by John Sealander

It’s about time a watchmaker saw the light about night visibility.

One of the reasons that Fortis timepieces have always been favored by pilots, sailors, adventurers, and even astronauts is that for over 100 years, Fortis has been dedicated to meeting the needs of working professionals. When you depend on a watch as a professional timing tool instead of just wearing it as a fashion accessory, one of the things you need the most is perfect legibility under any conditions.

The impressive Fortis Nocturnal solves the age-old problem of night visibility in an entirely new way. Instead of painting the hands and indices with a luminous material, Fortis has found a way to light up the entire dial. To provide maximum visibility at night, the entire dial of the 42 mm Fortis Nocturnal has been coated with a white Superluminova material that has a highly visible green afterglow at night. This innovative alternative to faintly glowing hands and numbers, provides you with a brightly lit dial that is as easy to read at midnight as it is at noon.

Fortis 655.18.12 Nocturnal

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The combination of unprecedented night visibility with a large, clearly marked dial makes the Fortis Nocturnal an ideal timepiece for pilots, aviators, and other professionals. Everything about this watch, from the large skeletonized sword hands, to the 24-hour scale on the chapter ring, to the oversized day and date windows with convenient directional setting arrows, was designed to make this superb timing tool as easy-to-use and read as possible.

The Fortis Nocturnal is powered by a precision Swiss made ETA 2836-2 automatic movement that has been encased in a rugged black PVD coated stainless steel case that is water resistant to 669 feet. The scratch resistant sapphire crystal is coated on both sides with a special anti-reflective material to eliminate reflections and glare. There is an exhibition back so you can see the intricate movement at work, and even a bilingual day indicator that allows you to read the day in English or German.

Fortis 655.18.12 Nocturnal

Key features:

• Swiss automatic self-wind movement
• Black PVD coated tainless steel case, diameter 42 mm, 12.5 mm thickness
• White dial coated with white Superluminova with green afterglow, numbers and indices colored in black, bilingual English and German day and date display, exhibition caseback
• Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Stationary stainless-steel bezel
• Black rubber band, width 19.5 mm, deployment clasp with double push button safety
• Leather band and PVD metal bracelet options available
• Water resistant to 660 feet
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

To configure this amazing timepiece to meet your own personal needs, the Fortis Nocturnal can be fitted with your choice of a premium topstitched leather strap, a leather performance strap, a beautiful black PVD coated stainless steel bracelet, or a comfortable black caoutchouc band. Like all Fortis timepieces, the Nocturnal is presented in a beautiful leather box and carries a two-year manufacturer warranty.

If you’re tired of being in the dark whenever the light grows dim, you need a Fortis Nocturnal on your wrist. The Nocturnal is a great aviator style timepiece at any time of day, but after dark, it really begins to shine. When you’re ready to see the light, just contact an authorized Fortis dealer and ask to see the Nocturnal.

Gevril Group US, Canada and Caribbean Fortis Watches Agent

Gevril Group is the sole US, Canada and Caribbean agent for Fortis Watches and the official Fortis watch repair service center. Contact us by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

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One Refined Flieger

Fortis pilot watches debuted in the 1980s and helped define a new generation of functional timepieces, with a distinct style that combined 40 mm cases and black dials, along with green tritium luminous material applied to large hands and hour markers. The result was sturdy, sober and legible watches designed for professional pilots. The inherent attraction of no-nonsense tool watches quickly extended beyond the world’s high flyers (fliegers), and Fortis pilot watches began appearing on the wrists of the populace.

The new Fortis limited edition Flieger Chronograph 597.20.92 M is a sophisticated variant of the award-wining models in the current collection, with a tonal scheme reminiscent of watches in the brand’s current F-43 series. The Flieger Chronograph maintains all of the desirable qualities of an effective pilot’s watch but offers a few refinements that make it more subdued, and more elegant.

Fortis 597.20.92 M Flieger Chronograph

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The case retains the 40 mm size of the original offerings and utilizes a combination of brushed and polished steel. The sturdy interlink bracelet closes by way of a fold-over clasp. (The watch is also available on a black padded leather strap.) Polished steel chronograph pushers flank the large, fluted and domed crown, which is designed to be easy to clutch and operate. The sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating and the watch is water resistant to 330 feet.

