Better known as the creators of the first automatic wristwatch, Swiss-born Fortis is a brand of many milestones. Fortis watches are characterized by their rugged designs, Swiss precision movements, and functional features tailored for professional use. Whether designed for pilots, divers, or space travellers, these timepieces are built to withstand extreme conditions; offering exceptional accuracy and reliability as they do so. There is a wide variety of watches within the brand’s portfolio, so we have curated this ultimate guide to Fortis watches to break them down for you. From pieces of space exploration history to models specifically designed for divers, there is a Fortis watch for all. Read on as we delve into the history of this Swiss brand and explore the different collections under their umbrella.
About Fortis
Founded in 1912 by Walter Vogt in Grenchen, Switzerland, Fortis has established itself as a pioneer in creating high-quality, reliable timepieces. The brand is particularly famous for its association with aviation and space exploration. One of Fortis’s notable achievements is the development of the first automatic wristwatch, the Harwood, in 1926. Fortis also has a long-standing relationship with space agencies, providing watches for astronauts and cosmonauts, including the official watch for Russian space missions. As well as this, sending 13 Stratoliner watches into space and providing customers with the chance to purchase 1 of the 13; more on this exciting opportunity later, so keep reading!
Fortis continues to evolve and adapt to modern times while staying true to its heritage. The brand remains dedicated to creating reliable timepieces for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s for aviators, divers, or individuals seeking exceptional Swiss craftsmanship, Fortis watches embody a fusion of precision, durability, and timeless design. With their unwavering commitment to quality, Fortis stands as a symbol of Swiss watchmaking excellence.
The Ultimate Guide to Fortis Watches
Stratoliner Watches
Space-tested by being launched into the stratosphere, on a balloon-driven gondola, the Stratoliner collection is carefully crafted to withstand the pressures of outer space. With its clean and futuristic design, this contemporary Straoliner collection redefines an earlier line of the same name. Ultra-modern and ultra-functional, this collection embodies the incredibly innovative nature of the luxury Swiss brand.
Our Stratoliner Pick: FORTIS Stratoliner S-41 (1 of 13 Space-Tested Limited Edition) (41mm) White Dust / Stainless Steel Bracelet F2340011
Available upon application only, this watch is rocket-flown and space-approved. A true work of art, its clean White Dust Supernova dial exhibits Gold SuperLuminova lines and markings for measuring elapsed space travel times. The dial also features luminous brushed framed hour and minute hands, a luminous second hand a shaped minute counter hand. A weekday and date aperture, in Berlac Fluor Orange, features at the 3 o’clock position. A sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on both sides of the glass frames the dial for optimal clarity.
Made from recycled stainless steel, and with a solid 18k gold piece running through it, a flat fixed Orbit bezel frames the dial. A recycled stainless steel, Supernova-Gold case also frames the dial. It measures 41mm in diameter and houses the out-of-this-world Werk 17 calibre; a Column Wheel Manufacture Chronograph movement with a 60-hour power reserve. The smoked sapphire case back allows the wearer to observe this movement. For an added touch, a spaceship engraving features on the see-through window. As mentioned prior, this watch has been space-tested. Thanks to its screw down crown, with a triple gasket system, it can withstand an impressive space resistance of 200 metres (600ft / 20 atm). Super sleek, a stainless steel block bracelet concludes the design of this watch. Its quick-adjustable slide clasp ensures both great comfort and security on the wrist.
From 29th July to 31st August 2024, watch enthusiasts and space aficionados can register their interest in purchasing this exclusive space-tested watch. To participate, prospective buyers are invited to share their personal connection to space and/or horology; adding a personal touch to the selection process. Click on the image next to this text, complete the form and you’ll be in the running to purchase this unique piece of history.
Novonaut Watches
After three decades of setting the gold standard in space, with the iconic B-42 Official Cosmonauts, Fortis has released the Novonaut. Each watch is an odyssey, a revolution, and a new chapter in space exploration. As a nod to the brand’s origins, each watch features a matte ceramic bezel and a matte dial. And to ensure maximum durability, the models are only crafted with the highest quality materials. A legacy reborn, Novonaut is the ultimate space watch.
Our Novonaut Pick: FORTIS Novonaut N-42 AMADEE-24 Limited Edition (42mm) Black Dial / Titanium Block Bracelet F2040016
The matte black dial of this Novonaut features Applied Lumicast® Arabic numerals, metallic hour and minute hands with SuperLumiNova® X1 and a golden stop seconds with SuperLuminova® X1. A 30-minute counter sub-dial at 12 o’clock, a day and date aperture at 3 o’clock, a colourful mission badge at 6 o’clock and running seconds at 9 o’clock also feature on the dial. For optimal durability and clarity, a high-quality sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on both sides encases the dial. Surrounding this is a 42mm titanium case and a black bidirectional Sirius bezel; corrosion-resistant and robust, they make for an extremely lightweight watch. Moreover, to give the watch its impressive 200 metres of water resistance, it features a screw-down crown with an fkm triple-gasket system.
