Belforte is one of those under-the-radar vintage names that keeps popping up in estate finds and watch rolls — often mistaken for a generic brand, but in reality? It’s a side
project from Benrus, one of America’s most important mid-century watchmakers.
If you’re into vintage U.S. military watches, clean dress pieces, or just the kind of sleeper brands that fly under most collectors' radar — Belforte is a name worth knowing.
Belforte was introduced as a secondary brand by Benrus, likely in the 1950s or early 1960s. It was used for budget-friendly or export-market pieces, helping Benrus
expand its reach without diluting its core name.
The watches were typically manual-wind, with Swiss or American ebauche movements, and cased in a mix of base metal, plated, or steel cases. Dials often followed the
clean midcentury aesthetic of the era — slim indices, small seconds, domed crystals, and minimal branding.
Because Benrus already had a foothold in the U.S. military and dress watch segments, Belforte became the outlet for entry-level timepieces and private-label runs
while still benefiting from the parent company's movement sourcing and production infrastructure.
Belforte watches are simple, elegant, and full of that vintage American-meets-Swiss charm. Common themes include:
They’re often found in excellent condition because many were given as gifts or used for dress, not daily wear — and they fly under the radar, keeping prices surprisingly affordable.
Because it represents a time when Swiss movements met American distribution, and the result was an elegant, affordable, well-made watch that still holds up today.
These aren’t collector grails, but they’re great entry points into vintage, especially if you want something you can wear regularly without babying — and with a story
that ties back to Benrus and mid-century American watch history.
Everything is vintage:
Most Belforte watches trade in the $100–$300 range, making them one of the best vintage values still largely untouched by hype.
Belforte is a perfect example of vintage with value. You’re getting a watch built with the same movement quality as Benrus — often in the same factory — just without the brand premium.
They wear well, clean up nicely, and offer a quiet kind of cool. You won’t turn heads at a watch meetup, but you will have a great story when someone asks about it.
If you’re collecting for character, not clout? Belforte delivers.
Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Belforte watches — especially manual-wind dress models, early Swiss-made examples, and original dials in clean condition.
If you have a Belforte watch you’re ready to sell or trade – reach out. We’re always buying.
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