Fortis Flieger Werk 7

Fortis has announced the arrival of its latest aviator watch series, the Flieger Werk 7. This new collection marks a significant step for the brand, introducing a manufacture movement housed within a design deeply rooted in aviation history yet built for contemporary demands. The launch comprises four distinct models, offering variations in size and dial color, each produced in a strictly limited run.



The story of Fortis began in 1912, founded by Walter Vogt in Grenchen, Switzerland. From its inception, the company demonstrated a pioneering spirit. Notably, Fortis collaborated with John Harwood on the first mass-produced automatic wristwatch, bringing this innovation to the market in 1926. This early focus on practical advancements set the stage for the brand's future direction, particularly its strong association with demanding professional fields.



Over the subsequent decades, Fortis carved out a niche for itself by producing robust and reliable timepieces. The brand cultivated strong connections with the world of aviation, developing watches specifically designed to meet the needs of pilots. This commitment extended beyond Earth's atmosphere, as Fortis became an official supplier for Russian space missions starting in 1994, with their watches accompanying cosmonauts on numerous journeys to space, proving their resilience in extreme environments.



The Flieger collection itself holds a significant place in the Fortis catalog, representing over four decades of pilot watch development. These watches have consistently aimed for optimal legibility and functionality, characteristics essential for aviation timing instruments. The latest iteration, the Flieger Werk 7, continues this tradition, refined through collaboration, including insights from the Swiss Air Force, to achieve what Fortis describes as its most readable tool watch to date.



At the core of this new series beats the Calibre Werk 7, Fortis's own manufacture movement. This development signifies a new chapter for the company, emphasizing in-house capabilities and technical prowess. The automatic movement is engineered for performance under pressure, addressing key aspects of reliability and precision demanded in a pilot's watch.



A standout feature of the Werk 7 is its substantial 70-hour power reserve. This extended running time means the watch can be set down for nearly three days without needing to be rewound or reset, offering considerable convenience for the wearer. It ensures the watch remains operational over a long weekend or during periods when it might not be worn daily.



Precision is further enhanced by the inclusion of a Variable-Inertia Regulation system. This type of regulating system is known for providing better timekeeping stability and accuracy compared to more common index regulators. It's inherently more resistant to shocks and positional variations, making the watch more reliable in active scenarios, whether in a cockpit or during everyday challenges.



The movement's architecture also prioritizes durability. Werk 7 features an oversized bridge with double fixation for the balance wheel. This design provides superior stability and shock resistance for the regulating organ, which is crucial for maintaining accuracy when the watch is subjected to impacts or vibrations. This robust construction underscores the movement's purpose as a reliable engine for a tool watch.



Turning to the exterior, the Flieger Werk 7 watches are housed in cases constructed from recycled stainless steel, reflecting a consideration for sustainability alongside durability. This robust material forms the foundation for the watch's protective shell, ensuring longevity and resistance to the rigors of daily wear.



Enhancing this inherent toughness, the cases are treated with a state-of-the-art Swiss Diamond-Like-Carbon (DLC) coating. This black coating isn't merely aesthetic; it provides exceptional surface hardness, rated at an impressive 4,500 Vickers. To put this in perspective, this makes the surface approximately 20 times harder than standard stainless steel, offering superior resistance against scratches and abrasions, keeping the watch looking sharp even after hard use.



The collection offers two case sizes to cater to different preferences and wrist sizes: a 41mm diameter version (F-41) and a more compact 39mm diameter option (F-39). Both sizes maintain a consistent height of 12.5mm, ensuring a substantial but wearable profile on the wrist. The choice allows wearers to select the proportions that best suit them without compromising on the watch's features.



Functionality extends to the bezel, which is a bidirectional 12-hour type with half-hour increments. This allows the tracking of a second time zone or the timing of events up to 12 hours. The bidirectional nature adds convenience for quick adjustments. The case design ensures water resistance up to 200 meters (600 feet or 20 atmospheres), secured by a screw-down crown equipped with a triple gasket system and performance FKM gaskets throughout, making it suitable for swimming and surface water sports.



Visibility into the heart of the watch is provided through a transparent case back made of stainless steel fitted with smoked sapphire crystal. This offers a view of the Werk 7 manufacture calibre within, allowing appreciation of the movement's finishing and mechanics while maintaining the watch's tool-oriented aesthetic through the subtle darkening of the crystal.



Protecting the dial is a flat sapphire crystal, renowned for its scratch resistance. Fortis applies an anti-reflective coating to both sides of the crystal, significantly reducing glare and ensuring maximum legibility of the dial from various angles and under different lighting conditions, a critical feature for any pilot watch.



The dial design prioritizes clarity above all else. Available in two distinct colorways – Mission Black and Tactical Green – both feature a matte finish to prevent reflections. Legibility is enhanced by the applied Brixtrack®, a signature Fortis element comprising luminous blocks for the minute track, filled with Superluminova® X1. This high-performance lume provides a bright green glow in low-light conditions.



