Fortis

Fortis - space-proven tool watches from Switzerland

Absolute precision, fair prices, a true spirit of innovation – for more than 100 years, the Fortis brand has been pushing the boundaries of what is possible and developing timepieces that are functional even in outer space. With great care and attention to detail, the Swiss maison, a family-run company, produces modern tool watches that are impressive on land, in the air, in the water and even outside the cosmos. The watch manufacturer relies in particular on high-quality materials to ensure that its wristwatches deliver top performance every day. The Maison does not leave the choice of movements to chance either and relies on different calibers from ETA, which are modified in its own workshops. Some of the calibers, such as the F-2012 caliber, even have a chronometer certificate from the Swiss inspection body COSC, while others were developed in collaboration with the Zurich watchmaker Paul Gerber. Whether Fortis Fortis, F-41, M-40 or N-42 – are you interested in a timepiece from Fortis? Then arrange a personal consultation at our branch in Oldenburg. We are happy to offer you the opportunity to view and try on various models from popular series such as the Flieger series or the Marinemaster series on site. Or discover your new dream watch in our online store and benefit from services such as free shipping.

Maison Fortis sees the light of day in 1912

The Fortis brand was founded in 1912 by Walter Vogt in the Swiss town of Grenchen. Due to steadily growing demand, he expands his factory premises just five years after founding the company. In 1926, Vogt joins forces with John Harwood, the inventor of the first automatic movement, and begins the world’s first series production of automatic watches. In 1940, the next sensation: the Maison presents the Fortissimo, one of the first waterproof watches. In 1954, the company launches the Marinemaster for the first time; in 1956, the Manager, a water-resistant mechanical alarm watch, wins an award. Rolf Vogt, son of the Fortis founder, brings the fascination of space into the Maison’s workshops for the first time in 1961. He travels to the United States and presents the Spacematic AR to NASA in recognition of the courage and efforts of the pioneering astronauts. In 1967, the manufacturer’s range is dominated by bright colors – the affordable models of the “Flipper” series inspire the imagination.

Iconic models are presented to the world public

Another major milestone in the history of Fortis follows in 1987: the Maison launches the Flieger, a watch that redefines the world of pilot’s watches. In 1994, the next sensation: the Official Cosmonauts chronographs are used in space for the first time. In 2003, the B-42 Official Cosmonauts Chronograph followed them into space and rapidly conquered the watch market. Since 2020, the Maison has also been cooperating with Kenissi and has since been offering a chronometer-certified movement with a 70-hour power reserve. In 2021, the manufacturer is once again pushing the boundaries of what is possible by sending 13 examples of Movement 17 into the stratosphere to test their suitability for space travel. The brand-new Stratoliner also emerges from this test.

Fortis relies on sustainable and robust materials

In order not to lose functionality and precision even outside the cosmos, the highest quality materials are required. Fortis is well aware of this and uses recycled stainless steel and the robust and corrosion-resistant material titanium for its watches. The latter is as strong as steel, but half as light. The Maison also leaves nothing to chance when selecting the watch glass and uses sapphire crystal, a robust and virtually indestructible material. Thanks to the anti-reflective coating, the time can also be read perfectly in all conditions. To keep everything in view even in the depths of the ocean, the manufacturer relies on Super-LumiNova® X1, equipping its timepieces with unparalleled luminosity.

Fortis watches - popular collections at a glance

Over the years, the Swiss Maison has launched a variety of functional and modern watches in a wide range of designs. From the Fortis Fortis to the Fortis Flieger F-43, the models inspire both new and pre-owned collectors and connoisseurs. Below we present some of the most popular watches from Fortis, which we would be happy to advise you on personally.

Official Cosmonauts Chronograph - the legendary space watch

This watch is one of the Maison’s best-known timepieces and was first presented to the world in 1994, accompanying the Russian cosmonauts on their mission to the MIR space station, among others. German astronaut Ulf Merbold also relied on the precise timepiece from Switzerland for his cosmic adventures. Inside the 38 mm chronograph ticks the automatic Kemania 5100 caliber, while the fixed bezel has a tachymeter scale that can be used to calculate speeds and distances. Production of the famous watch was finally discontinued in 2003.

The successor to the iconic chronograph - the B-42

Also in 2003, Fortis presented the B-42, the successor to the legendary timepiece. From then on, the Fortis UW-50 caliber set the pace. The manufacturer also increased the case diameter of the successor model to 42 mm to make it easier to use. Instead of the tachymeter scale, there is now a countdown bezel with a 60-minute graduation. This allows astronauts to read off a specified time frame optimally, even during space missions. Fortis goes one step further with the Amadee-18. The watch was created in collaboration with the Austrian Space Forum, an organization that aims to make manned journeys to Mars possible. As the official watch supplier, Fortis equips the astronauts with the functional timepiece during their experiments. The black PVD-coated case and the textile strap in the color black are particularly characteristic of the special model. Another characteristic feature is the small seconds dial at 9, which symbolizes the sunrise and sunset on Mars and Earth with its red and orange tones. In 2024, Fortis expands the series once again and presents the Fortis Novonaut in the Legacy Edition.

Classic Cosmonauts - elegant yet functional

Those who prefer something a little more elegant should discover the Classic series. The watches in this series are available in three versions: Steel A.M., Steel LE and Steel P.M. All have a 42 mm stainless steel case and a stainless steel bracelet with polished middle links. The UW-50 caliber ticks inside the timepieces, while Arabic numerals and a screw-down chronograph pusher enhance the elegant design of the watches, which are water-resistant to a depth of 200 m.

Aeromaster - made to fly

With the Aeromaster series, Fortis presents a range of pilot’s watches that are available either as chronographs or three-hand watches. Particularly popular in this series are timepieces with a dial in the color blue. Alternatively, you can opt for a model with a black case and textile strap (Ref. 655.18.18). Depending on the version, the watches also have a day of the week and date display.

Fortis Flieger - perfect legibility

As the name suggests, the Fortis Flieger is also a pilot’s watch from the Swiss family-owned company and stands for perfect readability, even in poor lighting conditions. To achieve this, the Maison relies on luminous Brix, which increase the average reading speed. The watches also have a GMT function, meaning they can display a second time zone to make crossing time zones even easier. Also special: synchroline®, a function that allows pilots to synchronize their watches within a +/-5 second margin. Whether F-39 or F-43, with leather strap or steel bracelet – you too can experience the diversity of the iconic pilot’s watch.

Marinemaster - the partner for diving

The Marinemaster is also a functional tool watch that is specially designed for use in the water. The automatic watch is made from recycled stainless steel and is water-resistant to a depth of 200 meters. You also have a choice of many different versions in this series. For example, you can opt for an M-40 Blue Japan or read the time on an M-44 with an FKM strap (Horizon Strap). The choice is yours!

Buy Fortis watches from a certified retailer

Are you interested in a watch from Fortis, for example in the color amber orange? Would you like an automatic timepiece with a GMT function or would you like to know what terms such as “Bicompax” are all about? You are welcome to arrange a personal consultation at our branch in Oldenburg. Or visit us online and take a look around our store. You are also welcome to contact us by email, phone or WhatsApp to find out more about our range and services.

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