Fortis Finally Added a Titanium Novonaut N-42 to Its Permanent Collection

Final 12 months, we lined the very cool Novonaut AMADEE-24 Mars Analog Mission Timer from Swiss watchmaker Fortis, which was designed to outlive a visit to Mars. Following the Novonaut’s debut in 2023, it was additionally the primary time we noticed the space-travel-inspired chronograph on a titanium bracelet (earlier variations had been on metal). Sadly, this watch was restricted to only 100 items. Those that missed out have been clamoring for a light-weight Novonaut that’s not restricted in manufacturing. Fortunately, the wait is over!

From Astronauts to Cosmonauts

We all know that Omega’s Speedmaster beat out fashions from an array of manufacturers to grow to be the watch that NASA geared up all of its manned area flights with. After a couple of years of consideration, NASA completed deliberation in 1965. 

Nevertheless, previous to Omega’s “takeover,” Swiss watchmaker Fortis was the one supplying the fledgling NASA with watches as early as 1962. Its Spacematic AR chronograph was designed to handle extreme conditions, together with temperature adjustments, making it a tremendous selection for area journey. 

Whereas the Spacematic remains to be a part of Fortis’ catalog immediately, it’s largely a time-and-date watch as of late. As a substitute, the model seems to be to its Novonaut watch because the de facto aviation chronograph. Launched in 2023, the Novonaut serves as a modernized model of Fortis’ B-42 Cosmonauts Chronograph, which turned, primarily, the Russian Area Company’s personal Speedmaster of types. Beginning in 1994, the B-42 was on the wrists of cosmonauts till 2003.

Constructed for Area

Quick ahead to 2022, when Fortis launched into a highly-publicized mission to area with the assistance of the Swedish Area Company. It’s (comparatively) simple for a wristwatch to outlive area journey if it’s stored throughout the confines of an area swimsuit or spacecraft. However to check its motion below the precise circumstances of naked area, Fortis developed the first-ever movement (made with the assistance of La Joux-Perret) particularly designed to be used in outer area. It then took 13 of those WERK 17 chronographs, bare, 30km into area with the assistance of a helium gas-propelled balloon. 

Effectively, the mission was a hit, and eleven of the 13 watches labored completely tremendous, with just one or two experiencing minor mechanical points. A couple of month later, the WERK 17 caliber debuted to the general public within the brand-new Stratoliner, and later, the Novonaut AMADEE-24. Greater than something, that unique 2022 mission confirmed onlookers that Fortis nonetheless had the dedication and instinct required to boldly go the place no watch has gone earlier than.

Fortis Novonaut N-42 Titanium Legacy Fundamentals

Combining parts from each the AMADEE-24 (Mars watch) and the stainless-steel Legacy Version variant that was a part of the inaugural trio launched upon the Novonaut’s debut in 2023. The brand new Titanium Legacy carries over the matte black dial and 60-minute bezel insert from the metal model, together with the general left-side chronograph dial format with the day-date show. 

Nevertheless, it will get the titanium case build and gold accents from the Mars watch, coming collectively to make a really good-looking timepiece. A brand new contact particular to the N-42 Titanium is the round graining on the three chronograph subdials, which pair nicely with the matte dial. Additionally, the Tremendous-LumiNova glows blue in low gentle.

Identical to the earlier Novonauts, the N-42 Titanium encompasses a 42mm case diameter with a 51mm lug-to-lug and 15mm thickness. Water-resistant to 200m, the watch can be considerably lighter than the metal model — 5.68oz in comparison with nearly 8oz. It is a large watch so the shedded weight will make a distinction.

That includes an engraved rocket image, the closed caseback hides the well-known WERK 17 automated chronograph motion that was despatched to area. This has an influence reserve of 60 hours. The watch can be adorned with a titanium bracelet.

Spec Sheet

Pricing & Availability

Now a part of the everlasting vary, the Novonaut N-24 Titanium Legacy is priced at $5,360. Head over to Fortis’ web site to study extra.

Fortis Novonaut N-42 Titanium Legacy

After its limited-edition Mars watch from final 12 months, Fortis lastly made a manufacturing model of its titanium Novonaut, with all one of the best parts from earlier variations of the area watch.