In 1992, a Stratoliner Chronograph became the first Fortis watch
to be launched into space. Amazingly, you can still wear this legendary timepiece today.
The venerable Fortis Stratoliner Chronograph earned a permanent place in history when it went into orbit in 1992 on board a Russian Proton rocket. Even though other Fortis space watches became better known over the years, the Stratoliner never went out of production and eventually became part of the popular Fortis B-42 Collection.
Early Stratoliner Chronographs are prized by watch collectors, but you can still wear essentially the same timepiece today. Fortis has replaced the original Lemania movement with a precision, Swiss made Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement and made some minor cosmetic changes to the case, but the Stratoliner is still the professional, no-nonsense timing tool it always was.
Each of these 42 mm masterpieces features an easy-to-read black or white chronograph dial with well-placed 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers at 6 and 12 o’clock. There is also a free running small seconds display at 9 o’clock, along with a convenient day-date display. A precisely lettered tachymeter scale on the bezel encircles the functional dial, and a pair of well-placed pushers on either side of the large, knurled winding crown makes timing events easy.
| Fortis 665.12.71 B-42 Stratoliner Chronograph |
Fortis 665.10.12 B-42 Stratoliner Chronograph |
|
 |
 |
|
| Click to Enlarge Image | Click to Enlarge Image |
The Fortis B-42 Stratoliner Chronograph’s rugged stainless steel case is water resistant to 660 feet, and can be equipped with your choice of a silicon, caoutchouc, or premium calfskin strap. A beautiful, solid stainless steel bracelet with a fold-over clasp is also available on some models. An anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal protects the chronograph dial and an exhibition caseback provides an intriguing view of the intricate automatic mechanical movement at work.
If you appreciate fine timing tools and would like to own a piece of history, the Fortis B-42 Stratoliner Chronograph is the watch for you. This exceptional timepiece showcases the craftsmanship and quality that has made Fortis one of the world’s leading manufacturers of precision aviation and space timepieces. To put one of these legends on your own wrist, contact an authorized Fortis dealer immediately and ask to see the Fortis B-42 Stratoliner Chronograph Collection.
Gevril Group US, Canada and Caribbean Fortis Watches Agent
Gevril Group is the sole US, Canada and Caribbean agent for Fortis Watches and the authorized Fortis watch repair service center. Contact us by email or by calling 845-425-9882.
Join the conversation! Follow Gevril Group on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog.
