FORTIS Flieger Petrol

FORTIS, a name that resonates with a rich legacy of crafting precision instruments for the skies, has taken the watch world by storm once again. The Swiss watchmaker's latest offering, the Flieger Petrol series, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to creating reliable and aesthetically compelling pilot watches. This new collection, featuring the F-41, F-39, and F-43 Bicompax models, brings a fresh twist to the iconic Flieger design with a captivating petrol-colored dial that sets it apart from the traditional pilot watch crowd. These watches are made for professionals, while also having a look that is perfect for everyday wear.

FORTIS's history is deeply intertwined with aviation. Founded in 1912, the brand quickly gained recognition for its robust and accurate timepieces, becoming a trusted supplier to pilots and astronauts alike. Throughout the 20th century, Fortis continued to innovate, developing specialized watches for various demanding environments. Their association with space exploration further cemented their reputation for producing instruments that could withstand extreme conditions, while maintaining precision. This heritage is clearly reflected in the Flieger series, which embodies the brand's dedication to functionality and reliability.



The Flieger Petrol collection is a direct descendant of FORTIS's long-standing tradition of crafting pilot watches. The name "Flieger," which means "aviator" in German, is a nod to the brand's deep-rooted connection to the world of aviation. For over 40 years, FORTIS has been producing Flieger watches, each iteration building upon the success of its predecessors. The Petrol series represents a modern interpretation of this classic design, incorporating contemporary materials and a unique dial color while retaining the core principles of legibility, durability, and precision that have defined the Flieger line. The new watches pick up where the 40 years of aviation history left off and form a transition into the modern era of pilot watches. FORTIS collaborated with the SWISS Air Force to perfect the design and function of the watches, creating one of the most legible watches on the market.

The heart of the Flieger Petrol series lies in its distinctive dial color. The petrol hue, a mesmerizing blend of green and blue, is not merely a cosmetic choice. It's a deliberate design decision aimed at enhancing readability in various lighting conditions. The vertically brushed finish of the dial adds depth and texture, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow. This unique color, combined with the applied circular brushed "Brixtrack" and the luminous "Brix" and "Synchroline" elements made of Superluminova X1, ensures that the watch remains easily readable even in low-light environments. The dial color is meant to be unconventional and make the watch stand out from other pilot watches on the market. The watch was designed to have an unmatched dependability and is meant to be a tool watch that pilots trust.



Looking at the dial, one is immediately drawn to the prominent Arabic numerals, a hallmark of the Flieger design. These numerals, along with the hands and hour markers, are generously coated with Superluminova X1, a powerful luminescent material that emits a bright green glow in the dark. This ensures that the time can be read effortlessly, even in the darkest of cockpits. The hands themselves are metallic and have the same Superluminova X1 on them. The Synchroline feature, a distinctive design element unique to FORTIS, is a horizontal line that runs across the dial at the 12 o'clock position, aiding pilots in synchronizing their watches with precision. The sweep second hand is also metallic with the Superluminova X1 on it as well. The counter hands on the chronograph version are only metallic.

The Flieger Petrol models are available in three different case sizes: 39mm, 41mm, and 43mm, catering to a wide range of wrist sizes and preferences. All three models feature a robust case made from recycled stainless steel, a material known for its durability and corrosion resistance. The brushed finish of the case complements the dial's texture, creating a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic. The bidirectional 12-hour bezel, with its half-hour increments, allows for easy tracking of a second-time zone, a useful feature for pilots and frequent travelers. The case is built for ultimate durability with its brushed boldness. The watch features instant readability with its unconventional brushed finish and Superluminova X1 accents.



The case of each Flieger Petrol model is a testament to FORTIS's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The screw-down crown, equipped with a triple gasket system, ensures water resistance up to 200 meters (600 feet), making these watches suitable for both airborne and aquatic adventures. The case back is made of stainless steel and features an ultra-engraving, adding a touch of exclusivity to each timepiece. The sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating on both sides, provides excellent scratch resistance and clarity, ensuring that the dial remains unobstructed and legible at all times. The FKM Gaskets provide even more durability and performance to the watch and are made for ultimate performance.

Turning our attention to the movement, the F-39 and F-41 models are powered by the automatic Calibre UW-30, a reliable workhorse movement known for its accuracy and durability. This movement offers a power reserve of 38 hours, ensuring that the watch will continue to run even after a day or two off the wrist. The F-43 Bicompax, on the other hand, houses the Calibre UW-51, a more complex automatic chronograph movement with a power reserve of 48 hours. This movement allows for precise measurement of elapsed time, a crucial function for pilots and anyone who needs to track time intervals accurately. All the movements are chronometer-regulated and come with a date complication.



The Flieger Petrol watches are offered with two strap options: a block bracelet made from recycled stainless steel or an aviator strap crafted from vegetable-tanned cowhide leather. The block bracelet features a slide clasp with an integrated micro-adjustment system, allowing for a perfect fit on the wrist. The aviator strap, handmade in Germany from sustainable materials, offers a more traditional and rugged look. Both options are secured to the case with a screw-pin system, ensuring a secure and reliable attachment. The leather strap is double folded and has no unnecessary filling material. The buckle is made of stainless steel. Each watch comes with the tools to make adjustments to the strap and bracelet.

The FORTIS Flieger Petrol series is a compelling addition to the world of pilot watches. With its unique petrol-colored dial, robust construction, and reliable movements, these timepieces are sure to appeal to both seasoned pilots and watch enthusiasts alike. The F-39 and F-41 models, with their versatile design and accessible price point, are perfect for everyday wear, while the F-43 Bicompax, with its added chronograph functionality, is a true tool watch for those who demand the utmost in precision and performance.

