10 24

4
CHRONOGRAPH ALARM
14
8
LIMITED EDITION
48
10
B-42 STRATOLINER
20 14
B-42 OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS TITANIUM
OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS SET
8 16
16
20
B-42 OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS
OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS
38 24
36
28
B-42 FLIEGER
4 32
FLIEGER
36
B-47 CALCULATOR
64
38
B-42 PILOT PROFESSIONAL
60 42
PILOT PROFESSIONAL
56 48
B-42 MARINEMASTER
66 50
B-42 BLACK
50 52
ART EDITION GERD WINNER
28
54
ART EDITION ROLF SACHS
56
SQUARE
60
SPACEMATIC
62
SQUADRON EDITIONS
64
GLOSSARY
66
HISTORY

3
THE WORLD’S FIRST AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH ALARM

A MILESTONE IN MODERN WATCH TECHNOLOGY
The advantages of automatic winding for a watch had
been previously recognized by company founder Walter
Vogt in the 1920s. He turned this unique type of power,
supplied by a rotor utilizing the wearer’s kinetic energy
to tension the mainspring, into reality. In 1926 he began
the serial production of the legendary HARWOOD
Automatic, which made history as the forerunner of this
new movement technology. This type of kinetic power
for a watch is what led space-travel specialists at the
beginning of the 90s to FORTIS.
6 7
Additionally, a mechanical alarm function was added to
complete the automatic chronograph. The result of this
development, presented for the first time in 1997, is the
patented and internationally award winning FORTIS
calibre F2001. The construction of this worldwide uni-
que calibre is the latest advance in the highest art of
watchmaking.
The company was established in 1912, and was regis-
tered with the Swiss Federal Office for Intellectual
Property with the number 33521. Since then, FORTIS
has continuously shaped and measured the course of
time, adopting a brand name which means ‘strong’ in
Latin and combining it with its own crown logo.
The FORTIS Chronograph Alarm is
both spring barrels at the same
equipped with two spring barrels
time. The sound spring, in the form

LIMITED EDITION
and guarantees the power reserve
of a tuning fork and the alarm
of both the watch movement and
hammer, allows for a soothing and
the alarm. The special rotor ensures
unobtrusive alarm signal that lasts
that the motion of the owner’s wrist
up to 25 seconds.
is used for the winding of

Limited Edition
B-42 CHRONOGRAPH ALARM
CHRONOMETER C.O.S.C.
100 pieces
Automatic F2001-5
High-grade steel, 42 mm case diameter
Unidirectional turning bezel adjustable at
120 gaits
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective
coating on both sides
Glass caseback
Decorated movement and rotor
Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar
641.10.92 Si 05
8 9
 “Take-off, softly and slowly the plane ascends. Suddenly, the pilot forces his enormous engines
to give everything. With engines at full pitch and at full power in a steep climb he catapults us to
Mach 2.35 (2.550 km/h). After a short pause for breath, the final phase. Full acceleration to Mach
2.65. At the height of 75.000 feet the pilot eases back the engines into cruise position.

B-42 STRATOLINER

We are flying in the mid-stratosphere at the frontier to space. The sky is dark violet, almost black,
the earth curvature is now clearly visible.”
Description of the world height record set by Alexander Garnaev in 1995, wearing his FORTIS
Chronograph.

ALL MODELS
High-grade steel, 42 mm case diameter
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
on both sides B-42 STRATOLINER B-42 STRATOLINER
Luminous elements Superluminova CHRONOGRAPH WHITE CHRONOGRAPH BLACK
Glass caseback Automatic 7750 Automatic 7750
Individually numbered Decorated rotor Decorated rotor
Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar 665.10.12 Si 02 665.10.11 M
10 11
OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS
 B-42 OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS TITANIUM

ALL MODELS
Titanium, 42 mm case diameter
Unidirectional turning bezel adjustable at 120 gaits
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
on both sides Limited Edition
Superluminova coated numbers, hands and indices B-42 OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS
Rubber coated crown and pushers CHRONOGRAPH ALARM TITANIUM
B-42 OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS B-42 OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS Caseback embossed with the emblems of the Chronometer C.O.S.C.
DAY / DATE TITANIUM CHRONOGRAPH TITANIUM space authorities 300 pieces
Automatic 2836-2 Automatic 7750 Individually numbered Automatic F2001-5
658.27.11 K 659.27.11 M Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar 660.27.11 L 01
14 15
 OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS SET

OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS SET

Since October of 1994 this set is part of the cosmonauts’ official
equipment for all manned space missions of the Russian
Federation. The front of the valuable leather set bears the official
logos of the space authorities and includes: Watch on a metal
bracelet, a leather strap or caoutchouc strap, a special tool to
change the attachments, and a metal box to store accessory parts.
16 17
 DAILY OPERATION AT ZERO GRAVITY
Since the beginning of the European-Russian Space
The age of manned space travel started with Yuri
mission in 1994, an extraordinary ceremony is held for
Gagarin. He was the first person, who after an intensive
all cosmonauts and astronauts before taking-off into
training at the Star City Cosmonauts Training Center,
orbit. Because of its reliability, the crew receives a
took off from Baikonur Cosmodrome on April 12, 1961
FORTIS COSMONAUTS CHRONOGRAPH as part of
on board the spaceship Vostok. This training center,
their official equipment. The quality of the chronographs
which is now named after him, is an internationally
is confirmed by the Russian Space Agency and by
appreciated partner with vast experience in the prepa-
the Star City Training Center by the embossing of their
ration and conditioning of human beings, willing to
official emblems on the caseback.
learn to survive in the harsh conditions of space.

18 19
 B-42 OFFICIALL COSMONAUTS

ALL MODELS
High-grade steel, 42 mm case diameter
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
on both sides
Unidirectional turning bezel adjustable at 120 gaits
B-42 OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS Superluminova coated numbers, hands and indices
B-42 OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS GMT 3 TIME ZONES Caseback embossed with the emblems of the B-42 OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS B-42 OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS
DAY / DATE Automatic 2893-2 space authorities CHRONOGRAPH CHRONOGRAPH ALARM
Automatic 2836-2 Bi-directional turning bezel Individually numbered Automatic 7750 Automatic F2001-5
647.10.11 M 649.10.11 M Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar 638.10.11 M 639.22.11 M
20 21
 THE EXPLORATION OF SPACE
The international community is currently building the
first joint human outpost in orbit, the International
Space Station - ISS. This large celestial body orbits the
earth and is visible with the naked eye. Housing a state
of the art research laboratory, people from different
nations and backgrounds work and live here together.
The FORTIS Chronographs first needed to undergo
extensive tests that push the human body to its physi-
cal limits. In a special centrifuge cabin, G-forces were
simulated as they affect man and material during the
rocket launch. Different experiments during parabolic
flights, in the hydro laboratory, during survival training,
and in the pressure chamber provided the qualification
criteria for space missions. From 1994 on, the FORTIS
Chronograph passed its probationary test during nume-
rous missions to the space station MIR (=peace).
22
The search for the most comfortable wristwatch with
automatic winding for use during missions in space
led specialists to FORTIS in 1992. According to the
demands of cosmonauts and astronauts, and with its
experience as the world’s first manufacturer of auto-
matic wristwatches, a new generation of space chrono-
graphs was created.
Construction work performed outside the safety of the
orbital station is done at a distance of 350 to 400 km
from the earth’s surface. The FORTIS OFFICIAL
COSMONAUTS CHRONOGRAPH, worn over the space
suit, withstood the extreme temperatures and demanding
atmospheric conditions with flying colours.
23
 OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS

ALL MODELS
38 mm case diameter
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
on both sides
OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS Superluminova coated hands and indices OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS
DAY / DATE OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS Caseback embossed with the emblems OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS CHRONOGRAPH DIAMOND
Automatic 2836-2 CHRONOGRAPH of the space authorities CHRONOGRAPH Automatic 7750
Unidirectional turning bezel Automatic 7750 Individually numbered Automatic 7750 Case with 56 diamonds brilliant cut
610.10.11 M 630.10.11 L 01 Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar 630.10.12 LC 06 630.14.12 LC 05
24 25
FLIEGER PILOT PROFESSIONAL
 B-42 FLIEGER
The new B-42 FLIEGER is successful as the new interpretation of an old subject:
a result of decades of model upgrades at FORTIS. The company’s corporate style
is expressed in its inimitable development and design and gives all models their
own identity.

ALL MODELS Limited Edition

High-grade steel, 42 mm case diameter B-42 FLIEGER
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating CHRONOGRAPH ALARM
B-42 FLIEGER on both sides Chronometer C.O.S.C.
B-42 FLIEGER CHRONOGRAPH Superluminova coated numbers, hands and indices 300 pieces
DAY / DATE Automatic 7750 Glass caseback Automatic F2001-5
Automatic 2836-2 Decorated rotor Individually numbered Decorated movement and rotor
655.10.11 L 01 656.10.11 L 08 Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar 657.10.11 L 16
28 29
 Worldwide the only automatic chronograph with a
mechanical alarm. Specialities: Two spring barrels
to ensure the separate power reserve of both the
watch movement and the alarm, sound spring in

B-42 FLIEGER
the shape of a tuning fork, alarm hammer and
special rotor with blue star engravings.
Best materials and special developments such as
the silver opaline dial guarantee the unmistakable
character of the B-42 FLIEGER line. A timeless
statement of style and taste.

