by John Sealander

Fortis fans know that the most exciting timepieces in Basel aren’t always found in the exhibition hall.

Baselworld 2016 has come and gone, and once again, some of the most exciting news wasn’t found in the main exhibition halls. Savvy visitors knew to head straight for the Hotel Dorint located near the Basel exhibition grounds. This is where Fortis previewed their latest offerings, including the exciting new Classic Cosmonauts Collection.

The Classic Cosmonauts are a fresh new interpretation of the legendary Official Cosmonauts Chronograph, the first automatic mechanical timepiece to be certified for space travel. Fortis has been developing space rated timepieces for over forty years and these exceptional timing tools are still the only official timepieces of the Russian Space Program.

Fortis 401.26.11 Classic Cosmonauts Chronograph p.m. – Front View		Fortis 401.26.12 Classic Cosmonauts Chronograph a.m. – Front View
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This year, Basel visitors got a preview of the first major update to the legendary Official Cosmonauts Chronograph. The new Classic Cosmonauts feature a redesigned 42 mm bicolor housing with a hi-tech ceramic bezel. Also making its debut is a sapphire crystal caseback, providing a clear view of the precision 7750 W Valjoux mechanical movement. The screwdown pushers are retained from the original 1994 model, along with an integrated tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel.

This modern interpretation of a Fortis legend was a hit with Baselworld visitors. With its larger 42 mm case, ceramic bezel, and exhibition caseback, the new Classic Cosmonauts were enthusiastically received by buyers and watch enthusiasts as a space rated timepiece for the modern world. It is only a matter of time before this superbly executed update joins earlier Official Cosmonaut Chronographs in space.

Fortis 401.26.11 Classic Cosmonauts Chronograph p.m. – Side View

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The Fortis Classic Cosmonauts, along with the new 2016 Aeromaster, are proof that Fortis isn’t content to rest on its laurels. Continual refinement and improvements ensure that these exceptional timepieces will continue to be an essential tool for pilots, astronauts and adventurers around the world.

The Fortis Classic Cosmonauts will be available at Fortis retailers soon. If you’d like to see what it’s like to wear a space rated timepiece, contact an authorized Fortis dealer immediately and ask to see the exciting new Classic Cosmonauts Collection.

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 David 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 Fortis Basel Dorint Hotel exhibit is not affiliated in any way with Baselworld 2016.

by John Sealander

Details and Refinements Define Fortis at Basel 2016

Last year, Baselworld visitors hailed the Fortis Aeromaster as an instant classic. This year, Fortis returns to Basel, Switzerland with a sophisticated new interpretation of the popular Aeromaster. Based on the legendary Fortis B-42, the 2016 Aeromaster is still the quintessential pilot’s chronograph. Like the original Aeromaster, this iconic 42 mm tool watch features a rugged stainless steel case and large, uncluttered pilot’s style dial.

Fortis 655.10.10 Aeromaster		Fortis 656.10.10 Aeromaster Chronograph
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Fortis master watchmakers didn’t rest on their laurels however. Basel visitors will be quick to notice sophisticated new refinements, including precisely incised indices, giving the minute scale engraved on the chapter ring a unique 3-D appearance. The addition of oversized Superluminova coated sword hands and raised Arabic numbers make this one of the most legible pilot’s chronographs ever. Precisely crafted details like the incised arrow and double dots at 12 o’clock, and the artistically stylized sub-seconds dial at 9 o’clock add to the distinctive look of this modern classic.

On March 17, when the watch industry descends on Basel for the annual Baselworld watch and jewelry fair, savvy visitors will head straight to the Hotel Dorint located near the Basel exhibition grounds to view the latest offerings from Fortis. Fortis has been exhibiting in Basel ever since it opened a factory in nearby Grenchen, Switzerland in 1912. Decade after decade, Fortis has remained a leader, conquering new frontiers on land, sea, air, and even in space, where Fortis watches have dominated for over 20 years.

Fortis 655.18.18 Aeromaster Stealth		Fortis 656.18.18 Aeromaster Stealth Chronograph
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2016 promises to be one of the best years ever for this innovative watchmaker. Featuring all new stainless steel and black PVD Stealth editions, the 2016 Aeromaster represents Fortis at its best. This combination of refined style, practical features, and superb craftsmanship is destined to become an iconic favorite of pilots and adventurers around the world.

If you are attending Baselworld this your, you are cordially invited to preview the new timepiece collections from Fortis at Hotel Dorint, Schönaustrasse 10, 4058 Basel. We’ll be looking forward to introducing you to the stunning new 2016 Aeromaster from March 17 through March 22.

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 David 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 Fortis Basel Dorint Hotel exhibit is not affiliated in any way with Baselworld 2016.