Tested and approved by the Swedish Space Corporation, a Fortis Werk 17 automatic manufacture calibre fuels the watch. The movement provides the watch with a 60-hour power reserve. So whether you’re exploring Mars or set firmly on Earth, it is an ideal companion for everyday wear. A titanium block bracelet, with a push-button clasp and an easy micro-adjustment system, concludes the design of this Fortis Novonaut. However, if this bracelet isn’t quite to your taste, the watch also comes with a black hook strap. Easy to change, it gives the watch a whole new look.
Flieger Watches
Fortis Flieger is simply beautiful, but there is more than what meets the eye. Each of its highly capable models is equipped with unique features such as the brand’s patented Brixtrack® and Synchroline® designs. To ensure maximum durability, the adventure-ready models are crafted only from the highest quality materials; such as titanium and aviator leather. Robust and readable, Fortis Flieger is ready for flight! However, you don’t have to be a pilot to appreciate the function and quality of this collection.
Our Flieger Pick: FORTIS Flieger F-43 Triple-GMT Original (43mm) Black Leather Aviator Strap F4260001
Ultimate reliability. Day and night. This Fortis Flieger impresses with its array of technical features and sleek design. Its black dial exhibits black hour and minute hands, and orange second and GMT hands; all feature luminescent ddetailing for enhanced readability. As well as this, a date aperture at 3 o’clock and a Brixtrack ring; which is the brand’s signature hour and minute track. The dial also features a Synchroline line between 11 and 1 o’clock which facilitates watch synchronisation. For optimal clarity, a high-quality sapphire crystal encases the dial. And talking of case, a 43mm titanium one frames the dial. Alongside this is a bidirectional 12-hour GMT bezel and a titanium case back with an ultra engraving. To give the watch its 200 metres of water resistance, the case also features a screw-down crown with a triple gasket system.
Certified as a chronometer by the COSC, a Werk 13 autoamtic maufctaure calibre powers this Flieger. The movement comes with a bidirectional rotor system and a traversing bridge fixed at both sides to improve resistance to both shocks and vibration. As well as this, an integrated GMT complication with a jumping hour feature and a 70-hour power reserve. Balancing strudy materials with style, a black aviator leather strap concludes the design of this ultimate pilot watch.
Marinemaster Watches
Inspired by nature, the Fortis Marinemaster watches are more than just a diver’s watch. Their robust build and attentively designed features make them ready for any challenge. Whether it be hiking, fishing, windsurfing or camping, Marinemaster is the ultimate adventure companion; both above and under water. United by their embossed Fortis-O-Pattern dials, there is a wide range of Marinemasters to fit every preference, taste and style.
Our Marinemaster Pick: FORTIS Marinemaster M-40 Performance Serenity Blue (40mm) Horizon Ultra-Flexible Rubber Strap F8120003
Standing out with its blue embossed Fortis-O-Pattern textured dial, this Marinemaster immediately catches the eye. In contrast to the beautiful blue, the dial features applied metallic indices and matching hands; each features a luminescent inlay. Replacing the 3 o’clock hour marker is a date aperture, it helps to boost the functionality of the timepiece. Surrounding the dial is a 40mm case made of recycled stainless steel; its stainless steel case back features an ultra engraving. Upon the case sits a unidirectional gear bezel; it ensures great safety whilst diving underwater. A high-quality sapphire crystal further emphasises the excellent durability levels that this Fortis possesses. The case also features a screw-down crown with a fkm triple-gasket system, and this is what gives the watch its 300 metre water resistance rating.
Within this case lies a UW-30 Performance calibre. Standing out with its robust, antimagnetic, gilt Glucydur balance wheel, for outstanding precision, it boasts a 38-hour power reserve. Moreover, this movement has been regulated to chronometer standards, by the Fortis Watchmaker in Grenchen. So not only is it robust, but reliable too. Complementing the dial, and concluding the design of this Marinemaster M-40, is a blue horoizon ultra-flexible rubber strap. Said flexibility guarantees great comfort on the wrist; which is of great importance for both diving and everyday wear.
If you’re after a watch that is robust, rugged and ready for flight, then you can’t go wrong with a Fortis. Intrigued to see what other timepieces the Swiss brand has to offer? Click here to browse the full selection on our website.
What do you think of our ultimate guide to Fortis watches? Will you register your interest in purchasing the 1 of 13 Startoliner? Let us know in the comments!