ALL MODELS
High-grade steel, 42 mm case diameter
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
on both sides
B-42 FLIEGER Skeleton hands with Superluminova B-42 FLIEGER
B-42 FLIEGER CHRONOGRAPH arrowhead and indices CHRONOGRAPH ALARM
DAY / DATE Automatic 7750 Glass caseback Automatic F2001-5
Automatic 2836-2 Decorated rotor Individually numbered Decorated movement and rotor
645.10.12 L 08 635.10.12 L 01 Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar 636.10.12 LC 05
30 31

FLIEGER AUTOMATIC
Automatic 2824-2
Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar
Case diameter 40 mm
595.10.41 L 01
Case diameter 34 mm
only with mineral crystal
620.10.41 L 01
32
FLIEGER CHRONOGRAPH
Automatic 7750
Winner “1st European Aviation
Watch Award”
Individually numbered
Water-resistant 100 m / 10 bar
597.11.11 L 08
Limited Edition
FLIEGER BLACK 24 h
999 pieces
Automatic 2893-2
40 mm case diameter
Individually numbered
Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar
596.18.41 L 01
Pilots who venture into extreme physical conditions
choose their equipment according to a simple principle:
Only the best will do.
FLIEGER
The FORTIS FLIEGER CHRONOGRAPH being the winner of
the “1st European Aviation Watch Award” fulfils these
demands for precision and high functionality and thus
FORTIS became the number one choice for the AWACS
unit’s 25th Jubilee.
Limited Edition
FLIEGER CHRONOGRAPH
125 pieces
Jubilee Edition 25th anniversary AWACS
“Airborne Warning and Control System”
Automatic 7750
ALL MODELS Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective
High-grade steel coating on both sides
40 mm case diameter Individually numbered
Superluminova coated numbers, hands and indices Water-resistant 100 m / 10 bar
Sapphire crystal 597.11.11 NA
33
 At the edge of the stratosphere at the point where the
sky and the earth meet, there you will find the airman
striving for his dream of 100,000 feet.

Only few planes reach this altitude because a speed of

more than three times the speed of sound is necessary
(MACH 3) for it to be possible.

34 35
 A cult watch. Diameter 47 mm. Developed to pilots’ specifications to
fulfil the need for all typical flight parameters. Comfortable and highly exact
Swiss micro-mechanics in perfect symbiosis with the classical slide-rule
function and providing exceptionally good legibility. This modern classic

B-47 CALCULATOR
offers 3 time zones, a countdown function and country specific conversion
scales. The caseback reveals a temperature scale in Celsius and
Fahrenheit as well as the individual watch identity number.
A Swiss watchmaker was the first to discover the relationship of numbers
and the way to control them as logarithms. Jost Bürgi, born in 1552 in the
Swiss canton St. Gallen, laid the foundations of the arithmetic system for
the slide-rule which became a must and the basic tool for every engineer
or architect and many other technical occupations until 1969.

B-47 CALCULATOR
Automatic 2893-2
High-grade steel, 47 mm case diameter
Bi-directional turning bezel
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
on both sides
Slide-rule function, 3 time zones
Inner bezel
Individually numbered
Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar
Lug widths 24 mm
666.10.11 L 16
36 37
 B-42 PILOT PROFESSIONAL

ALL MODELS
High-grade steel, 42 mm case diameter
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
B-42 PILOT PROFESSIONAL on both sides B-42 PILOT PROFESSIONAL
B-42 PILOT PROFESSIONAL CHRONOGRAPH Superluminova coated numbers, hands and indices CHRONOGRAPH ALARM
DAY / DATE Automatic 7750 Glass caseback Automatic F2001-5
Automatic 2836-2 Decorated rotor Individually numbered Decorated movement and rotor
645.10.11 L 01 635.10.11 L 08 Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar 636.22.11 L 01
38 39
 TRIED AND TESTED BY PROFESSIONALS
For pilots, who spend their lives above the clouds, the
equipment for their everyday use must be practical, reli-
able and easily read. The worldwide use of FORTIS
watches by different squadrons, in civil and military
aviation and by pilots of aerobatic formation teams, is
proof indeed that FORTIS watches fulfil these criteria.

