Fortis Watches: Swiss Legends With Space-Age Credentials
In the vast universe of Swiss watchmaking, some brands shout loudly, plastering their logos on billboards and celebrities’ wrists. Then there’s Fortis: a brand that’s been quietly making history since 1912, producing tough-as-nails tool watches that have literally gone where few others dare — outer space.
If you’re looking for a watch with genuine adventure in its DNA (rather than just a shiny marketing story), Fortis is a name worth knowing. With prices starting at just over £2000 and rising up to nearly £7000, we’re breaking our own price rules by featuring Fortis, but, we think they’re worth the feature, here’s why…
A Century of Innovation
Founded by Walter Vogt in Grenchen, Switzerland, Fortis began life with a bold move: becoming the first watch company to mass-produce automatic wristwatches in the 1920s. At a time when most people were still clinging to pocket watches, Fortis was already strapping innovation onto wrists.
Over the years, they’ve equipped pilots, divers, explorers and even astronauts, all while keeping their focus firmly on function over fluff.
The Space Watch That’s Still Up There 🚀
Here’s where things get interstellar. In 1994, Fortis became the official supplier to the Russian space programme. The Fortis Cosmonauts Chronograph has since clocked up more zero-gravity hours than most of us have spent queuing for coffee.
While Omega Speedmaster fans love to remind everyone theirs was the first on the Moon, Fortis owners can smugly point out: “Yes, but ours is still being used in space today.”
Credit - Fortis
The Collections
Fortis keeps its designs focused, functional and purposeful. Highlights include:
Fortis Flieger – Proper pilot’s watches: no nonsense, highly legible, and built for life above the clouds.
Fortis Marinemaster – Diving watches that are every bit as rugged as their name suggests.
Fortis Stratoliner – A modern space-inspired chronograph, bridging history with contemporary style.
Every watch is built with durability in mind, whether it’s facing deep-sea pressure, G-forces in the cockpit, or cosmic radiation.
Why Choose Fortis?
Let’s cut through the noise: the luxury watch market is filled with brands that spend more on marketing than engineering. Fortis takes the opposite approach. Here’s why they stand out:
Heritage with substance – Over 110 years of Swiss watchmaking innovation.
Proven in extremes – Trusted in space, under water, and in the skies.
Independent spirit – Fortis isn’t part of a giant conglomerate, which means they answer to watch lovers, not shareholders.
Practical designs – Built for professionals, not just for posing at the bar.
Credit - Fortis
Credit - Fortis
Credit - Fortis
Final Thoughts
Fortis isn’t about bling, fashion trends or celebrity endorsements. It’s about no-nonsense Swiss engineering, serious history, and watches that are actually used for what they were designed for.
So, if you want a watch that’s been to space, dived the oceans and flown with pilots — yet still remains under the radar compared to the usual Swiss suspects — Fortis deserves a place on your wrist.
After all, how many brands can genuinely say: “Our watches are still orbiting Earth as we speak”?
Discover more at www.fortis-swiss.com.