Subtleties include thicker, softer outlines around the sub-dials and skeletonized hands with luminous tips. The dial’s creamy shade of beige is well coordinated with the blue and black details. All in all, these changes ease the watch’s tough and purposeful appearance without sacrificing legibility, which so defines the Fortis Flieger’s history.

Fortis 597.20.92 M Flieger Chronograph

Key features:

• Swiss made timepiece
• Chronograph function
• Swiss automatic self-wind movement, fine timing device and Incabloc shock absorver
• Stainless steel case, diameter 40 mm, 15 mm thickness
• Beige dial with day and date display
• Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Stationary stainless steel bezel
• Silver stainless steel bracelet, width 19 mm, fold over clasp with safety
• Water resistant to 330 feet
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

At the heart of the Flieger Chronograph 597.20.92 M is an ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic movement, widely accepted as one of the most dependable cam-operated chronograph movements around. In addition to the chronograph function, the Flieger features quick-set day and date complications.

Time-keeping equipment for pilots has to be functional: legibility and dependability are essential to a pilot’s ability to make accurate calculations on-the-fly. This is the legacy of the Fortis Flieger. Today, Fortis pilot watches continue to be a favorite among civil aviation and air aerobatic squadrons around the world. Built to perform and good looks to match make this Flieger Chronograph – a limited edition of 500 pieces worldwide – an excellent choice for daily wear. Pick one up today from an authorized Fortis dealer.

Gevril Group US, Canada and Caribbean Fortis Watches Agent

Gevril Group is the sole US, Canada and Caribbean agent for Fortis Watches and the official Fortis watch repair service center. Contact us by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

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The Fortis Amelia Earhart Would Have Wanted

Aviator style timepieces have been popular with adventurous men ever since pilots started wearing them. These big, bold watches are both practical and stylish with their large, readable displays and durable construction. Fortis, who makes some of the worlds most popular and well-respected aviation timepieces, wondered why more women weren’t wearing pilot’s watches and quickly discovered the answer. They were simply too large for most women’s wrists.

To rectify the situation, Fortis introduced the new Fortis 621.10.12 M Lady Flieger. This superlative aviator timepiece is everything you’ve always loved about Fortis pilot’s watches in a slightly smaller size that is perfectly proportioned for a woman’s wrist. The impressive Lady Flieger 621.10.12 M features the same, easy-to-read dial with simple bar indices and clear legible numbers that made larger Fortis aviator watches so popular with pilots and astronauts.

Fortis 621.10.12 M Lady Flieger

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This beautifully crafted 35 mm timepiece features a three-hand configuration with Superluminova sword hands and a convenient date window at three o’clock. The substantial stainless steel case is water resistant to an impressive 660 feet has been fitted with an integral solid stainless steel bracelet secured with a convenient fold-over clasp. Dove grey numbers provide the perfect contrast for a lustrous silver dial that is protected by an anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal.

This superlative lady aviator is powered by an automatic, twenty-one jewel, Swiss made 2892 A2 mechanical movement, augmented with a fine timing device. This highly accurate and reliable movement is found in some of the world’s most prestigious watches and brands.

Fortis 621.10.12 M Lady Flieger Watch

Key features:

• Swiss made timepiece
• Swiss automatic self-wind movement
• Stainless steel case, diameter 35 mm, 11 mm thickness
• Silver dial, Superluminova luminous color with date window
• Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Stationary stainless-steel bezel
• Grey stainless steel band, width 19 mm, fold over clasp
• Water resistant to 660 feet
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

If you’ve always liked the idea of wearing a pilot’s watch, but found they were just too big for your wrist, the wait is over. The exciting, and beautifully crafted Fortis Lady Flieger 621.10.12 M is everything you’ve been looking for and it’s already cleared for takeoff on your wrist. To acquire one of these beauties, contact an authorized Fortis dealer immediately and ask to see the Lady Flieger 621.10.12 M.

Gevril Group US, Canada and Caribbean Fortis Watches Agent

Gevril Group is the sole US, Canada and Caribbean agent for Fortis Watches and the official Fortis watch repair service center. Contact us by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

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Germany’s aircraft developers commissioned the popular and beautifully constructed Flieger watch, German for flight, during World War II for German bomber pilots. Also known as Beobachtungs-Uhren or navigators watches, they had to meet stringent standards for visibility, durability and accuracy. Despite the less than auspicious reasons for the creation of the Flieger watch, it resulted in a functional timepiece of enduring design.

