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.

Fortis Watches was among the many exhibitors in Basel, having made the annual trip from its Grenchen headquarters, armed with cases of new watches and classic collections. Guests of Fortis in Basel convened at the Hotel Dorint, adjacent to the main pavilion, in a spacious suite ideal for previewing and surveying the latest Fortis models.

Fortis Display Case at Basel 2015

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“Face the New” is the slogan of Fortis Watches today, a phrase that defines the brand’s position and declares that sometimes, the best way to return to your roots is to embrace new challenges – or Face the New. The current collections demonstrate this value and commitment.

Fortis Cosmonautis

The Fortis connection to space travel is well documented, as are its Cosmonaut watches, which have been standard equipment for the Russian Federal Space Agency since 1994. In fact, the agency’s emblem is engraved on the caseback of every Official Cosmonauts model. In Basel, the Official Cosmonauts Chronograph was among the classic Fortis watches on display, famous for its dial design and its movement, a Swiss made ETA 7750.

Fortis Official Cosmonauts		Fortis Monolith
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The newest model in the Cosmonautis Collection also appeared in Basel. The Monolith is a prototypical Fortis tool watch with a legible dial and rugged construction that includes a black PVD-coated stainless steel case and Swiss made ETA 2836-2 automatic movement. The Monolith is water resistant to 650 feet and offers a strap or bracelet for every occasion, including a leather performance strap, black PVD metal bracelet or rubber strap.

Fortis Aviatis

The Fortis Aviatis Collection is dedicated to aviation and pilot watches – another Fortis area of expertise – and there were plenty of examples on display in Basel. Notably, the 100th anniversary Daybreaker Recon and Daybreaker Stealth, two watches with an identical build other than the color of the dials: the Recon is white with blue accents while the Stealth is black with white accents. These extraordinary Flieger models feature the exclusive Fortis Calibre F-2012 movement, made up of more than 500 parts that run multiple complications including a chronograph, alarm, GMT and more. Every Daybreaker model is a certified chronometer and limited to 100 pieces worldwide.

Fortis Daybreaker Recon		Fortis Daybreaker Stealth
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Fortis guests also had a first look at the new Fortis Blue Horizon, a traditional day/date Flieger housed in a black PVD-coated stainless steel case with a metallic-brown sunray dial. Blue Horizon models represent a new look for Fortis pilot watches, combining high-tech materials with a nostalgic disposition. The Blue Horizon is powered by an ETA 7750 and features an exhibition caseback.

Fortis Blue Horizon

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Fortis Aquatis

Air and space aren’t the only realms for which Fortis designs robust watches for explorers and trendsetters. Watches in the Aquatis Collection are designed for aquatic adventure, especially its Marinemaster models, which first launched in the 1940s. Fortis continues to add different color combinations to the collection including yellow/black and red/black variants. Marinemaster watches offer water resistance to 650 feet and employ unidirectional rotating bezels with deep scalloped edges as well as large crowns for easy handling.

Fortis Marinemaster		Fortis Marinemaster Chronograph
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Marinemaster watches also come in chronograph versions, including a popular orange/black model. It has all the features of the non-chrono version but is augmented by triple sub-dials as a result of its chronograph movement. Marinemaster watches are ocean-ready with rubber straps or stainless steel bracelets.

Fortis Terrestis

Watches from the new Terrestis collection were among the most well received in Basel this year, as Fortis expands into the terrain of civilian life with retro-styled dress and casual-sport watches that complement its durable tool and adventure collections. For example, the 19Fortis is a three-handed dress watch with a date complication, replete with pleated texturing, a blued seconds hand and rose gold plated hands and markers. The current 19Fortis has two dial variations: the white “a.m.” dial or black “p.m.” version, and a solid 5N rose-gold case is also available.

The flagship of the new Fortis Terrestis Collection is the Fortis Tycoon. This elegant men’s timepiece combines state-of-the-art technology with a genuine reverence for the traditional Swiss craftsmanship that made the Fortis brand what it is today.

Fortis Terrestis Tycoon at Basel 2015

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Fortis Art Watches

In Basel, Fortis also introduced the newest Rolf Sachs model – 2π – the latest collaboration between Fortis and the renowned artist and designer. The colorful and original mathematical design on the dial of the 2π (2 Pi) was designed by Sachs and fits the oeuvre of previous Sachs models for Fortis. Although the design of the 2π is quite cerebral, the watch itself is pure Fortis with its thick luminous material with blue afterglow, a black PVD-coated stainless steel case and a Swiss made F-2014 movement. The 2π is a limited edition of 150 pieces.

Fortis Rolf Sachs at Basel 2015
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Almost 90 years after Fortis introduced the world’s first automatic watch in Basel, the brand continues to make headlines every year with its creative array of watches for established Fortis enthusiasts and new collectors alike. Connected to tradition and committed to cutting-edge – that’s the Fortis identity – choose Fortis and “Face the New.”

To purchase a Fortis timepiece to learn more about the new collections, visit an authorized Fortis watch 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.

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 was not affiliated in any way with Baselworld 2015.

by Adrian Herscovici

On March 19 the who’s who of the watch industry will gather in the medieval city of Basel, Switzerland to begin the annual eight-day odyssey known as Baselworld, the world’s biggest and most important watch and jewelry fair.

