Walter Vogt recognized that an accelerating way of life was fueling demand for time-management accessories, and in 1926 the brand's founder answered it with affordable wristwatches. Just a few decades later, it was clear that Fortis timepieces were fit for expeditions into space. Fans of Fortis space watches can't overlook the heritage brand, which unveiled the new Novonaut on October 13, 2023 - a high flyer in terms of robustness, accuracy, and aesthetics.
Tool Watches for Space - from the Spacematic to the Novonaut
Many people feared the acceleration of time that came with the rise of the railroad and the automobile. The opposite was true of Walter Vogt, who was fascinated by this new sense of time. He went into business for himself and, fittingly for the era, set up his company right next to the train station in Grenchen. Fortis has kept its enthusiasm for conquering new frontiers ever since. This has been reflected throughout the brand's model history, and especially in the 1961 Spacematic AR (All Risks). The founder's son, Rolf Vogt, traveled across the USA and presented it to the Gemini program as a tribute to space exploration.
The first space watch was well received by NASA astronauts, but it didn't prove to be the watchmaker's big breakthrough. That came in 1992, when the Stratoliner was welcomed aboard a rocket - an established tool watch equipped for trips to the stratosphere. Originally, this was a marketing event for a cigarette brand, but it delivered the breakthrough nonetheless.
ROSCOSMOS was so impressed by the timepiece that it led to a partnership in 1994 and to the Official Cosmonauts Chronographs. These adventurers proved themselves on countless missions, were produced as the Fortis B-42 version from 2003 onward, and were in need of a worthy successor. Mission accomplished: the new Novonaut is now conquering the cosmos as the First Edition, Legacy Edition, and Blue Edition.
Simply Fascinating - Space-Proven Luxury Watches for Adventures on Earth
Who actually gets the chance to explore distant galaxies? The answer leads straight to the question of why enthusiasm for space-tested wristwatches and the new Novonaut runs so high. On expeditions into space, it's not only the cosmonauts who are exposed to extreme conditions, but all of their equipment as well. That's especially true when technical gear isn't protected by the spacesuit during spacewalks and is worn over it instead - the wristwatch, for example. Just as punishing as the vacuum is the range of temperatures, which spans from minus 120 to plus 120 degrees Celsius. If you prefer a more "down-to-earth" wristwatch, take a look at the Fortis Terrestis.
As standard equipment on many expeditions, the predecessor of the Fortis Novonaut demonstrated that it performs superbly under extreme conditions. In test scenarios, the new Novonaut proved that it is space-ready - and therefore a reliable lifelong companion here on Earth, too. On the Legacy Edition, the idea behind it is engraved on the steel caseback: "The real fuel is curiosity." Simply knowing that this automatic watch could fearlessly set off on a space adventure and return unscathed is inspiring.
What's Different Inside - Werk 17
John Harwood watched children on a seesaw and had a flash of inspiration: he developed a self-winding mechanism for watches and traveled to Switzerland to have his invention patented in 1924. The founder of Fortis recognized the value of the function, and in 1926, together with the English watchmaker, presented the first serially produced automatic watch - a milestone in history. The brand has stayed true to this pioneering spirit, and "Werk 17" is a prime example. It marks the key differences between the Novonaut Editions and the previous Cosmonauts collection.
The automatic in-house column-wheel caliber is water-resistant to 20 bar, offers a weekend-proof power reserve of 60 hours, and impresses with excellent accuracy. Hardship doesn't compromise its precision, as the manufacturer spectacularly proved. It used its partnership with the Swedish Space Corporation to send 13 pieces up into the stratosphere. There they were exposed to extreme temperatures (+/- 60 degrees Celsius), intense radiation, and winds of up to 250 km/h. Despite these stresses, the "test candidates" were running flawlessly on their return. Since 2022, "Werk 17," developed together with Manufacture La Joux-Perret, has powered the Fortis Stratoliner - and naturally it defines the Novonaut as well.
[box type="info" align="" class="" width=""]By the way: the balloon carrying the gondola full of movements floated gently skyward, while the landing was extremely rough. Videos of the space test show it. Anyone who watches them will be convinced of the robustness of the movement and all its components. "Galactic proof of quality" like this underscores the differences that make Fortis Novonaut watches and other space watches so exciting.[/box]Bold in Every Respect - the New Fortis Novonaut
In the 1920s, wearing a timepiece openly on the arm seemed unacceptable. The idea was ridiculed as a "confusion of femininity," but that didn't stop the watch brand from pursuing its daring design concept. At the latest, the automatic watch that accompanied the Zeppelin's round-the-world flight in 1929 on the wrist of journalist Lady Drummond-Hay proved that the concept was in step with the times. The brand's history draws attention to the Novonaut's aesthetic differences. These models are daring because they look more distinctive than their counterparts from other luxury brands.
The "count-up" bezel with ceramic insert extends beyond the stainless steel case, resulting in an overall diameter of 44 mm. On the strictly limited First Edition and the regular Legacy Edition, the orange accents pop against the black dials. With clever details, the Novonaut Chronograph makes 13 its lucky number. For example, that day appears in orange in the date display.
The Legacy Edition emphasizes its sporty character with its matte-black tone and steel caseback, while the First Edition, with its glossy finish and smoked sapphire crystal caseback, looks more refined. A detail for connoisseurs: on the limited reference, a rocket blasts off at the 6 o'clock position. If you prefer something more individual, opt for the numbered Blue Edition with its cobalt-blue dial and sapphire crystal caseback.
The differences between the Fortis Novonaut Editions are limited to their looks. Otherwise, all references share identical watch technology, which proves its practical worth as a stopwatch and as a countdown timer, for example. The half-hour markings on the dial are unconventional and helpful in everyday life. The stainless steel bracelet is designed so it can be loosened or tightened effortlessly. You'll appreciate that on days when there's a big difference between outdoor and indoor temperatures. If you like a more casual style, you'll enjoy the versions with a textile hybrid strap.
Has your curiosity been piqued? Then an extended rendezvous with the Novonaut is in order. Like space itself, it's full of new experiences and discoveries. The happy ending: the brand stays true to its philosophy of offering affordable time-management masterpieces. Compared to other luxury watches, all Fortis Novonaut Editions are reasonably priced.