The Fortis 700.10.81 L.01 F-43 Flieger Big Day Date, produced in a limited edition of 2,012 pieces, is a modern interpretation of the original Flieger watch, incorporating all of its best elements while accommodating it for civilians. According to German specs, two dial configurations were acceptable. The Fortis 700.10.81 L.01 F-43 Flieger is inspired by the Type A, which has a much cleaner layout. Large illuminated white Arabic numerals sit on a black sunray embellished dial surrounded by a white baton minute track that also references the time in 24-hour increments. The Fortis emblem and crown are situated below the 12 o’clock position.

Fortis 700.10.81 L.01 F-43 Flieger Big Day Date

Characteristic of all pilot watches (and really a must), the Fortis 700.10.81 L.01 F-43 Flieger uses an illuminated triangular marker surrounded by two illuminated dots to represent 12 o’clock. The reason for this original design choice was so pilots could orient the watch at night. While some Flieger watches update the hands, the Fortis 700.10.81 L.01 F-43 Flieger keeps the illuminated sword shaped configuration with the hour hand thicker to differentiate it from the minutes hand. Fortis added a convenient modern touch to the dial with the big day at 9 o’clock and date at 3 o’clock. Mirroring the triangle at 12 o’clock, another resides along side the date, which works for both functionality and aesthetic purposes.

The Flieger watches used by the German bomber pilots were huge, clocking in at 55 mm. This was because they housed hand wound pocket watch movements. This size worked because a larger movement gave more space on the dial, which translated into more visibility, but also because the watches had to strap over a bulky flight suit and not get lost in the material.

Since a 55 mm watch is not realistic or practical for daily wear, Fortis placed the F-43 Flieger 700.10.81 L.01 in a 43 mm stainless steel case that hits the sweet spot for contemporary watches. A black calfskin strap with contrast stitching attaches to the case and secures with a deployant push button clasp.

One of the most crucial elements of a pilots watch was accuracy. Known for their robust and precise movements, Fortis placed a Swiss automatic movement with a shock absorber in the Fortis F-43 Flieger 700.10.81 L.01, which is on display through the exhibition caseback. As moisture is one of the most dangerous enemies of a movement, the watch is water resistant to 660 feet.

Fortis 700.10.81 L.01 F-43 Flieger Limited Edition Big Day Date Watch

Key features:

• Swiss made timepiece
• Limited edition of 2,012 pieces
• Swiss automatic self-wind movement
• Stainless steel case, diameter 43 mm, 13 mm thickness
• Black sunray dial, bilingual (English/German) day and date window
• Exhibition caseback
• Shock absorber function
• Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Stationary stainless-steel bezel
• Black calfskin band, width 20 mm, push button deployment clasp
• Water resistant to 660 feet
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

At the end of their tenure, German bombers had to give back their Fliegers to the Luftwaffe. Luckily you don’t have to do that with the Fortis F-43 Flieger 700.10.81 L.01. It’s yours to keep. Purchased your Fortis F-43 Flieger from an authorized Fortis dealer.

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Gevril Group is the sole US, Canada and Caribbean agent for Fortis Watches and the official Fortis watch repair service center. Contact us by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

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Because the dive watch is such a popular choice of tool watch, the Flieger, which is also a tool watch, could be overlooked as wrist wear that offers an alternate and very sleek style. The German’s developed the Flieger, which is German for pilot’s watch, in World War II for their pilots as an instrument for navigation in the cockpit. Five companies fulfilled the contract: Lange & Sohne, International Watch Company, Laco, Stowa and Wempe.

Inspired by the Flieger, the new Fortis 701.10.81.K F-43 Flieger Chronograph limited edition watch uses a classic layout on a black dial. There were two types of dials that were acceptable to German specifications on the Flieger watch. The Men’s 701.10.81.K F-43 Flieger Chronograph watch opts for the Type A (Baumuster A) used from 1940 to January 1941, an arrangement employing illuminated hands and white Arabic numerals with a triangle surrounded by dots representing 12 o’clock. The reason for the triangle instead of an Arabic numeral was to allow pilots to orient the watch in the correct position when night fell.

