The Fortis watches in our range come from several series: Marinemaster M-40 dive watches, Flieger F-41 and Stratoliner pilot and chronograph models, and Novonaut pieces – almost exclusively automatic men's watches with 20–50 atm water resistance. We are an official Fortis dealer: you can order the watches with manufacturer warranty and home delivery, and our own watch service helps with later maintenance.
What is worth knowing about Fortis's history?
Fortis is a watch brand founded in 1912 in Grenchen, Switzerland, by Walter Vogt. In 1926, together with John Harwood, it produced the first series-produced automatic wristwatch, and since 1994 it has also supplied equipment for astronauts: Fortis's official cosmonaut chronograph even visited the Mir space station. That instrument-maker's approach still shows in the watches today: a highly legible dial, a robust case and serious water resistance.
Which Fortis series should you choose?
- Marinemaster M-40: the brand's most popular entry point. A dive watch with 20–30 atm water resistance and a compact case of around 40 mm; right for summer days and for swimming.
- Marinemaster Ocean: a more serious dive character, for when water resistance matters most.
- Flieger F-41 and Stratoliner S-41: a pilot and chronograph feel, with large, high-contrast numerals. The Aviatis Nocturnal gives this a darker, night-flight character.
- Novonaut N-42 and AMADEE-24: the space-exploration line; larger, more technical pieces for those who choose them for the brand's cosmonaut heritage.
What do 20, 30 and 50 atm water resistance mean?
A dive watch is generally one with water resistance of at least 20 atm (200 m). Fortis series typically come with 20, 30 or 50 atm, so all of them fall into this group. In everyday terms, swimming, snorkelling and sea holidays are no problem as long as the crown is screwed down. It is worth having the water resistance tested from time to time, especially if you wear the watch in the water regularly.
How do you decide which one suits you?
With a watch of this calibre, size is the key: measure your wrist circumference and compare it with the case diameter and thickness given on the product page. Pilot watch cases look bigger than their size on paper, while the Marinemaster sits well even on a slimmer wrist. We handle warranty claims with the brand's official service centre. If you want to compare other premium brands, you will find them among the wristwatches.
If you are stuck choosing, write to us with the models you are interested in and we will help you compare them.
Fortis watches – questions before you buy
What kind of brand is Fortis?
Fortis is a watch brand founded in 1912 in Grenchen, Switzerland. In 1926 it produced the first series-produced automatic wristwatch, and since 1994 it has also made watches for astronauts.
What determines the price of a Fortis watch?
The series, the movement and the edition. The Marinemaster M-40 is the brand's entry level, the Flieger and Stratoliner are the middle of the range, and the Novonaut and the special limited editions are at the top.
Which Fortis is a dive watch?
The Marinemaster M-40 and the Marinemaster Ocean are Fortis's dive watches, with water resistance between 20 and 30 atm. The range also includes Fortis models rated to 50 atm.
Are all Fortis watches automatic?
The vast majority of Fortis collections are automatic, with only the occasional quartz model. Automatic watches are wound by the movement of your wrist and run without a battery.
Can you swim with a Fortis Marinemaster?
Yes, with the 20–30 atm Marinemaster models you can swim and even snorkel. Always screw the crown down before entering the water.
Does a Fortis watch come with a warranty, and where can I have it serviced?
We are an official Fortis dealer, so every watch comes with the manufacturer warranty. We handle warranty claims with the brand's official service centre, and our own watch service helps with maintenance.