Fortis Flieger Midnight Blue F39 & F41 Watches Review

Fortis welcomes another pilot watch to its fleet of Flieger watches. Two midnight blue models in different sizes that have been developed from sustainable methods of manufacture

Listen up – if you’re big into pilot’s watches and you’ve collected everything from Bell & Ross BR 01 and 03 models, to Sinn instruments and IWC pilot’s watches – you’re going to want to take a look at Fortis’ Flieger watch collection. It is home to everything from the Triple GMT to the classic three-handers to the sportier bicompax chronographs. Now it welcomes two more models, infused with distinct Flieger DNA. The two new additions sit alongside some of the brand’s most recognisable designs. In fact, let’s remind you of some of the Fortis Flieger watches so far…

The Fortis Flieger line-up so far…

There’s the F-43 Triple GMT watch offering primary time alongside a secondary time zone with a 24-hour scale in the centre of the dial. The 43mm model crafted from lightweight titanium features a 12-hour bezel for the third time zone. It’s a standout model from the collection with white hands and hour markers that differ from others within the Flieger series, many of which are executed in green tones. The date window is also positioned uniquely at 3 o’clock as opposed to 6 o’clock. A vertical texture runs over the surface of the dial, setting itself apart from other matte-finished dials in the collection. The Fortis Flieger F-43 Triple GMT is powered by a movement manufactured by Kenissi, who also produces movements for Tudor.

Then there is the Fortis F-43 Bicompax – a two-register chronograph watch with a date function. The model is powered by a Sellita-based movement and features a rotating bezel, and a second time zone (offered in the arrow-tipped hand in vivid orange and the 12-hour scale on the bezel). The small second sub-counter is located at 9 o’clock, balanced by the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. The highly functional tool measures 43mm and marries the practical advantages of a chronograph with a second time zone inside a robust casing.

Fortis also developed two automatics – one in a 39mm diameter and one in a 41mm size. These are easily recognisable as siblings within the collection and appeal to a broad range of wrists. The 200-meter water-resistant models feature a strong sapphire crystal glass front, bidirectional rotating bezel with a 24-click design for tracking a second time zone and are both powered by the Sellita-based UW-30 automatic movement. A three-link stainless steel bracelet finishes the sophisticated appeal of these two black-dialled automatics and secures with a machined clasp with a push-button release mechanism.

The Fortis Flieger F-39 and F-41 Midnight Blue watches

Now it’s time for the Fortis Flieger F-39 and F-41 Midnight Blue watches which use recycled stainless steel to provide a strong and robust housing around an automatic movement. Executed in true Fortis tool watch style, the models boast the same Berlac Fluor Orange colour between the 11 and 1 o’clock locations and the central second hand. The Synchroline technology between the 11 and 1 o’clock location is developed to enable pilots to synchronise a timing between a plus or minus 5-second period.

It is clear from first impressions that the new Fortis Flieger watch is in-keeping with other models from the series. The 12 o’clock hour location is indicated by a triangular marker, whilst the rest of the track is represented by baton hour markers. The dial of this new model features Brixtrack hour markers - a technology that is also patented by Fortis. These brick-shaped hour markers are treated with Super-LumiNova X1 for increasing readability.

Once again, the bezel offers a second time zone in the form of a 12-hour scale. This section of the case is also crafted from recycled stainless steel and gives the timepiece an industrial-inspired look that fits in line with Fortis’ distinct pilot style. The 200-meter water-resistant watch is topped with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass that has been treated with layers of anti-reflective technology on both sides. An ultra-engraving is applied to the back of the case, which bears the famous Fortis lettering and the caseback is screwed down to ensure a dry environment for the movement to perform inside. The midnight blue colour of the new Fortis Flieger watch’s dial is designed for instant legibility. Its blue-framed hour and minute hands are sword-shaped for referencing quickly at a glance, yet it is the overall design of the watch that promotes a strong message of sustainability.

The recycled case of the two new Fortis Flieger F-39 and F-41 Midnight Blue watches is partnered with an indigo aviator leather strap made from sustainable resources. The surface of the leather band is executed with an olive leaf tanning effect and has been hand-crafted in Germany. Additionally, there is a block stainless steel bracelet option that encloses with a folding clasp. This option gives the Fortis pilot watch an assured sense of sophistication.

The UW-30 movement is a self-winding calibre that powers these two Flieger watches, delivering a useful 38-hour power reserve. The engine is based on a Sellita movement and has been equipped with a special unidirectional winding rotor. If you’d like any more information on the two new Flieger watches from Fortis, you can check out the models in more detail here or call our Jura Watches store and speak to a member of our specialist watch team on 01335 453453

Technical Specifications of the new Fortis Flieger F-39 and F-41 Midnight Blue watches

• Case; 39mm / 41mm – recycled stainless steel – anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass front – specially engraved caseback – 200-meter water resistance
• Dial: Midnight blue – blue-framed, sword-shaped hands - Super-LumiNova-coated hands and indexes – date window 3 o’clock – Synchroline technology – patented Brixtrack dial technology
• Movement: UW-30 – based on a Sellita movement – 38-hour power reserve – 28,800 V.PH – unidirectional winding rotor
• Strap: Indigo aviator leather strap – genuine cow leather- olive leaf tanned – developed from sustainable production - stainless steel block bracelet also available
• Price: £1,750
• References; F4220011 39mm / F4220013 41mm