Fortis and Flieger

Over the past several decades Fortis has supplied military watches to German, Swiss, Greek, Hungarian, Taiwanese, and NATO Forces. However, it all began with their first Flieger that was the colorful and extra-large 55mm Sky-watch in 1987, inspired by the B-Uhr observation style watches made for German bomber pilots during WWII. In 1994, they created 3-hand and chronograph versions of the B-Uhr style new-age Flieger. The case size of the Flieger watch was later reduced, in the year 2000, to 42mm with a more subdued B-42 Automatic Flieger.

In 1997, for its 85th anniversary, Fortis collaborated with Swiss watchmaker, Paul Gerber, to manufacture the world’s first mechanical chronograph with integrated alarm function on Valjoux 7750 based caliber. He’s known for his work with the Superbia Humanitatis, the most complicated watch in the world.

In 2012, Fortis celebrated its 100th anniversary with a truly special watch in collaboration with Paul Gerber again – the F-43 Pilot Chronograph Alarm GMT Chronometer with a rapid-reset date, chronograph with 30 minute and 12-hour counters, AM/PM indicator, GMT and alarm. It had separate power indicators for the movement and the alarm complication. The same movement was featured in a new watch model — FORTIS F-43 Daybreaker Alarm in unique Stealth and Recon variants — limited to only 100 pieces each.

The Anniversary Flieger

To celebrate their anniversary of an incredible 110 years of watchmaking, Fortis returned to the Flieger line with another collaboration. Xavier Perrenoud and his research studio XJC, known for their work with new materials and production processes, created the 2020 version of the Flieger with the Werk 13 caliber in two dimensions of 41 mm and 43 mm titanium cases. The F-41 and F-43 were certified chronometers that featured an integrated GMT function and a 70-hour power reserve that made the model a great option for travelers. With the turn of the innovative bezel, it was possible to add a third timezone.

The Midnight Blue Flieger

After a successful launch of the redesigned Fortis Flieger collection in 2020, the brand has released an attractive Flieger F-41 and F-39 models in Midnight Blue dial. The timeless pilot’s watch design now has a contemporary feel with deep blue color and reduced case sizes of 41mm and 39mm.

The F-41 and F-39 Midnight Blue still features the two trademarked technologies of Fortis – Synchroline and Brixtrack. The Synchroline is a marking of five seconds on either side of 12 o’clock in Berlac Fluor Orange to ensure a calibration within a +/-5 second, supposedly useful for synchronizing the watch with other pilots, for example during formation flights. Brixtrack is the circular brushed track that incorporates applied, illuminated bricks style hour markers for increased readability in low light conditions.

Even though they are meant to be pilot’s watches, they have a respectable 200m water resistance rating. The screwed-down crown ensures an airtight sealing for water resistance. Both of the Flieger models are powered by UW-30 automatic movement with central seconds and offer 38-hours power reserve.

While there are design innovations, the newest models bring something more important to the table: sustainability. The case is made of recycled steel, and the indigo aviator leather strap is made from responsibly sourced leather. Even with the midnight blue color, one can say they are the greenest Flieger watches to date. Fortis has redefined the tool watch in the truest meaning of the word.

Tech Specs

F4220011 – F-39 Midnight Blue

Movement: UW-30 automatic movement, 38-hours power reserve
Case: 39mm, recycled stainless steel
Functions: Hour, minute, seconds, and date
Strap: Indigo colored leather, olive leaf tanned genuine cow leather, or block stainless steel bracelet
Price: USD 2,000

F4220013 – F-41 Midnight Blue

Movement: UW-30 automatic movement, 38-hours power reserve
Case: 41 mm, recycled stainless steel
Functions: Hour, minute, seconds, and date
Strap: Indigo colored leather, olive leaf tanned genuine cow leather, or block stainless steel bracelet
Price: USD 2,000

For more information: fortis-swiss