Perfect legibility, sturdiness, sapphire crystals with anti-

reflective coating and matt finished cases, easy to use
and high functionality even during loss of pressure are
important characteristics of the FLIEGER and PILOT
models. The best reference one could wish for since
their debut at the end of the 80s, is the accolade
“Reference Status for Pilot Grade Watches”.

40 41
 PILOT PROFESSIONAL

PILOT PROFESSIONAL
ALL MODELS PILOT PROFESSIONAL CHRONOGRAPH
High-grade steel, 40 mm case diameter DAY / DATE Automatic 7750
Sapphire crystal Automatic 2836-2 Individually numbered
Superluminova coated numbers, hands Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar Water-resistant 100 m / 10 bar
and indices 595.22.41 L 01 597.22.11 L 01
42 43
 MANY MILITARY SQUADRONS HAVE ONE THING IN
COMMON: FORTIS CHRONOGRAPHS
A limited edition of the FORTIS PILOT PROFESSIONAL
CHRONOGRAPH was created to honour the Hungarian
NATO pilots.
44
The pilots have tested these watches intensively during
numerous training missions and have chosen them as
their official flying squadron watches.
45
B-42 MARINEMASTER
 B-42 MARINEMASTER

ALL MODELS
High-grade steel, 42 mm case diameter Limited Edition
Unidirectional turning bezel adjustable at 120 gaits B-42 MARINEMASTER
B-42 MARINEMASTER Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating CHRONOGRAPH ALARM
DAY / DATE WHITE B-42 MARINEMASTER B-42 MARINEMASTER on both sides Chronometer C.O.S.C.
Automatic 2836-2 DAY / DATE CHRONOGRAPH Superluminova coated numbers, hands and indices 300 pieces
Superluminova coated dial Automatic 2836-2 Automatic 7750 Individually numbered Automatic F2001-5
647.11.42 Si 02 647.10.41 K 638.10.41 M Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar 639.10.41 L 01
48 49
Cassandra – a spaceship cruising in the universe.
The crew: frozen in deep sleep in search of new living space. Hope on the way to station 42.

B-42 BLACK

These scenes are taken from the first ever Swiss science fiction movie. FORTIS aboard. Titanium, carbon fibre,
caoutchouc – the materials of space, perfectly made. Titanium Black – produced under vacuum conditions.

ALL MODELS
Titanium black PVD coated, 42 mm case diameter
Unidirectional turning bezel adjustable at 120 gaits
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
on both sides
Carbon fibre dial B-42 BLACK B-42 BLACK
Superluminova coated numbers, hands and indices AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH
Individually numbered Automatic 2836-2 Automatic 7750
Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar 647.28.71 K 638.28.71 K
50 51
Confronted with the task to design an artistic watch
inspired by outer space, without the formal design
philosophy of FORTIS, Prof. Gerd Winner came up with
the idea of his planet space watch.

LIMITED ART EDITION GERD WINNER

The cosmic complexity with its energy fields as part of

our solar system, with its planets and moons and the
sun being our life source in the centre, constitutes the
main design feature. At night the special edition dial
reveals a whole new dimension to our eyes.

Limited Edition
ART EDITION "PLANET" BY GERD WINNER
300 pieces
Automatic 7750
Titanium black PVD coated, 42 mm case diameter
Unidirectional turning bezel adjustable at 120 gaits
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
on both sides
Individually numbered
Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar
638.28.17 K

52 53
The humorous aspect of this design characterises Rolf
Sachs’ personality. Only at a second glance is the secret
of its intention revealed. This inventive FORTIS ART
EDITION created in the spirit of Dadaism playfully unites
humour and a laid-back ease with the perfection of its
mechanical inner life. The concept of the “IQ Watch”
emerged from the artist’s surrealism shop window design
for “Selfridges” in London on the occasion of a DADA
exhibition in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Limited
edition of 999 pieces, individually numbered.

LIMITED ART EDITION ROLF SACHS

Limited Edition
ART EDITION "IQ" BY ROLF SACHS
999 pieces
Automatic 2824-2
High-grade steel black PVD coated
40 mm case diameter
Sapphire crystal
Individually numbered
Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar
596.18.61 IQ L 01
54 55
 The concept of the SQUARE
watch results from a partner-
ship between FORTIS and
SWISS International Air Lines.

SQUARE
The result: A square watch
with a 38 x 38 mm steel case,
giving the watch its identity.
The glass caseback, mounted
with four screws, allows a
view into the micromechanical
movement.

