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Date 12. 8. 2022
Category Watchmaking
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The Swiss brand Fortis was founded in 1912 and soon became famous for its automatic watches. Today, it is known for models that are often robust, but always as accurate and durable as possible.
Join us on a journey through the history and present of this exceptional Swiss watch that accompanied astronauts into space and became a symbol of precision and reliability in extreme conditions.
Walter Vogt founded the Fortis brand in 1912 in Grenchen, Switzerland. The young entrepreneur had a clear vision - to create a brand that would represent the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking. From the very beginning, the Fortis brand focused on innovation and technological advancement, which brought it to the top of the Swiss watch industry in the following decades.
In the 1920s, Walter Vogt invited John Harwood, the British inventor of the automatic wristwatch, to produce the watch. This collaboration proved crucial to the future direction of the brand. Harwood's ingenious self-winding movement, patented in 1924, changed the world of watchmaking forever. Fortis was among the first manufacturers to implement this groundbreaking technology in its models, laying the foundations for its reputation as a pioneer in the field.
John Harwood, often dubbed the 'father of the automatic watch', revolutionised the world of watchmaking. His system used wrist movements to wind a spring, removing the need for manual winding. The collaboration between Harwood and the Fortis brand was a perfect blend of British invention and Swiss precision, resulting in a new generation of watches.
Naturally, Fortis brought Harwood's patents to life and to customers. By the 1930s, the first chronographs were already in the Fortis range . Fascinatingly, the Autorist model, for example, featured another of Harwood's ideas - it used the movement of the strap to wind the watch. This unique mechanism was ahead of its time and showed that Swiss watchmakers of the Fortis brand were constantly seeking new avenues in watch design and technology.
In the 1940s, Fortis introduced one of the world's first waterproof watches with the Fortissimo models. These rugged and reliable timepieces quickly gained a loyal following among professionals who needed a precise timepiece that could withstand harsh conditions. At a time when waterproofing was not standard, the Fortis brand once again demonstrated its innovative approach and responsiveness to market needs.
In the 1960s, Fortis automatic watches stood up to the extreme conditions experienced by members of the American space mission. Since then, Fortis watches have been the number one choice of astronauts in several countries. Swiss Fortis watches have become an indispensable part of space exploration and a symbol of reliability in the most demanding conditions imaginable.
The real highlight for the Fortis brand was when it became the official watch supplier to the Russian space programme in 1994. Their Cosmonauts Chronograph models became standard equipment for cosmonauts on missions to the Mir space station and later to the International Space Station (ISS). Each model undergoes rigorous testing in extreme conditions - from temperature fluctuations to vacuum - to ensure that astronauts have absolutely reliable timepieces on their wrists.
Of course, even military pilots of many squadrons can't get enough of the Swiss Fortis watch. Their reputation for accuracy and resistance to vibration, G-forces and sudden pressure changes has made them the preferred choice for aviation professionals around the world.
Among the brand's many achievements, it is also worth mentioning the combination of an automatic chronograph with a mechanical alarm function - a technical feat that demonstrates the mastery of Swiss watchmakers under the Fortis brand.
In recent decades, Fortis has continued its tradition of technological innovation. The brand has introduced a number of groundbreaking models, such as the FORTIS B-42 Official Cosmonauts with GMT function, enabling the tracking of multiple time zones at once - an invaluable feature for astronauts and international travellers alike.
Walter Vogt would undoubtedly be proud of the direction his company is taking. From a small workshop in Grenchen, Switzerland, it has grown into a renowned brand whose watches have accompanied man to the farthest places human feet have ever set foot.
For this year's new product, Fortis has taken inspiration from the rugged outdoors to offer its customers an outdoor companion for any outdoor adventure - the Marinemaster M-44.
This exceptional Swiss watch embodies everything the Fortis brand is famous for - ruggedness, technical innovation and reliability in extreme conditions. The Marinemaster M-44 is not just another diving model; it's a comprehensive tool for adventurers and professionals who navigate challenging environments.
The durable, timeless case is made from recycled steel. This eco-friendly approach shows that even luxury Swiss watch manufacturers can contribute to sustainability without compromising quality or functionality. The 44 mm case offers the perfect balance between size and comfort, while its solid construction ensures the internal mechanism is protected from any external influences.
You can even dive with it to depths of up to 500m. This impressive water resistance surpasses the standards of conventional dive watches and makes the Marinemaster M-44 a true underwater specialist. The triple-sealed screw-down crown and solid case construction ensure that water has no chance to penetrate, even on the most challenging dives.
The watch won't betray you even at night, as the hands and indices are coated with a high-quality Superluminova® X1 luminescent coating. This latest generation of luminescent material provides up to 60% more brightness than previous versions, ensuring perfect legibility even in complete darkness or murky waters. Each index and hand is meticulously coated with this material, creating not only a functional but also a visually impressive effect.
The Gear Bezel™ lunette is made of black stainless steel and represents one of the most important innovations of this model. The new patented Fortis Lock System® allows it to rotate in both directions. Now you can keep track of your time faster and also lock the lunette to prevent it from rotating unnecessarily.
This unique system solves one of the most common problems with dive watches - the lunette accidentally moving during activity. The Fortis Lock System® ensures that once set, the lunette stays exactly where it should be, which is essential for safety when diving, where every minute can make the difference.
At the heart of the Marinemaster M-44 is the Fortis Werk 11 Manufacture movement, which represents the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking. This calibre has been developed and is manufactured directly by the Fortis brand, allowing complete control over the quality and precision of every component.
The movement offers a 'weekend' power reserve of 70 hours, allowing the watch to be taken off on Friday evening and put back on Monday morning without the need to reset or wind it. This practical feature reflects an understanding of the modern lifestyle and the needs of today's watch wearers.
The calibre is certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) and has been designed and thoroughly tested to ensure robustness, longevity and reliability. This is made possible, among other things, by the robust traverse bridge with 2-point fixation, which securely maintains its variable inertia balance. This certification ensures that the watch will keep accurate time even in the most demanding conditions.
The strap can be ordered in the size of your wrist. Fortis offers a range of strap materials, from highly durable rubber to premium leather, allowing you to tailor the watch to your personal style and intended use.
In addition, the watch can be had in a luxury version, with a bracelet made from the same recycled material as the case, creating a harmonious and elegant whole. This bracelet is equipped with a micro-adjustable clasp, which allows fine-tuning of the size even when the temperature changes or the wrist swells during activity.
Just take your pick and don't let anything disturb you and get out there. The engraving on the back of the watch will remind you of this: no appointments, horizon ahead. This inspirational quote embodies the Fortis philosophy - to create watches for those who live life to the full and seek adventure beyond the horizon of everyday life.
For more than a century, Swiss Fortis watches have been at the forefront of precision, durability and innovation. From the first automatic watches developed in collaboration with John Harwood, to pioneering waterproof models, to today's high-tech timepieces designed for space missions, Fortis has always remained true to its philosophy of creating exceptional watches for exceptional people and situations.
Whether you are a professional diver, an avid adventurer or simply a lover of quality Swiss watches, Fortis offers a model that will meet and perhaps exceed your expectations. Over 100 years of history, thousands of hours of research and countless innovations all come together in every piece that leaves the manufactory of this legendary Swiss brand.
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