FORTIS OFFICIAL COSMONAUTS CHRONO

Brief Intro:

FORTIS watches are engineered specially for Space and Aviation. They have deeply been involved in both worlds since early 90's. The Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chrono has been constructed and tested to extreme conditions/levels to withstand the equivalent in space. Fortis is the exclusive and the official supplier to the Russian Space industry and the training facility (Starcity). Further info: www.fortis-watch.com

Specs:

-38mm Stainless steel case (bead blasted).
-Chronograph
-Tachymetre
-Day/Date
-Automatic Swiss Valjoux 7750 movt.
-Bead blasted stanless steel case.
-Sapphire crystal
-Anti Reflective coating both sides of the crystal.
-Water resist 200m with scuba ability.
-Screw down crown and chronograph buttons.

Review:

The review is based on normal (end user) daily wear.

This particular model is the actual certified model used for orbital space missions. This one is amongst the special models with the blue burst dial and are very rare to find these days. It has been put on a velcro strap so the steel bracelet can be kept safe from normal daily wear.

The First test involves the hot climate conditions. It was placed under a average room halogen light about 10" away for 2 hrs as the heat of the halogen gradually built up in the watch. Further, as after the test it was taken to a tub of normal tap water and was left in for 10 mins. Misting/fogging did appear behind the crystal but all disappeared in a matter of a minute. The watch was working perfectly and did not develop in significant time loss or cosmetic damage.

The Second test as taken advantage of winters and recent snow fall here in the UK, the watch was left outside (back yard) buried in snow and icy weather for 24hrs consective. When the ice cold watch was taken out and bought in normal room tempraure the power reserve was still functional and the watch was ticking with no noticable time gain or loss.

The Third test invovles daily basis shock resistance. The watch has been worn as normal day and night on the wrist for the past many weeks and has been invovled in playing tennis, swimming, playing arcade games as punching the punch bag and high/fine vibaration based arcade game (Adams family fester's electric shock). No developed signifcant problems, time loss or gain.

The Fourth test is the water resistancy. I have not been diving with this watch yet but can see no problems the watch being used with a scuba gear. The watch has been thrown in the deepest end sports professional swimming pool and been left for approx 1hr. The watch had no dampness or water in the case and was dry like a bone.

Movement:

This Fortis Chrono is based on the Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750. It is however modified/customised at Fortis end. These movements are very durable and reliable and is an absolute workhorse. The power reserve is 48hrs. The pendulum of the watch swings quiet fast and frequent as opposed from the normal ETA movements. On a careful listen, the bearings can be heared and the pendulum movement can be felt while swinging but that is very normal. As for time keeping it has given me a stunning +2 seconds per week. It was worn daily day and night though.

Look and Feel:

Every person has his own style and taste for watches which is respected for. As for this model, it blends in well with nearly all occasions i.e sports, evening, casual, meetings, weddings..etc. its very comfortable and well balanced to wear and does not feel heavy. Very reasonably sized watch to wear. It is certainly an eye catcher and have been commented on the watch a few times for its stunning looks and distinctiveness. People who know about swiss watches respect and appreciate the Fortis speciality and people who dont know, are intrigued and then educated about FORTIS. The feel is very confident and satisfying.

General:

All in all this is a brilliant watch for the price as you get a lot of watch and respect. This watch has proven its excellent quality and dependability greater than other known/popular swiss brands that we 'commercaily' see now a days. Fortis is now rapidly becoming popular amongst swiss watch brands and fans in the common market. I will highly recommend this watch.