SQUARE SQUARE
AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH
Automatic 2836-2 Automatic 7750
High-grade steel, 38 x 38 mm High-grade steel, 38 x 38 mm
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective
coating on both sides coating on both sides
Superluminova coated numbers, Superluminova coated numbers,
hands and indices hands and indices
Glass caseback Glass caseback
Individually numbered Individually numbered
Water-resistant 100 m / 10 bar Water-resistant 100 m / 10 bar
Lug widths 24 mm Lug widths 24mm
653.10.41 L 16 667.10.41 L 16
56 57

The Tiger is the symbol of the Swiss 11 Fighter
squadron, a special unit of the Swiss Army. Their
professionalism, speed and precision are demonstrated
by these elite pilots, as they fly F/A-18 Hornet jets. On
duty, they are accompanied by the SPACEMATIC
CHRONOGRAPH as their official squadron watch.
58
The chronograph stop-function is closely associated
with sports. But the same requirements are needed by
the armed forces, whilst broadening the spectrum of
use. FORTIS, whose competence and experience as
a producer of precision chronographs has been ably
demonstrated in the past, now enjoys confirmation
from satisfied squadrons around the world having
chosen the FORTIS brand.
59
 SPACEMATIC

ALL MODELS
SPACEMATIC High-grade steel, 40 mm case diameter SPACEMATIC
SPACEMATIC CHRONOGRAPH Sapphire crystal SPACEMATIC SPACEMATIC CHRONOGRAPH
DAY / DATE Automatic 7750 Superluminova coated numbers, hands DAY / DATE GMT Automatic 7750
Automatic 2836-2 Individually numbered and indices Automatic 2836-2 Automatic 2893-2 Individually numbered
623.22.31 M 625.22.31 L 01 Water-resistant 200 m / 20 bar 623.22.11 M 624.22.11 M 625.22.11 M
60
52 61
53
 The special edition ”51 Immelmann” was issued at the
request of the German Air Force Tactical
Reconnaissance Wing, which besides its tasks with
NATO, also perform civil duties.

SQUADRON EDITIONS

Through these high-tech timepieces the pilots identify

with their squadron in which they have served.