Fortis 701.10.81.K F-43 Flieger Chronograph

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The original German Flieger only required the time element without complications. The Fortis 701.10.81.K F-43 Flieger Chronograph is a modern interpretation, so it builds in more functionality to the watch. In addition to the clear view of the time, it has the added feature of a chronograph aesthetically placed with minutes, running seconds and hours respectively at 12 o’clock, 9 o’clock and 6 o’clock. It also provides the day and date opposite each other at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock. As an added bonus for car nuts, Fortis also inserted a tachymeter on the flange. In other words, the Fortis 701.10.81.K packs a punch of useful tasks in one package.

In a modern-sized 43 mm case composed of durable stainless steel with a nice grippy crown and chronograph pushers in the 2 and 4 o’clock position, the Fortis 701.10.81.K F-43 Flieger Chronograph Watch comes on a black rubber strap with a push button deployant clasp. Its automatic movement is on view through the sapphire crystal caseback. No worries with most water activities, as the watch is water resistant to 660 feet.

Fortis 701.10.81 K F-43 Flieger Limited Edition Diver Chronograph

Key features:

• Swiss made timepiece
• Limited edition of 2012 pieces
• Swiss automatic self-wind movement
• Stainless steel case, diameter 43 mm, thickness 16 mm
• Black dial, superluminova luminous color, day and date functions
• Exhibition caseback
• Chronograph function
• Shock absorber function
• Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Stationary stainless steel bezel with tachymeter
• Black rubber band, width 20 mm, push button deployment clasp
• Water resistant to 660 feet
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

For a tool watch that stands a bit apart from the crowd and has just as much cool history, the Fortis 701.10.81.K F-43 Flieger Chronograph Watch is a fashionable and functional option. Purchased your Fortis watch from an authorized Fortis dealer.

Gevril Group US, Canada and Caribbean Fortis Watches Agent

Gevril Group is the sole US, Canada and Caribbean agent for Fortis Watches and the official Fortis watch repair service center. Contact us by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

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A Flieger watch is a pilot’s or aviator’s watch that was developed in 1942 in Germany for pilots during the World War II to assist in navigation. The original brands commissioned by the German government to make these watches were Lange & Sohne, International Watch Company, Laco, Stowa and Wempe.

Fortis has the know-how and history to build a superb Flieger watch with their impressive history in spaceflight. They are the official watch for the cosmonauts in the Russian space program, so Fortis knows how to craft tough and durable watches that are trusted not only to provide function but also hold up in conditions when survival is on the line. And that’s why its B-42 Flieger 656.18.81.K stands out from the competition.

For a Flieger watch the dial layout and visibility are crucial elements to the design. And while there are specific guidelines, not every company can design one that can meet the standards for professional conditions. The swiss made Fortis 656.18.81.K B-42 Flieger watch nails it.

Fortis 656.18.81.K B-42 Flieger Chronograph

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As required, Arabic numerals punctuate the dial in a size large enough to easily see without overwhelming the dial. A telltale sign of a Flieger watch is the triangle with two dots on each side marking 12 o’clock. This design element was incorporated to allow the pilot to know when the dial was in the proper upper orientation at night and also served the function of a solar compass. All the hands and markers are lumed so they glow in low light conditions.

The Fortis 656.18.81.K watch builds in the added functionality of a chronograph with running seconds at 9 o’clock, 30 minute counter at 12 o’clock and 12 hour counter at 6 o’clock. If that weren’t enough, the watch includes day and date seen respectively at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock. Fortis added a smart and useful detail by putting a triangle on the date to highlight its position. Without protective coating, the best dial layouts are lost in the glare. The B-42 Flieger 656.18.81.K coats the sapphire crystal on both sides to eliminate this potential problem.

Fortis 656.18.81.K B-42 Flieger – Deployment Clasp

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By putting the B-42 Flieger 656.18.81.K in a 42 mm black coated stainless steel case, it has a stealthy look that also happens to be on trend. Black watches are a popular choice for both tool and fashion watches so this one can straddle both worlds. As required for a Flieger watch, the Fortis 656.18.81.K B-42 Flieger is punctuated with a large crown, which was required for pilots to be able to wind the watch with gloves on.

