by John Sealander

The United States Air Force 328th Tactical Airlift Squadron (TAS) has been providing dedicated airlift support for every major conflict the United States Air Force has been involved with since World War II. Not only has the squadron amassed an impressive 130,000 hours of flight time without a mishap, they were also designated the “World’s Best Airdrop Crew” in 1996 at the McChord Air Force Base worldwide airlift rodeo. With a heritage that goes back to supporting combat operations in Burma during World War II, the 328th has always been there whenever the military needed to move troops and equipment during wartime.

It is no surprise that this unit, which has served proudly in Asia, the Middle East, and other hot zones around the world, would choose a timepiece with an equally illustrious history for their official squadron watch. The iconic Fortis B-42 Pilot Professional Chronograph has long been a favorite of astronauts and aviators whenever the mission has been critical.

Fortis 328 B-42 TAS Watch

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The special limited edition of the B-42 Pilot Professional Chronograph Fortis created for the 328th features the unique 328th Tactical Airlift Squadron insignia with its camouflaged mushroom and the Latin slogan “Tenete Eos In Tenebris,” which translates to “Always Kept in the Dark” in English. The dial also includes a rendition of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft currently operated by the squadron directly below the day/date window, along with the slogan “Celebrating 70 years of Tactical Service” wrapped around the 12-hour totalizer at 6 o’clock. There is a second 30-minute totalizer at 12 o’clock.

Like all Fortis B-42 Chronographs, this superb tool watch is easy-to-read even under difficult lighting conditions. The entire length of the pencil hands has been painted with bright white superluminova material and the three chronograph hands are a bright orange. There are arrows near the large day/date window at 3 o’clock indicating which direction the crown should be turned when making adjustments, along with a handy tachymeter scale on the chapter ring flange. The 42 mm stainless steel case is water resistant to 660 feet and includes an anti-reflective, scratch resistant crystal protecting the dial, along with a clear exhibition back, making it easy to view the precision Swiss made Valjoux 7750 movement within.

The 328th Airlift Squadron has provided critical airlift support for every major conflict since World War II. It is only fitting that squadron members are now supported by something equally reliable on their wrist. This is a timepiece that the entire squadron can wear proudly while on duty and pass down later as a treasured heirloom.

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by John Sealander

Patrol Squadron Forty, commissioned by the U.S. Navy on January 20, 1951, became the first West Coast squadron to adopt the Martin P5M-1 “Marlin” seaplane. They were initially deployed to patrol the waters surrounding the Philippine Islands and took the nickname “Fighting Marlins” in honor of their plane, as well as the motto “Laging Handa,” which, in the Philippine language, means “Always Ready.”

Over the years, VP-40, as the squadron is known in the military, took their motto seriously, serving admirably in an increasingly dangerous world. The Fighting Marlins participated in search and rescue operations in the Sea of Japan following the Soviet downing of a Korean commercial airliner in September 1983. They were an important part of the United States-led effort to liberate Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. They were the first Americans to respond to the attack on the USS Cole in 2000. The Squadron supported both Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and continues to be an important component in the ongoing global war on terrorism.

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With a history like this, the Fighting Marlins knew they needed a squadron watch that was up to the challenge. In honor of their ongoing commitment to remaining resolute and ready at all times, Fortis has created a special limited edition of the famed Fortis B-42 Pilot Professional Chronograph emblazoned with the official VP-40 insignia at 9 o’clock. The illustrious Fighting Marlins could have chosen virtually any timepiece as their squadron watch, but they selected the Swiss made B-42 Pilot Professional for the same reasons that other military squadrons around the world have chosen to become part of the popular Fortis Squadron Watch Program.

Fortis VP-40 “Laging Handa” Patron Squadron Forty Watch

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Fortis watches are not merely fashion accessories. They are tough, reliable timing tools that have become standard equipment for some of the world’s most celebrated soldiers, sailors, and aviators. The 42 mm Fortis B-42 Pilot Professional is the perfect companion for a squadron like the Fighting Marlins. With an almost indestructible stainless case that is water resistant to 660 feet, an anti-reflective scratch resistant sapphire crystal and a dependable Swiss-made ETA 7750 automatic movement, this superb chronograph is “always ready,” just like the VP-40 aviators who wear it.

With 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers for timing events, an oversize black dial with legible white luminous lettering, a versatile tachymeter scale engraved on the chapter ring, and a large day/date window at 3 o’clock, the B-42 is considered by many to be the ultimate pilot’s watch. The men and women of the Fighting Marlins will wear this unique timepiece with pride. If you’d like to do the same, we urge you to contact an authorized Fortis dealer immediately. While the squadron this watch honors will continue to be “always ready,” supplies of this spectacular limited edition timepiece are not guaranteed to be always available.

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Although the F-4 was retired from service by the United States in 1996, it has lived on in the armed forces of other nations. On June 28, 2013 the Phantom F-4F fighter jets of the German Air Force took off for the last time, to be replaced by the Eurofighter Typhoon.