62 63
GLOSSARY
AMPLITUDE
Expression for the maximum angle by
which a balance swings from its
position of rest, measured as an angle
in degrees. The accuracy of a watch
requires constant amplitudes. Oscillations
are considered reasonable being in the
range of 250° - 300°.
ACCURACY
The rate of a watch can be affected by
things such as the timepiece’s positi-
on (vertical etc.), changes in tempera-
ture, magnetic fields, condensation,
irregular winding, and the condition of
the movement’s lubrication. Despite
influence by the above mentioned
occurrences, the mechanical watch is
still very precise. A deviation of 20
seconds in a 24-hour period is consi-
dered normal and demonstrates
an accuracy of 99.9768%.
AUTOMATIC WINDING
The automatic watch is primarily
wound by the movement of the wrist.
The automatic watch can also be
wound using the crown. The main-
spring cannot be over-wound.
AUTOMATIC WINDING MECHANISM
The movement of the wrist causes an
oscillating weight to swing, winding
the mainspring. The world’s first auto-
matic wristwatch in serial production,
the legendary HARWOOD was intro-
duced in 1926 by FORTIS.
BAR
Technically and in physics bar stands
for a unit for pressure, corresponding
to the SI-system ( SI = abbr. for
French: Système international d'uni-
tés). The word bar is descending from
the Greek word “báros”, meaning
heavy. One physical atmosphere
(normal pressure) corresponds to
about one bar (1 atm = 1,013250 bar).
A water column of one metre causes a
pressure of about 0,1 bar (one metre
water column (mWC) approx. 0,1 bar).
A watch marked water-resistant to
100 m has successfully passed the
pressure test for 10 bar.
64
BEZEL
Revolving part of the watch case, at
FORTIS adjustable in gaits of half a
minute. A bezel can revolve uni- or bi-
directionally. Sports watch bezels
feature an ascending minute scale
and revolve counter-clockwise. A
pilot’s watch bezel is rotating in both
directions for the rapid adjustment
and perception of elapsed time on the
descending minute scale. A 24 hour
indication allows the setting of an
additional time zone.
CAOUTCHOUC
(indian. cao = tree and ochu = tear) in
an collective term for elastic polymers
out of which rubber is compounded. It
is extracted from the natural, milky
emulsion of a variety of plants.
C.O.S.C. CHRONOMETER TEST
(Contrôle Officiel Suisse des
Chronomètres)
The sought-after ratification certifi-
cates (bulletin de marche) are only
awarded when the watch movement
has undergone a strict, two-week
ratification test in various positions
and temperatures. The award “Official
Chronometer” confers on timepieces
the accolade of belonging to the finest
art of watchmaking.
COMPLICATION
Watch movement with one or more
additional mechanisms such as
repeaters, chimes, chronograph and
alarm.
ESCAPEMENT
Mechanism fitted between the gear
train and the oscillating system.
ESCAPE WHEEL
Last wheel of the gear train, turns the
fastest.
GASKETS
The water-resistance of watches is
guaranteed by gaskets of varying
materials. Over the course of time,
these succumb to natural wear and
tear. The rays of the sun, sweat, soap,
and bath additives make gaskets britt-
le or harden them. It is recommended
that a watch’s water-resistance should
be tested at least once a year.
GMT / GREENWICH MEAN TIME
UTC / UNIVERSAL TIME COORDI-
NATED
The zero meridian located in
Greenwich, England, is used as the
prime basis of standard world time.
Time shifts by one hour every 15
degrees of longitude, increasing going
east and decreasing going west,
resulting in 24 time zones.
GOING BARREL
Closed box containing the main-
spring.
HAND WINDING
A mechanical watch that the wearer
needs to wind by hand everyday. By
turning the crown the main spring is
wound. Daily winding guarantees an
even, precise functioning.
HIGH-GRADE STEEL
Rust-proof steel with extremely low
susceptibility to corrosion.
JEWELS
Synthetic jewels (rubies) are used as
bearings for the train wheels to reduce
friction.
JEWEL / ENDSTONE
A synthetic ruby whose function it is
to reduce pivot friction. End stones
are used for the balance staff and
occasionally for the pallet and escape
wheel staffs.
LEATHER STRAP
A natural product with a limited life-
span. It can be damaged by humidity,
perspiration, chemicals, and rubbing.
When replacement of the strap be-
comes necessary, the spring bar
should also be replaced.
MERIDIAN
The earth is divided into degrees of
longitude called meridians. Beginning
at the zero meridian (GMT), there are
180 meridians to the east and 180
meridians to the west.
METAL BRACELET
Regular cleaning with a brush under
warm, running water prolongs the life of