If worn consistently, the Fortis 656.18.81.K doesn’t need to be wound as it contains an automatic movement with a fine timing device and incabloc shock absorber to protect it and keep it on precision time. The movement can be seen through the sapphire caseback. The watch straps to the wrist with a matching black rubber strap with a deployment clasp and is water resistant to 660 feet, which makes this a versatile watch for land, sky and sea.

Fortis 656.18.81.K B-42 Flieger Automatic Black Dial Chronograph

Key features:

• Swiss made timepiece
• Swiss automatic self-wind movement
• Stainless steel case, diameter 42 mm, thickness 16 mm
• Black dial, superluminova luminous color
• Chronograph function
• Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Black rubber strap, width 20 mm, deployment clasp
• Water resistant to 660 feet
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

There’s no doubt the Fortis 656.18.81.K B-42 Flieger Black Watch hits all the marks. It even won the Busse Longlife Design Award for watch of the year in 2009. Design and function together make for a killer combination.

Fortis watches may be purchased from an authorized Fortis dealer.

Gevril Group US, Canada and Caribbean Fortis Watches Agent

Gevril Group is the sole US, Canada and Caribbean agent for Fortis Watches and the authorized Fortis watch repair service center. Contact us by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

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Man has been fascinated by flight since he first gazed up into the heavens. Many tried before them, but brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright got the first aircraft legitimately off the ground in 1903. Timing is crucial to aviation, for navigation, but fumbling for a pocket watch was inconvenient. Flying pioneer Albert Santos-Dumont sought the help of his friend Louis Cartier, who made the Cartier Santos wristwatch just for the purpose of flying and the aviation watch was born.

Over the course of the past century, the pilot’s watch evolved in function and design to assist the pilot in his journey. The Fortis 597.20.71.M Flieger Chronograph represents a cool example of the modern flight watch that’s as sleekly designed as it is a timepiece ready to take on other tasks. It even won a design award.

The Fortis Flieger 597.20.71.M features a black dial with a configuration that’s easy on the eyes, a definite requirement to access information quickly whether up in the air or on the ground. The chronograph indicators of hours, running seconds and minutes are found on the left side of the dial at 12, 9 and 6 o’clock respectively.

Fortis 597.20.71.M Flieger Chronograph

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As visibility is key in a pilot’s watch, lume coats the pencil-point skeletonized hands and white Arabic numerals, capped off by the traditional pilot’s watch signature of an illuminated triangle at 12 o’clock for nighttime orientation. The 597.20.71.M Flieger Chronograph also includes a day and date indicator at 3 o’clock with another illuminated triangle to direct the eye there for fast reference, above which sits the Fortis crown logo. To decrease glare, 597.20.71.M Flieger Chronograph’s crystal is coated in an anti-reflective material.

In a 40 mm stainless steel case that feels just right on the wrist, the 597.20.71.M Flieger Chronograph conveniently places the chronograph pushers to stop, start and reset the function in the traditional 2 and 4 o’clock position with a large knurled crown embossed with the Fortis logo in between. To match the stainless case the watch comes on a 3-link stainless steel bracelet with a deployant clasp.

Fortis 597.20.71.M Flieger Automatic Stainless Steel Chronograph

Key features:

• Swiss made timepiece
• Swiss automatic self-wind movement
• Stainless steel case, diameter 40 mm, thickness 15 mm
• Black dial, superluminova luminous color, day and date functions
• Chronograph function
• Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Stationary stainless steel bezel
• Grey stainless steel bracelet, width 19 mm, fold over clasp
• Water resistant to 330 feet
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

A robust automatic movement powers the Fortis 597.20.71.M Flieger Chronograph, which resists water to 330 feet. As a pilot inspired watch that can handle tool and social situations, the 597.20.71.M Flieger Chronograph does both jobs with panache.

Fortis watches may be purchased from an authorized Fortis dealer.

Gevril Group US, Canada and Caribbean Fortis Watches Agent

Gevril Group is the sole US, Canada and Caribbean agent for Fortis Watches and the authorized Fortis watch repair service center. Contact us by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

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A Match Made in Flight: The Fortis B-42 and the Valjoux 7750

Before pilots had chronographs integrated into their wristwatches, they typically carried separate stopwatches for use in navigation. When the time-only wristwatch was eventually combined with a chronograph, pilots were able to satisfy both functions with one device.