A key feature for quick orientation and synchronization is the Synchroline®, rendered in vibrant Berlac Fluor Orange. This marking, typically spanning from the 55 to 05-minute markers, allows pilots (or any user) to easily synchronize their watches within a +/- 5-second tolerance, a practical tool derived from squadron flying needs. This bright orange accent adds a functional pop of color against the black or green background.



The handset continues the theme of legibility. The hour and minute hands are finished in matte black and generously filled with Superluminova® X1, matching the Brixtrack® for consistent nighttime visibility. The sweep second hand stands out, rendered entirely in the same Berlac Fluor Orange as the Synchroline®, making it instantly distinguishable for precise timing or confirming the watch is running. A date complication is discreetly integrated, adding everyday practicality.



Securing the Flieger Werk 7 to the wrist is a Hybrid Strap. This strap is designed for both comfort and durability. The underside, against the skin, features specially developed FKM rubber, known for its softness, flexibility, and resistance to sweat and chemicals. The top side presents a robust textile fabric, contributing to the watch's rugged, functional appearance.



The strap is fastened using a sturdy pin buckle made from stainless steel coated in black DLC to match the case finish. Fortis utilizes a screw pin system for attaching the strap to the lugs, offering a more secure connection than standard spring bars, aligning with the watch's tool watch credentials. This system also makes strap changes more deliberate.



Each of the four Flieger Werk 7 variations is strictly limited to 100 pieces. The F-41 Mission Black carries the reference F4220030, while the F-41 Tactical Green is F4220031. The smaller F-39 Mission Black is reference F4220028, and the F-39 Tactical Green is F4220029. This limited production run adds an element of exclusivity to each watch.



The watches are delivered in Fortis's Alpha Box packaging. Included with each piece is comprehensive paperwork: a 5-year warranty, a performance certificate detailing the watch's testing, a limited edition certificate confirming its number within the series, and a user manual. Thoughtfully, Fortis also includes a reversible screwdriver specifically designed for the screw pin system, facilitating strap changes for the owner.



The overall visual presentation is one of robust utility. The black DLC cases provide a modern, almost stealthy look, particularly on the Mission Black variants. The Tactical Green dials offer a military-inspired alternative, contrasting subtly with the black case. Across all models, the stark white numerals and indices, combined with the bright orange accents of the Synchroline® and second hand, create a highly legible display that is central to the Flieger's identity. The combination of matte finishes, sharp lines, and functional elements like the grippy bezel and protected crown results in a watch that looks purposeful and ready for action.



The Fortis Flieger Werk 7 collection represents a confident stride forward for the brand, blending its rich aviation heritage with contemporary materials and the significant introduction of the manufacture Werk 7 calibre. These watches are engineered for endurance, designed for clarity, and built with the demanding environments of aviation in mind, yet possess features and aesthetics suitable for everyday wear.



Priced at 3,860.00 USD, the Fortis Flieger Werk 7 models occupy a competitive space, offering a manufacture movement, robust build quality, and distinctive design within a limited edition package. Given the strict limitation of only 100 units per reference (F4220030, F4220031, F4220028, F4220029), availability is inherently scarce, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts seeking a modern interpretation of the classic pilot watch backed by Fortis's established pedigree.



Case: Recycled Stainless Steel with Black DLC Coating (4,500 Vickers hardness). Available in 39mm (50mm lug-to-lug, 79g weight) or 41mm (52mm lug-to-lug, 86g weight) diameter, both 12.5mm thick. Features bidirectional 12h bezel, screw-down crown with triple gasket system, 200m water resistance, stainless steel case back with smoked sapphire, and sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides.

Movement: Fortis Automatic Manufacture Calibre Werk 7. Features include a 70-hour power reserve, date complication, and Variable-Inertia Regulation with double fixation for enhanced accuracy and shock resistance.

Dial: Available in Matte Black or Matte Green. Features applied Brixtrack® X1 minute track and Synchroline® timing aid in Berlac Fluor Orange. Uses Superluminova® X1 (green glow) on indices and matte black hour/minute hands. Sweep second hand is Berlac Fluor Orange.

Strap: Hybrid Strap with FKM rubber underside and robust textile top side. Includes a Black DLC coated stainless steel pin buckle and utilizes a screw pin system for mounting.

Price: 3,860.00 USD

Reference Number: F4220028 (39mm Mission Black), F4220029 (39mm Tactical Green), F4220030 (41mm Mission Black), F4220031 (41mm Tactical Green).

Notes: Strictly limited to 100 pieces per version. Powered by the new Fortis manufacture Werk 7 calibre. Redefined in collaboration with the Swiss Air Force for maximum legibility. Comes with Alpha Box packaging and a reversible screwdriver for strap changes.