The F-39 Petrol on the block bracelet measures 39mm in diameter and has a lug-to-lug of 50mm. The watch is 12.5mm in height and the watch head weighs 79 grams. The F-41 Petrol on the block bracelet measures 41mm in diameter and has a lug-to-lug of 52mm. The watch is 12.5mm in height and the watch head weighs 86 grams. The F-43 Bicompax Petrol on the block bracelet measures 43mm in diameter and has a lug-to-lug of 54mm. The watch is 15.5mm in height and the watch head weighs 118 grams. Each watch comes in an alpha box and comes with the paperwork which includes a 5-year warranty, a performance certificate, and a user manual. Each watch also comes with tools, including a reversible screwdriver to change the bracelet/strap and a mirror tool to adjust the bracelet length.



A watch collector would likely be drawn to the Flieger Petrol series for several reasons. First and foremost is the unique dial color. In a sea of black and blue dials, the petrol hue stands out, offering a refreshing alternative that is both eye-catching and functional. The brushed finish of the dial and the applied Brixtrack add depth and visual interest, while the Superluminova X1 ensures excellent legibility in all conditions. The robust construction and reliable movements would also appeal to collectors who appreciate watches that are built to last. The recycled stainless steel case, the screw-down crown, and the sapphire crystal all contribute to the watch's durability, making it a timepiece that can be worn and enjoyed for years to come.

The Flieger F-41 and F-39 models are priced at $2,550 on the block bracelet and $2,100 on the aviator strap. The F-43 Bicompax is priced at $3,820 on the bracelet and $3,420 on the strap. These prices reflect the quality of the materials, the complexity of the movements, and the brand's reputation for producing high-quality timepieces. The watches are currently available for purchase through authorized FORTIS dealers and online retailers. The prices are competitive with the quality of the watches and are ready to be worn on any wrist.

FORTIS Flieger F-39 Petrol

Case: 39mm diameter. 50mm lug-to-lug. 12.5mm thick. 79g weight of the watch head. Recycled stainless steel. Bidirectional 12-hour bezel with 1/2-hour increments. Stainless steel case back with ultra-engraving. Screw-down crown with triple gasket system. Performance FKM gaskets. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. 200m water resistance.

Movement: Automatic Performance Calibre UW-30. 38-hour power reserve. Chronometer-regulated. Date complication.

Dial: Vertically brushed Petrol. Applied circular brushed Brixtrack. White Brix and Synchroline made of Superluminova X1. Superluminova X1 with green glow. Metallic hour and minute hands with Superluminova X1. Metallic sweep second hand with Superluminova X1.

Strap: Block bracelet in recycled stainless steel. Stainless steel slide clasp with integrated micro-adjustment system. Screw pin system mounting. Also available on an aviator strap made of vegetable-tanned cowhide leather with a stainless steel pin buckle. Screw pin system mounting.

Price: $2,550 (bracelet) / $2,100 (strap)

Notes: The smallest of the Flieger Petrol series. Designed in collaboration with the SWISS Air Force.

FORTIS Flieger F-41 Petrol

Case: 41mm diameter. 52mm lug-to-lug. 12.5mm thick. 86g weight of the watch head. Recycled stainless steel. Bidirectional 12-hour bezel with 1/2-hour increments. Stainless steel case back with ultra-engraving. Screw-down crown with triple gasket system. Performance FKM gaskets. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. 200m water resistance.

Movement: Automatic Performance Calibre UW-30. 38-hour power reserve. Chronometer-regulated. Date complication.

Dial: Vertically brushed Petrol. Applied circular brushed Brixtrack. White Brix and Synchroline made of Superluminova X1. Superluminova X1 with green glow. Metallic hour and minute hands with Superluminova X1. Metallic sweep second hand with Superluminova X1.

Strap: Block bracelet in recycled stainless steel. Stainless steel slide clasp with integrated micro-adjustment system. Screw pin system mounting. Also available on an aviator strap made of vegetable-tanned cowhide leather with a stainless steel pin buckle. Screw pin system mounting.

Price: $2,550 (bracelet) / $2,100 (strap)

Notes: Features the same movement as the F-39. Unconventional brushed finish.

FORTIS Flieger F-43 Bicompax Petrol

Case: 43mm diameter. 54mm lug-to-lug. 15.5mm thick. 118g weight of the watch head. Recycled stainless steel. Stainless steel case back with ultra-engraving. Screw-down crown with triple gasket system. Performance FKM gaskets. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. 200m water resistance.

Movement: Automatic Performance Calibre UW-51. 48-hour power reserve. Chronometer-regulated. Chronograph and date complications.

Dial: Vertically brushed Petrol. Applied circular brushed Brixtrack. White Brix and Synchroline made of Superluminova X1. Superluminova X1 with green glow. Metallic hour and minute hands with Superluminova X1. Metallic sweep second hand with Superluminova X1. Metallic counter hands.

Strap: Block bracelet in recycled stainless steel. Stainless steel slide clasp with integrated micro-adjustment system. Screw pin system mounting. Also available on an aviator strap made of vegetable-tanned cowhide leather with a stainless steel pin buckle. Screw pin system mounting.

Price: $3,820 (bracelet) / $3,420 (strap)

Notes: The only chronograph model in the Flieger Petrol series. Designed in collaboration with the world's best pilots.