Fortis fuses these two primary functions in its Fortis B-42 Pilot Professional Chronograph from the company’s aviation collections, and what better movement to salute this match made in flight than the famed Valjoux 7750, the veritable workhorse of mechanical chronographs, which like the pilot watch, is renowned for its function-over-form simplicity.

The Valjoux 7750 was introduced in 1974 and features prominently in contemporary chronographs. It differs from the traditional column-wheel chronograph in that it uses a different mechanism to control the switching functions, which include starting, stopping and resetting. The significant advantage of the 7750’s design is in efficiency, both in terms of ease of assembly and ease of maintenance.

Fortis customizes the winding rotor of this Valjoux 7750 with blue engravings including the Fortis logo; the words Since 1912 Swiss commemorate the company’s founding year, while World’s First Manufacturer of Automatic Wristwatches commemorates one of the company’s finest achievements. All of this can be viewed through the watch’s exhibition caseback.

To accommodate the movement’s three-plate construction (main plate, calendar plate and chronograph plate), the two-part stainless steel case is 42 mm in diameter by 16 mm thick. The sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective coating on both sides and the caseback is screw-down. The oversized, screw-down crown adds to the watch’s overall water resistance of 660 feet.

The distinctive chronograph counter layout of the Valjoux 7750 has the 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, the 30-minute counter at 12, and the continuous-seconds counter at 9. The chronograph hands, meanwhile, are painted orange so that elapsed seconds, minutes and hours can be calculated with relative ease.

White numbers and indices provide excellent contrast against the matte, black dial. Plenty of Super-LumiNova coats the numerals, hour markers and hands. In addition to the traditional arrowhead index and flanking dots at 12 o’clock, two other arrows appear on either side of the day and date windows – one facing down and one facing up – to indicate which direction the wearer should turn the crown to make quick adjustments. The flange has a tachymeter scale for measuring speed in conjunction with the chronograph.

This Fortis B-42 Pilot Professional Chronograph features a padded cognac-brown leather strap with white stitching that brings the black, orange and white dial elements to the fore. The strap is fitted to the case and the prong-style buckle is personalized with the Fortis crown.

This Fortis B-42 Pilot Professional Chronograph may also custom labeled through the Fortis Squadron Watch and Fortis Private Label Watch Programs.

Fortis Mens 635.10.11 L.08 B-42 Pilot Professional Black Dial Chronograph Aviator Watch

List Price: $3,425

• Swiss automatic Valjoux 7750 movement
• Chronograph, day and date features
• Stainless steel case, diameter 42mm, thickness 16mm
• Screw down crown
• Black dial
• Scratch resistant anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Brown leather band, width 19mm, buckle clasp
• Water resistant to 660 feet
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

Gevril Group US, Canada and Caribbean Fortis Watches Agent

Gevril Group is the sole US, Canada and Caribbean agent for Fortis Watches and the authorized Fortis watch repair service center. Contact us by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

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Cockpit Fundamentals

The earliest pilot watches were basic time-tellers with a decidedly crucial purpose: to provide pilots with accurate timekeepers that had clear and simple readouts by which they could tell time quickly and easily. It’s this necessity of function that separated pilot watches from other, more complicated timepieces.

The Fortis Pilot Professional is an exceptional rendering of this highly functional tool-watch. The 40 mm, brushed stainless steel case has a narrow bezel and large sapphire crystal that provide a wide-open reading area. The crown is knurled and oversized to make it easy to grab, even with gloves on, and the padded black leather strap with prong buckle is comfortable and close-fitting whether it is worn over or under clothing.

The dial is matte black with contrasting white Arabic numerals and indices, each of which is coated in Super-LumiNova, a phosphorescent-pigment paint that glows in the dark; the hands are also generously coated, ensuring good legibility, day or night. The ubiquitous arrowhead index that appears at “12” typifies the aviator genre; in its day, the index’s primary significance was to provide upward orientation of the dial in low light.

In terms of precision, the Pilot Professional houses a 25-jewel ETA 2836-2 automatic movement, which beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and utilizes an Incabloc shock absorber to protect the balance. Another important characteristic of this movement is the “hack” or “stop-second” setting mechanism: when the crown is pulled out the seconds hand stops, allowing the wearer to set the time more precisely. Before the advent of computer-aided navigation, the hack function was a noteworthy addition to the pilot watch, since even the smallest timing oversight could lead to a critical navigational error.