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To commemorate this historic occasion, Fortis has produced a special “Phantoms Phorever” edition of its popular Flieger Automatic Chronograph Aviator watch. As part of the Fortis Squadron Watch program, the Fortis F-4F Phantoms Phorever watch is being produced in a strictly limited edition of 175 pieces to honor the number of F-4F aircraft flown by the German Air Force.

Fortis F-4F Phantoms Phorever Squadron Watch

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These exclusive limited edition timepieces are emblazoned with the squadron’s own insignia on the dial. The Phantoms Phorever Fortis Flieger Automatic Chronograph features the famous “Phantoms Phorever” slogan encircling the 12-hour subdial at 6 o’clock, an outline of the F-4F aircraft under the continuous small seconds hand at 9 o’clock, and the iconic Phantom “spook” caricature below the day/date indicator.

The Fortis name has become synonymous with the kind of toughness that aviators and astronauts depend on. Although the F-4F has been officially retired by the German Air Force, anyone who has flown or appreciated this legendary aircraft can continue to wear their “Phantoms Phorever” watch with pride as a tribute to one of the most significant jet fighters ever produced. To put a Fortis F-4F Phantoms Phorever watch on your own wrist, contact an authorized Fortis dealer immediately. Supplies of this spectacular timepiece are extremely limited.

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After the Soviets took over Hungary in 1947, the Russians began to expand and modernize the Hungarian Air Force. During the cold war, the Hungarian pilots flying Russian MIG fighters provided one of the first lines of defense against an attack from the West. The fall of the Soviet Union brought even more dramatic changes, as the Hungarian Air Force became one of the first air forces in the world to officially change sides.

Today, the Hungarian Air Force is a full member of NATO and participates in a wide variety of humanitarian and defensive missions around the world.

In 2001, the Hungarian Air Force selected the Fortis Pilot Professional Chronograph as their official timepiece and Hungarian air squadrons have been loyal to Fortis ever since.

A special limited edition of the Pilot Professional Chronograph was created to honor Hungarian NATO pilots. This watch features the Hungarian Air Force insignia on the custom dial at 9 o’clock and the words “Hungarian Air Force” below the small second hand at 6 o’clock.

This watch proved popular with pilots and it wasn’t long before the air force’s 47th Combat Squadron based in Pápa, Hungary requested a special version of the Pilot Professional Chronograph for their own squadron. Instead of the Hungarian Air Force insignia, this rare limited edition watch features the insignia of the 47th Combat Squadron at 9 o’clock.

Only 200 numbered watches honoring this elite group of MIG pilots were ever produced.

It is not surprising that the Fortis Pilot Professional Chronograph has been selected by pilots around the world as their official timepiece. This rugged 40mm stainless steel watch is water resistant to 100 meters and features a premium Swiss Valjoux 7750 movement that is accurate to within 1 second a day. The clean, uncluttered black dial features bold white Arabic numerals that are clearly visible even in low-light conditions. These are professional watches that pilots are proud to wear during active duty and pass down to their heirs later.

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

List Price: $2,975   Movement: Automatic   Dial: Black

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With their rapid response capabilities and versatile aircraft, they were called on again during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The squadron played a vital role throughout the Vietnam era and has taken part in numerous peacekeeping missions, from the civil war in Rwanda, to the disastrous 1999 earthquake in Turkey, as well as the tsunami that devastated Thailand in 2004. In recent years, the squadron has demonstrated their skill and commitment again and again by supporting critical Marine and Navy missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It is only fitting that a fighting force with the illustrious history of Marine Transport Squadron 352 would choose an equally illustrious timepiece for their official squadron watch: the Fortis B-42 Cosmonaut GMT.

To commemorate the squadron’s many achievements, Fortis made a special limited edition of 25 military watches exclusively for squadron members.

This unique and very exclusive version of the B-42 Cosmonaut GMT features the 352 squadron patch on the custom dial at 9 o’clock, along with the Raiders scull and crossbones insignia at 12 o’clock. With only 25 total units worldwide, this special limited edition is almost as rare as the Fortis Cosmonaut watches that have actually flown in space.

The B-42 Cosmonaut GMT is a perfect choice for aviators like the Raiders of Squadron 352. The clarity of the double anti-reflective sapphire crystal is amazing, making the clean, uncluttered dial easy to read in any light. The 60 click rotating 24-hour chapter ring is divided into black for night and gray for day, making it almost effortless to track multiple time zones. It’s no surprise that the Russian Space Agency and the Squadron 352 Raiders both rely on the B-42 Cosmonaut GMT.

Fortis Squadron Watches aren’t just another military style timepiece. They’re part of your uniform!

Fortis Mens 645.10.11 L01 B-42 Pilot Professional Day/Date Watch Eligible for the Squadron Watch Program		Fortis Mens 597.11.11 L 08 Fleiger Automatic Chronograph Watch Eligible for the Squadron Watch Program

 

Fortis Mens 624.22.11 M Spacematic GMT Watch Eligible for the Squadron Watch Program		Fortis Mens 647.10.11 M B-42 Official Cosmonauts Day/Date Watch Eligible for the Squadron Watch Program

 

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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In 1991, the 321 Squadron became the first operational unit to be equipped with the new ECR Tornado fighter. Flying these sophisticated Electronic Combat and Reconnaissance aircraft, the 321 Lechfeld Tigers became the first German squadron to fly in combat since World War II when they were deployed over Kosovo to protect other NATO aircraft from Serbian surface to air missiles. While the squadron was on patrol, not a single allied aircraft was hit by a Serbian SAM missile.

