Male watches Fortis Novonaut N-42 Cobalt Blue Edition F2040012

The Swiss watch Fortis Novonaut N-42 Cobalt Blue Edition F2040012 clearly bears the distinctive space signature of the Fortis brand. Perfect legibility, robustness and durability are a given. You will use this watch not only on a journey into space, but also for everyday wear. This successor to the iconic B-42 Official Cosmonauts was introduced in October 2023. The return of the legend was scheduled, as expected, for Friday the 13th.

The Fortis Novonaut N-42 Cobalt Blue Edition F2040012 watch has a case made of recycled stainless steel, complemented by a bracelet made of the same material. Fine adjustment of the bracelet length without the use of tools is enabled by a sliding mechanism on the clasp, which is a significant improvement compared to its predecessor. Inside the case, the in-house Swiss mechanical movement Fortis WERK 17 (made for Fortis in cooperation with the manufacture La Joux-Perret) with automatic winding operates reliably. It runs at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, has 28 jewels and an extended power reserve of 60 hours. The chronograph function can be used with a minute counter at the 12 o’clock position and an hour counter at 6 o’clock. The movement also has a hacking function (stopping the seconds hand when setting) and the option of manual winding via the crown. The movement can be observed through a transparent case back made of smoked sapphire crystal. At the 3 o’clock position there is a practical date and day-of-week display. For measuring time intervals, a bi-directional rotating ceramic bezel is used.

The perfectly legible dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, which is highly resistant to scratches. The double-sided anti-reflective coating ensures excellent readability even in direct sunlight. Readability in the dark and in poor lighting conditions is enabled by SuperLuminova luminescence, applied to the hands, indices and also on the bezel. The water resistance of this model is 200 m, so it can handle greater contact with water, such as swimming or diving to approx. 20 metres. Water resistance is supported by a screw-down crown with triple sealing. Various versions of the predecessor of this model were used many times during cosmonaut flights of the Roscosmos agency into space.

The Fortis WERK 17 movement was developed and manufactured in cooperation with La Joux-Perret and is the first movement that is directly designed and intended for use in space. In cooperation with the Swedish space agency Swedish Space Corporation, the movement was tested in the stratosphere, when thirteen bare, unprotected watches were attached to the gondola holder. It was carried into the stratosphere by a balloon powered by gaseous helium. The data were then recorded on a device below it. Of course, the final goal was not only the survival of the watches in the stratosphere. One of the conditions is also unaffected rate accuracy. But this is only the beginning of the space mission of the Fortis WERK 17 movement. In cooperation with the Swedish space agency Swedish Space Corporation this movement was sent 30 km into space, where it was verified that it withstands harsh conditions such as microgravity, extreme temperatures and radiation.

Note: the case size is 42 mm, but the bezel extends 1 mm beyond the case, so the watch gives the impression of a size of 44 mm.

Personal delivery: For this model we offer the option of personal delivery (Prague and Central Bohemian Region) of the watch by the brand guarantor. If you are interested, please add a note to the order and we will contact you. More information here.

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