For a touch of contemporary functionality, the Fortis Pilot Professional is water resistant to 650 feet, thanks in part to its screw-down steel caseback and crown. The watch’s lone complication is a day-and-date indicator featuring a bilingual day wheel in German and English, which is a nod to the significant influence that Germans had on pilot-watch development in the mid-20th century.

Fortis Mens 595.22.41 L.01 Pilot Professional Day Date Watch

List Price: $1,275

• Swiss 25-jewel ETA 2836-2 automatic movement
• Stainless steel case, diameter 40 mm, thickness 11.5 mm
• Screw down crown
• Black dial with day and date
• Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Black leather band, width 20 mm, buckle clasp
• Water resistant to 660 feet
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

Gevril Group US, Canada and Caribbean Fortis Watches Agent

Gevril Group is the sole US, Canada and Caribbean agent for Fortis Watches and the authorized Fortis watch repair service center. Contact us by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

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Fortis timepieces have been a favorite among pilots almost as long as there have been planes in the sky. With the introduction of the Fortis Spacematic Collection, aviators now have a thoroughly modern alternative to the traditional pilot’s watch. The bold, unisex design of the Spacematic GMT features one of most clearly legible and functional pilot dials ever produced. Easy-to-read white Arabic numerals are surrounded by 24-hour markings on a gray perimeter track. The 24-hour GMT hand is independently adjustable and there is a quickset bilingual date at 3 o’clock, a combination of features that even Rolex can’t offer.

This 40mm stainless steel case is perfectly sized for your wrist. Both men and women can wear this watch with ease. The attractive cylindrical case design is a thoroughly modern update on the traditional pilot’s watch. With its signed screw-down crown, anti-reflective, sapphire crystal and optional exhibition back, this is definitely a watch that will get noticed.

Like all Fortis timepieces, the Spacematic GMT isn’t just about looks however. The highly regarded 25 jewel ETA 2893-2 automatic movement is accurate to one second per day and the watch itself is water resistant to 200 meters. There is even a special diver’s extension available for the matching beadblast-finish stainless steel bracelet, if you prefer to take you watch underwater instead of up in the sky.

The Spacematic GMT is eligible for the Fortis Squadron Watch Program. If you would like to have your own pilots and crew wear your squadron insignia with pride, Fortis will make a special edition of the Spacematic GMT with your squadron insignia on the dial just for you. Of course, you can always order the Spacematic GMT without a squadron insignia for yourself. If you are interested in acquiring one of these forward-looking and extremely functional watches, please contact an authorized Fortis dealer immediately and reserve your Spacematic GMT today.

Fortis 624.22.11 M Spacematic GMT Pilot Watch

List Price: $2,225

Key features:

• Movement – Swiss ETA 2893-2 automatic, date
• Case – Stainless steel, 40 mm diameter, 12mm thickness
• Crystal – Anti-reflective sapphire
• Dial – Black dial
• Bezel – Stainless steel, stationary
• Band – Silver stainless steel, men’s standard, 20mm thickness
• Clasp – Fold-over clasp
• Water Resistance – Up to 660 feet

Gevril Group US, Canada and Caribbean Fortis Watches Agent

Gevril Group is the sole US, Canada and Caribbean agent for Fortis Watches and the official Fortis watch repair service center. Contact us by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

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The sapphire crystal window protects the dial and features anti-reflective coating on both sides while a stainless steel case with a screw-down case back offers additional strength and durability.

Ideal for active men, the timepiece has an Incabloc shock protection system and is water resistant to an impressive 660 feet. A polished, stainless steel bezel encircles the dial for an elegant look. Made from soft, calfskin leather, the black watch strap feels comfortable on and features white contrast stitching down the edges. This precise watch is equipped with automatic self-wind movement with 28,800 semi-vibrations per hour.

Your new Fortis B-42 Pilot Professional Black Dial Watch may qualify for squadron insignia customization through the Fortis Private Label Squadron Watches Program.