a bracelet. At the same time the screws
on the sides of the links should be
checked and tightened if necessary.
This also applies to the spring bar.
MINERAL CRYSTAL, HARDENED
A hardened crystal that is twice as
scratch-resistant as an ordinary mine-
ral crystal.
PALLET
The moving part of a movement’s
escapement.
POWER RESERVE
The amount of energy a watch has
from when it is fully wound until it
stops. An automatically winding watch
should have between 38 and 48 hours
of power reserve.
PRESSURE RESISTANCE
Is the maximum amount of pressure
per unit applied on a watch. It is usu-
ally expressed as the physical force
“bar” or the water depth in metres.
One metre of diving depth corres-
ponds to about 0,1 bar.
PUSHERS
These are mounted on the side of the
watch case and are used for operating
various functions.
PHYSICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION
(PVD)
A process of coating, completed in a
vacuum by means of a physical trans-
fer of material from a target to a sub-
strate. A vaporized metal is deposited
as a coating.
REGULATE
The performing of adjustments to
ensure precision timing.
ROTOR
A flat, heavy piece of metal that rota-
tes in the watch, winding the main-
spring.
SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL
High quality synthetic sapphire crystal
that is extremely resistant to scrat-
ches. It is much harder and more
scratch-resistant than a mineral crystal.
SILICONE USING A WATCH AS A COMPASS
Is referring to a group of inorganic It is possible to determine the orienta-
polymers which, to some extent, are tion using a wristwatch, assuming the
hybrids as they consist of an inorganic sun is shining. The direction will be
backbone with organic side groups. correct if the watch is set for true local
Their chemical properties are unique time, without adjustments for daylight
and unmatched by other synthetics. savings time. The further you are away
from the equator, the more accurate
SHOCK PROTECTION this method will be. Hold the watch
Device for protecting the balance-staff horizontally and point the hour hand in
pivots from damage. the direction of the sun. The bisecting
line, dividing the angle between twelve
SPRING BAR o'clock and the hour hand, is pointing
A bar with flexible end parts that is south, therefore, north is in the oppo-
necessary to attach a strap or bracelet site direction. (Valid for the northern
to the case. hemisphere). For people in the southern
hemisphere, the process is the same,
STOP SECOND however, as the sun is to the north
This is used to set the time precisely when it reaches maximum altitude, the
to the second. Pulling out the crown watch can be used to define south
stops the second hand automatically. accordingly.
TACHYMETER
Used to measure speed by calculating Morning
the time needed to go for a certain
distance. For example if one kilometre South
(1,000 metres) was covered in 20
seconds, the tachometric scale shows
a speed of 180 km/h.
TITANIUM
A metal that is also an excellent mate-
rial for wristwatches due to its low
Sun
weight and barely existent allergic
reaction risk. Titanium quickly adjusts
to the skin temperature of its wearer Afternoon
making it especially comfortable to
wear.
WATER-RESISTANCE South
Crown and pushers should not be
operated under water in order to
prevent water entering the watch.
Water-resistant with pushed-in /
screw-in crown only. Watches without
screw down crowns and pushers
should be checked regularly for
damage. An annual water-resistance
Sun
test is recommended.
65
FORTIS HISTORY
1912
The watch factory was established in
Grenchen, Switzerland by Walter Vogt.
1943
FORTIS was among the range of
Swiss brands with high technical
expertise. Alongside the production of
the most precise mechanical chrono-
graphs, FORTIS showed its excellence
in presenting the first water-resistant
automatic wristwatches.
1987
The company's 75th anniversary. FORTIS
set a trend with its new edition of the
FLIEGER AUTOMATIC collection.
1994
After endurance tests stretching the
bounds of physics, the Star City
Training Center chose the FORTIS
OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS CHRONO-
GRAPH as part of their official
cosmonauts equipment.
1994
The space mission “EUROMIR 94”
crew was the first to be presented
with the FORTIS COSMONAUTS SET
and it became the world's first auto-
matic chronograph in open space
outside the space station.
1995
The world height record - 30,000
metres. The FORTIS chronographs
were on the pilot's wrist as they set
the world height record flight on a
non-experimental MiG-25 PU double-
seater aircraft, flown by Alexander
Garnaev & Alexandre Paringaux.