One company that exhibits annually in Basel is Fortis, a brand with an even longer history than the fair itself, having opened its factory doors in nearby Grenchen, Switzerland in 1912. Fortis first raised eyebrows in Basel in 1926 when it introduced the Harwood – the first automatic watch. Fortis remains a leader in innovation with an unwavering desire to conquer new frontiers – including space – where Fortis watches have dominated for more than 20 years and 100,000 earth orbits.

In Basel, Fortis sets up in a private suite at the Basel Dorint Hotel, adjacent to the main Baselworld pavilion*, where it hosts its valued partners and guests. Visitors to the suite this year will handle a host of Fortis watches including two new timepiece collections.

Fortis Tycoon – Basel 2015

The first is the Tycoon, a watch in the Terrestis collection, which pays homage to Fortis watches of the 1930s and ’40s with its slim case, domed crystal and straightforward functionality. While the look is vintage, Tycoon watches are light-years ahead of their predecessors in terms of movement technology – each watch is equipped with a Swiss made ETA movement. The Tycoon represents the best of vintage style with the best of modern engineering.

The Tycoon also exudes the brand’s DNA. “We give the adventure-seeking gentleman an instrument suitable for every event, from the racetrack to a black-tie party,” says Fortis CEO Maximilian Spitzy.

Fortis 903.21.12 Tycoon		Fortis 904.21.11 Tycoon
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Fortis Aeromaster – Basel 2015

The second collection being introduced at Baselworld this year is the Fortis Aeromaster in either “Dawn” or “Dusk” versions. These models of the Aeromaster have all the characteristics of classic Fortis pilots’ watches including the large sword hands, large luminous markers and Swiss made automatic ETA movements. But unlike other Fortis pilots’ chronographs, the Aeromaster Dawn and Aeromaster Dusk have original looks, with sunray patterns on brown dials as well as a mix of red and beige elements.

Fortis 6551018 Aeromaster Dawn		Fortis 6561898 M Aeromaster Dusk
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Visitors to Baselworld are invited to preview the new Fortis timepiece collections from March 19–25 at the Basel Dorint Hotel.

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 Fortis Basel Dorint Hotel exhibit is not affiliated in any way with Baselworld 2015.

After a $450 million makeover and a record number of visitors, the world’s most important watch and jewelry show confirmed what many in our industry already knew: the world loves wristwatches!

The Baselworld World Watch and Jewelry Show is over for another year. 120,000 visitors from over 100 different countries got their first look at the latest timepiece developments and innovations from over 1,450 different companies in a spectacular, newly renovated 1.5 million square foot exhibit space. After all the networking and parties were over, most participants agreed that this was the best Baselworld ever.

With a brand new two-story superstructure rising above Baselworld’s famous Messeplatz Exhibition Square, visitors, the press, and watch industry professionals enjoyed a sophisticated new ambience that left many looking forward to Baselworld 2014.

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Baselworld 2013 was full of excitement and surprises for long time attendees. Rolex impressed everyone with a huge new exhibit space that was double the size of their 2012 exhibit area. The powerful Swatch Group dominated at the end of Hall 1, with a space large enough for their impressive roster of brands, which included familiar names like Rado, Omega, Breguet and Jaquet Droz.

The second floor of this impressive new Hall was devoted to the world of fashion, with an impressive showing by Gevril Group brands like Versace, Versus, and Salvatore Ferragamo. At the end of this hall was the beautiful booth of Gevril’s Louis Erard brand, which many attendees considered one of the nicest in the entire show. Gevril brands Bino, Catorex, Fortis, Jowissa, Laurens, and Lorenz also made an appearance at Basel 2013 in nearby offsite locations.

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Baselworld 2013 Innovation

Baselworld has always been the place where manufacturers show off their most impressive new developments, and 2013 proved to be a banner year for innovation. Hublot showed off a mechanical marvel called LaFerrari with an amazing 50-day power reserve. Omega showed off a new type of balance spring created from a thin wafer of silicon. This precisely manufactured silicon spiral is perfectly symmetric and only one quarter the thickness of a metal spring, greatly improving the accuracy of the traditional mechanical watch. There were also scratchproof gold cases on display and some manufacturers even promised a maintenance-free mechanical movement.

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With the Basel Fair behind them, watch aficionados and industry professionals are looking forward to an exciting year ahead. In a world where many had predicted that the wristwatch would become irrelevant, it is increasingly clear that watches are here to stay. The modern wristwatch has become much more than a way to tell the time. It is an essential fashion accessory and an extension of the wearer’s personality.

About Gevril Group

Gevril Group, directed by company founder and long-time creative force in the watch business Samuel Friedmann, is the exclusive US representative for select European watch brands, distributing and servicing luxury, fashion and sporty timepieces at a wide range of price points. Additionally, Group Gevril operates a full-service watch repair department staffed by master Swiss watchmakers. Contact Gevril Group by email or by calling 845-425-9882.

Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog updates. Like us on Facebook. Reader comments are welcome.

Click to Enlarge the Invitation

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.

Click to Enlarge the Invitation

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.

*The Fortis Dorint Hotel Basel exhibit is not affiliated in any way with Baselworld 2012.