Fortis - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Founded in 1912 by Walter Vogt in Granges, Switzerland, Fortis is a Swiss watch manufacturer renowned for its robust and precise watches, particularly in the fields of aviation and space exploration. For more than a century, the brand has stood out for its technical innovations and its commitment to watchmaking excellence.

The Beginnings and First Innovations

Since its inception, Fortis has been committed to the production of high-quality watches. In 1926, in collaboration with British inventor John Harwood, the brand presents the first mass-produced automatic wristwatch, the "Harwood Automatic". This major innovation revolutionizes the watch industry by eliminating the need to manually wind watches.

In the 1950s, Fortis continued to innovate by introducing wristwatches with alarm function. The "Centinela" model (Venus 230) was launched in 1954, followed in 1956 by the "Fortis-Manager" (AS 1475), the brand's first waterproof wristwatch equipped with an alarm and certified chronometer. The latter won first prize in the Swiss Official Chronometer Control chronometer competition, attesting to the precision and reliability of Fortis watches.

Commitment to Aviation and Space

Fortis has always maintained a close relationship with the world of aviation. In 1962, the brand developed the "Spacematic Automatik", a watch designed to operate in extreme conditions and withstand temperature fluctuations. This model is tested by American astronauts during the Gemini program, thus demonstrating its reliability in hostile environments.

Fortis's recognition in the space sector increased in 1994 when the brand became the official supplier of the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia. The "Official Cosmonauts Chronograph" was worn for the first time in space during a mission of the American space shuttle Atlantis in September 1994. In 1997, this same model accompanied Russian cosmonauts aboard the Mir space station during the Sojus TM-19 mission. Today, the B-42 chronograph is the official watch of Russian cosmonauts, demonstrating the confidence placed in Fortis for space missions.

Challenges and Renewal

In 2017, Fortis went through a period of financial difficulties and initiated a procedure to restructure its debt. Shortly after, the brand and its headquarters are taken over by Jupp Philipp, a private investor and watch enthusiast. This acquisition marks the start of a new era for Fortis, with a strategic reorientation aimed at strengthening its positioning in the market for robust and functional luxury watches.

Iconic Collections

Among Fortis' flagship collections, we find:

Fortis Aviator : Introduced in 1987, this collection pays homage to classic aviation watches with a sleek design and optimal readability.

Fortis Marinemaster : Launched in 1957, this series is designed for nautical activities, offering remarkable waterproofness and robustness adapted to marine environments.

Fortis Cosmonauts : This collection celebrates Fortis' space heritage, with models such as the "Official Cosmonauts Chronograph", recognized for its reliability in extreme conditions.

Commitment to Innovation and Quality

Throughout its history, Fortis has demonstrated a constant commitment to technical innovation and quality. The brand was a pioneer in the development of automatic watches, chronographs with mechanical alarms and watches designed to withstand the rigors of space. This legacy of innovation, combined with meticulous attention to detail and functional aesthetics, has solidified Fortis' reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality watches for professionals and enthusiasts.

Conclusion

With over a century of watchmaking expertise, Fortis continues to stand out for its significant contributions to the industry, particularly in the fields of aviation and space exploration. The brand combines tradition and innovation, offering watches that meet the demands of the most extreme environments while maintaining timeless elegance. For lovers of robust and precise watches, Fortis remains an essential reference in the Swiss watchmaking landscape.

Get inspired by Dialicious owners’ reviews to choose the Fortis watch that suits you.

(Updated February 2025)