1926
Series production of the world’s first
self-winding wristwatch, the legendary
HARWOOD.

1988
Decoration: iF Product Design Award

1992
SPACE ART EDITION on board of a
Proton rocket, designed by the artist
Andora, launched together with a
weather satellite.

1937
On the occasion of the company's
25th anniversary, FORTIS manufactured
its first chronographs.
1956
FORTIS won the leading chronometer
award conferred by the Swiss institute
for official time keeping tests, for the
first water-resistant mechanical alarm
chronometer.

1959
In India FORTIS Automatic watches
were very popular.

66 67
1997
The FORTIS OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS
CHRONOGRAPH was chosen to be the
official watch of the German-Russian
space mission MIR 97.
1998
The first ever Automatic Chronograph
with integrated mechanical Alarm.
World novelty. Patent EP 0806712.
68
2000
Millennium Expedition to the South
Pole. New Year’s Eve 1999-2000:
Austrian Ernst Zinnhobler became
the first European to perform an
extreme jump over the South Pole.
He jumped off at the icy height of
5,000 m, his speed of fall reaching
250 km/h, accompanied by a COSMO-
NAUTS CHRONOGRAPH.
2000
SPACEMATIC - The Next Generation.
With this collection, FORTIS took a
giant step into the new millennium.
2001
PILOT PROFESSIONAL CHRONO-
GRAPH became the official watch of
the Hungarian Air Force.
2001
“GTS” Global Transmission Services.
The first experiment on board the
International Space Station – ISS was
to test the global synchronization of
wristwatches from space.
Deeply involved in the world of aviation
and space, FORTIS took part in the
development of a new radio-control-
led signal in cooperation with the
European Space Agency ESA, the
German Aerospace Center DLR and
the DaimlerChrysler research depart-
ment.
2001
“Star of the Blue Planet”
FORTIS was presented with this medal of
honour from the Russian Space Agency,
Rosaviakosmos, for
commitment to the
continuous develop-
ment of mechanical
chronographs for avia-
tion and space travel.
No. 1 International Watch Award.
In Japan the FORTIS OFFICIAL
COSMONAUTS CHRONOGRAPH won
the watch magazine “BEGIN” Grand
Prix in the category for space watches.
Nepal expedition of Dieter Glogowski.
Two Sadhu pilgrims and the expedition
watch OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS.
2002
World height record for helicopters of
12,954 metres, set by French pilot
Fred North with his AS 350B helicopter
“ECUREUIL”. Along for the ride: B-42
PILOT PROFESSIONAL CHRONO-
GRAPH.
2003
Premiere: B-42 OFFICIAL COSMO-
NAUTS CHRONOGRAPH ALARM.
2004
Winner of
the “1st
European
Aviation
Watch Award”:
FLIEGER
CHRONOGRAPH.
10 years official supplier to space
missions. Yuri Gidzenko, member of the
first expedition crew to the International
Space Station – ISS went to Asia on
the occasion of the company’s jubilee
as a FORTIS ambassador.
2004
“Four years, more than 700 days
walking through 11,000 km of arctic
tundra,10 million footsteps in the
snow of four winters…” Gilles Elkaim
approached his final 28 km stretch of
this unique expedition with excite-
ment. On this wild and unforgiving trek
from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean,
the Frenchman wore the OFFICIAL
COSMONAUTS CHRONOGRAPH.
2004
Exactly 10 years after the first official
flight FORTIS is reconfirmed as the
exclusive supplier of manned space
missions authorized by ROSKOSMOS,
the Federal Space Agency. The B-42
OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS CHRONO-
GRAPH floating in space on board the
International Space Station.
69
2006
The high altitude research rocket
MAXUS 7 was launched in May for
a 13-minute flight in zero gravity.
On board, several B-42 OFFICIAL
COSMONAUTS CHRONOGRAPHS.
2007
The limited edition of the FLIEGER
CHRONOGRAPH ALARM PLATINUM,
was awarded 2nd place in “The World’s
best Watches - Golden Balance
Wheel” reader’s choice of FOCUS
News magazine and Uhren Magazin
category up to 25.000 Euro.
2007
The Portuguese Air force decided
on FORTIS FLIEGER chronographs
as their jubilee edition to celebrate
the 50th anniversary of the Bisontes
squadron.
2007
15 years after the first test in Star City,
the third generation of B-42 automatic
chronographs accompanies the con-
struction of the International Space
Station.
2007
In the Training Center Star City, under
the supervision of General Wassily
Zibliew, Crew TMA 10 / ISS 15 prepa-
res for its flight to space. On Board:
B-42 OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS
CHRONOGRAPHS.
2008
The military pilots and summiteers
Georg Csak and Dominik Rind on their
Arctic Summits expedition.
2008
Successful world premiere of the GTS
signal reception during the Hanover Fair’s
special exhibition, Spacetransfer 08.
2008
The B-42 FLIEGER CHRONOGRAPH
ALARM edition scored the 2nd place
at the "Golden Balance" award in the
category up to 10.000 Euros.
Readers’
choice
Best
watches
of the
world
2008
The head of the Federal Space
Agency of Russia, Anatoli Perminov
and FORTIS director Peter Peter met
in Berlin on the occasion of the inter-
national aviation show ILA.
2008 We would especially like to thank
Four kinetic sculptures of the Swiss Artist Federal Space Agency, ROSKOMOS
Jean Tinguely crowned the oldtimer exhi- Cosmonauts-Training-Center, Star City
bition held at the Automobile Club de Mission Control Center, Korolev
Monaco. SAS Albert II The Prince of BMP Institute of Biomedical Problems
Monaco received the no. 1 out of 100 of Steinbeis Space Transfer Center
a limited watch edition named PIT STOP. NASA
ESA
DLR
EADS Astrium GmbH
Atlantis Pictures Ltd. / CARGO
Correia, Nuno / TORRES
Csak, Georg
Dezhurov, Vladimir
Eichhorn, Walter
Elkaim, Gilles / ARKTIKA
Gidzenko, Yuri
Huber, Dr. Felix
Launch of the European research module Hungarian Air Force / Jet Fly
Columbus to the International Space Immelmann 51 / Reconnaissance Wing
Station ISS. Klages, Stefan
Korniyenko, Mikhail
Kotov, Oleg
Magyar Szárnyak / Hungarian Wings
Malenchenko, Yuri
Meijer, Igor / DPPI
Merbold, Dr. Ulf
Musabayev, Talgat
NATO AWACS Unit
North, Fred
Padalka, Gennadi
PC-7 Team / Swiss Air Force
Rind, Dominik
Romanenko, Roman
Shargin, Yuri
Swiss 11 Fighter Squadron
Swiss International Air Lines
Yurchikhin, Fyodor
Zinnhobler, Ernst
2009
To planet MARS with FORTIS. To
simulate a space mission to MARS, 6
test persons will spend 520 days in
the closed circuit of the space lab since 1912 swiss
Mars 500.
© 2008 FORTIS Uhren AG, CH-Grenchen
All models legally protected. Models subject to change.
The valid operating instructions form the basis for the
proper use of the watches.

70 71
www.fortis-watches.com