus returns with something truly special: the debut of the 3061 GT, exclusively unveiled at the Windup Watch Fair in San Francisco. This isn’t just a watch; it’s a direct tribute to the city that defined a genre and the film Bullitt that cemented Steve McQueen as an icon, capturing that enduring essence of cool.

The connection to Bullitt is explicit and compelling. Steve McQueen famously wore a BENRUS #3061 in the film, and it’s precisely that spirit – rugged, sharp, and unmistakably American – that drives this modern interpretation. Every design element feels carefully considered to echo its automotive and cinematic muse. The Highland Green dial directly mirrors the iconic shade of the legendary Mustang GT Fastback that roared through San Francisco’s streets.

The textured surface of the dial is a brilliant touch, designed to map those very streets where cinema’s most famous car chase came to life, adding a layer of evocative detail. Subtle nods to the car’s interior include a bold orange seconds hand and a 60-minute indicator, echoing the Mustang’s speedometer. Furthermore, for the first time in its history, BENRUS introduces a California dial on this model, featuring ton-sur-ton 24-hour numerals that frame the brand’s distinctive owl emblem at 12 o’clock.

“Under the hood,” the 3061 GT is powered by genuine Swiss muscle: the reliable ETA 2892 automatic movement, offering a practical 42-hour power reserve. This robust calibre is housed within a versatile 39.5mm case (measuring 46.4mm lug-to-lug with a slim 9.95mm thickness and 20mm lug width), crafted from brushed and polished stainless steel – a classic and durable choice. The dial is protected by a durable double-domed sapphire crystal, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance. The watch is rated for 100m of water resistance, making it perfectly suited for everyday wear and more adventurous pursuits. It comes paired with an Orange Leather strap, providing a vibrant contrast to the green dial and completing the automotive-inspired look.

Positioned as urban, versatile, and cinematic, the Benrus 3061 GT is presented as a field watch reimagined for life in the fast lane – blending rugged capability with undeniable style and a rich narrative. This timepiece represents a significant release for the revitalised Benrus brand, offering a high-quality, Swiss-automatic watch with iconic design inspiration, thoughtful details linking it directly to its automotive and cinematic muse, and a strong heritage story.

Available at a price point of $1800, the Benrus 3061 GT Watch is a stylish, cinematic piece of wristwear that begins shipping very soon, at the end of May 2025, making it available imminently for those who appreciate heritage, compelling design, and the enduring cool of the fast lane.

buy now from worn & wound | $1800