With this illustrious history, it was only natural that the 321 Lechfeld Tigers would want an equally illustrious squadron watch. Beginning in 2002, the squadron began looking for a suitable watch. The search was not easy because pilots and squadron members had different ideas about what they required and what they were willing to pay. Nobody was satisfied with the squadron’s initial watch choice, and in 2006, they turned to Fortis for a solution.

To meet the squadron’s needs, Fortis produced special limited edition squadron versions of the B-42 Pilot Professional and the B-42 Official Cosmonaut. Each of these exclusive watches features a custom dial emblazoned with the distinctive 321 Lechfeld Tigers insignia at the 9 o’clock position along with the squadron’s name above the lower sub-dial.

Fortis B-42 Pilot Professional 321 Squadron Watch		Fortis B-42 Official Cosmonaut 321 Squadron Watch

Each watch can be equipped with a leather, stainless steel or caoutchouc strap, depending on the individual airman’s personal choice. Even though these watches are extremely collectable, most members of the squadron aren’t worried about scratches and dings and wear their squadron watch proudly during daily flight duty.

The 321 Lechfeld Tigers have been a full member of the NATO Tiger Association for 15 years. This association of Tiger Squadrons was established in 1961 to promote solidarity between NATO air forces. With their strong ties to the Tiger Association, the 321 Lechfeld Tigers have a new Fortis squadron watch in their future. Fortis has been asked to create a special watch to commemorate the first 50 years of the NATO Tigers Association and chances are good that the Lechfeld Tigers will be wearing these watches as well.

The Fortis Squadron Program is open to all squadrons and active duty fighting forces from around the world. If you would like to have your own pilots and crew wear your squadron insignia with pride, Fortis will make a watch just for you.

You can choose from famous watches like the Pilot Professional Day/Date, The Flieger Chronograph, the Spacematic GMT, and even the renowned B-42 Official Cosmonauts Chronograph.

Fortis Mens 645.10.11 L01 B-42 Pilot Professional Day/Date Watch Eligible for the Squadron Watch Program		Fortis Mens 597.11.11 L 08 Fleiger Automatic Chronograph Watch Eligible for the Squadron Watch Program

Fortis Mens 624.22.11 M Spacematic GMT Watch Eligible for the Squadron Watch Program		Fortis Mens 647.10.11 M B-42 Official Cosmonauts Day/Date Watch Eligible for the Squadron Watch Program

Fortis Squadron Watches aren’t just another military style timepiece. They’re part of your uniform!

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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Fortis Limited Edition Squadron Watches: They aren’t something you buy, but something you earn.

Fortis means “strong” in Latin and the name has come to represent strength in the watch world as well. Ever since the company was founded in 1912, the Fortis name has become synonymous with the kind of toughness that the world’s military forces depend on. That’s why generations of rugged and durable Fortis pilot and military instrument watches have long been a favorite in military circles.

Fortis chronographs have a reputation for precision and accuracy that has been confirmed by an elite group of aeronautical squadrons from around the world. These fighting forces have chosen Fortis as their official timepiece for professional duty. For many years Fortis watches have been issued to Russian Cosmonauts, Russian MiG Pilots and Swiss Air Force pilots.

As the reputation of Fortis watches grew in military circles, the company established a special division to equip international military squadrons with exclusive limited edition squadron watches emblazoned with the squadron’s own insignia on the dial. The pilots and crew of several famous international squadrons, from famous aerobatic teams to renowned combat squadrons, now wear these exclusive watches.

The famous Fighting Falcons, who fly the F16A, are currently equipped with a special squadron edition of the Fortis Flieger Chronograph featuring the Fighting Falcons insignia. The German “72 Westfalen” fighter squadron, flying F-4F Phantom jets are also equipped with Fortis Squadron watches featuring their squadron insignia. The exclusivity of a Fortis Squadron Watch makes it one of the world’s most desirable watches. If you are lucky enough to obtain one of these exclusive timepieces, you probably got it from a pilot or crew member wearing the same insignia as is on the watch.

Fortis Squadron Watches are worn by the Hungarian Air Force, the Greek “Hellenistic Tigers”, the Taiwanese “Thunder Tigers” Aerobatic Team, and the German Air Force Reconnaissance Unit. The Fortis Squadron Program is open to all squadrons and active duty fighting forces from around the world.

If you would like to have your own pilots and crew wear your squadron insignia with pride, Fortis will make a watch just for you. You can choose from famous watches like the Pilot Professional Day/Date, The Flieger Chronograph, the Spacematic GMT, and even the renowned B-42 Official Cosmonauts Chronograph.

Fortis Squadron Watches aren’t just another military style timepiece. They’re part of your uniform!

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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