Fortis Mens 645.10.11 L01 B-42 Pilot Professional Day/Date Black Dial Watch

List Price: $1,500

Key features:

• Movement – Automatic 2836-2, 11 1/2 ”’, 25 jewels, 28,800 semi-vibrations per hour, fine timing device and Incabloc shock absorber
• Function – Hours, minutes, sweep second, day/date indication
• Case – High grade steel, brushed, two parts, 42 mm diameter, sapphire crystal anti-reflective on both sides, flange with 13-24h scale, screw down case back with mineral crystal, water-resistant up to 200 m / 20 bar
• Dial / Hands – Black, Arabic numbers as well as indexes and hands with white Superluminova, sweep second hand in orange
• Bracelet – Leather strap padded in black with contrast stitching steel buckle

Gevril Group US, Canada and Caribbean Fortis Watches Agent

Gevril Group is the sole US, Canada and Caribbean agent for Fortis Watches and the authorized Fortis watch repair service center. Contact us by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

Join the conversation! Follow Gevril Group on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog.

The case and stationary bezel are made of reliable, silver-colored stainless steel. The fine calfskin band is black and connects with a classic buckle system.

Protected by an anti-reflective sapphire window, the sophisticated black dial contains luminous hour and minute hands pointing to luminous numerals and indexes. Also featured on the face are three chronographs at 6, 9, and 12 as well as a date display at 3.

This shock-absorbing watch employs automatic self-winding, and the whole timepiece is water resistant to 330 feet.

Your new Fortis B-42 Flieger Automatic chronograph watch may qualify for squadron insignia customization through the Fortis Private Label Squadron Watches Program.

Fortis 597.11.11 L 08 Mens Flieger Automatic Chronograph Aviator Watch

List Price: $2,450   Movement: Automatic / Self-Winding   Dial: Black

• Movement – Automatic 7750, 13 ¼ ”’, 25 jewels, 28.800 semi-vibrations per hour fine timing device and incabloc shock absorber
• Function – Chronograph, hour, minute, permanent small second center-stop-second, day, date
• Case – Steel, sandblasted, two parts, 40mm case diameter, screw down steel back, individually numbered water resistant 100 m / 10 bar, sapphire crystal
• Dial – Black, arabic numerals, indices and hands with superluminova, green, orange center-stop-second, 30-minute counter at pos. 12 h, 12-hour counter at pos. 6 h chronograph minute- and second counter hands in white
• Attachment – Leather strap brown, padded
• Packaging – Leather box, pouch with FORTIS logo Professional Space, Watches and ISS logo, instruction manual, international warranty card

Gevril Group US, Canada and Caribbean Fortis Watches Agent

Gevril Group is the sole US, Canada and Caribbean agent for Fortis Watches and the authorized Fortis watch repair service center. Contact us by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

Join the conversation! Follow Gevril Group on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog.

This Fortis B-42 Pilot Professional Chronograph is customizable through the Fortis Squadron Watch and Fortis Private Label Watch Programs.

Fortis Mens 635.10.11.M B-42 Pilot Professional Black Dial Chronograph Aviator Watch

List Price: $3,850

Key features:

• Swiss automatic ETA Valjoux 7750 movement
• Chronograph, day and date features
• Stainless steel case, diameter 42 mm, thickness 16mm
• Screw down crown
• Black dial
• Scratch resistant anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Silver stainless steel band, width 20 mm, fold-over clasp
• Water resistant to 660 feet
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

Gevril Group US, Canada and Caribbean Fortis Watches Agent

Gevril Group is the sole US, Canada and Caribbean agent for Fortis Watches and the authorized Fortis watch repair service center. Contact us by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

Join the conversation! Follow Gevril Group on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog.

The “success” category — chronograph watches priced up to $13,400 — had the largest number of nominations; the excitement and tension in this category was extra high. The flagship watch of the Fortis winter 2010/2011 collection was a big winner in this category. The Fortis B-42 Flieger Black Chronograph Alarm Automatic with the patented FORTIS Calibre F-2001-5 placed 2nd, behind IWC and ahead of Breitling, two leading luxury watch brands, based on the votes of readers.

Fortis Mens 657.18.11 L 01 B-42 Flieger Black Chronograph Alarm Luxury Watch

Movement: Automatic   Dial: Black

Another Fortis success!

Gevril Group US, Canada and Caribbean Fortis Watches Agent

Gevril Group is the sole US, Canada and Caribbean agent for Fortis Watches and the official Fortis watch repair service center. Contact us by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

Join the conversation! Follow Gevril Group on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog.