Hands-on with the Fortis Marinemaster M-44 Watches in Blue, Black & Green
Friday - 14 April 2023
Fortis recently released some colourful versions of its rugged Marinemaster M-44 watch. We’re going to take a look at those Ocean Blue, Black Resin and Woodpecker Green models today…
Fortis has been spending some time revamping popular models from its catalogue. Despite the brand’s vast majority of wristwatches developed for professionals, the Swiss brand does also manufacture watches that aren’t built specifically for space or aviation – namely the Marinemaster. These all-around robust and powerful tools offer so much in the way of performance, reliability and endurance and - let’s face it - these watches are far more likely to see action daily, promising collectors excellent value for money. The Fortis Marinemaster has been dipping in and out of the brand’s line-up for over half a century and was the name given by the brand to any Fortis watch with a superior water-resistant capability. To create the new Marinemaster watch, it seems as though the Fortis team has been given plenty of flexibility when it comes to designing the model (as opposed to simply recreating an old vintage model). Giving the designers free rein over the watch certainly gives the Marinemaster a more coherent feel. In fact, each element of the watch seems to work harmoniously with the other, making it a perfect adventure watch for wearing daily.
The recently released Fortis Marinemaster M-44 watch last year was unveiled shortly after a redesigned Fortis M-40 watch – both of which have introduced a new array of colour options compared to the former models (having only been available in orange previously). The Marinemaster can feature everything from chronographs to alarms but the recent M-44 models, geared towards exploration on the ground, are simple to read, highly legible and in general a great do-anything, go-anywhere kind of watch. The Marinemaster M-44 watch is now bolder in style and is powered by a more advanced movement. It also offers an exceptional 500-meter water resistance, as well as a bidirectional Gear Bezel. Its rugged design is focused on sports and although it’s not specifically developed as a purpose-built diver’s watch, its water-resistant capability and strong steel case will more than suffice for plenty of underwater adventures.
An easy-grip bezel and Fortis Locking System
The main difference between the M-44 and the M-40 models is that the M-44 watch is equipped with a mechanism named the Fortis Locking System on the side of its case at 10 o’clock. The button can be pushed to lock the bezel which then ensures it cannot be accidentally manipulated whilst on the go. The bezel of the watch is also bidirectionally rotating. This patented Fortis Gear Bezel is manufactured from black stainless steel with edges that make it really easy to grip. It’s also adorned with luminous pearl on the 60-minute scale. The main crown on the side of the steel case of the Fortis Marinemaster M-44 watch has angular lateral guards and comes with a triple gasket system to assist with the model’s 500-meter water resistance. The back of the case is screwed in, whilst the front of the case is topped with a scratch-resistant and anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass.
The three new colours of the Fortis Marinemaster M-44 are a captivating Ocean blue and a stunning Woodpecker Green version that feature coloured accents on the flange and strap of the watch, as well as contrasting silver hands that sit upon a black dial. The third is a Black Resin watch with an all-black dial. These models apart from their respective accents are the same as the former orange Marinemaster M-44. Beige-toned Super-LumiNova hour markers differentiate the Black Resin model from its coloured counterparts, however, which instead feature silvery tones. The textured dial surface of these watches is executed in a waffle pattern and each model has a date window at 3 o’clock, as well as a lollipop second hand.
What powered these recently released Fortis Marinemaster M-44 watches is a Kenissi movement named WERK11. The self-winding movement is chronometer-certified to COSC standards AND produces a power reserve of 70 hours once fully wound. It also performs at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and features a balance under a transversal bridge. The watch can be enjoyed on a rubber band in a matching colour and a stainless steel folding clasp or a solid steel Block bracelet with a quick adjustable slide clasp.
If you’d like more information on the Fortis Marinemaster M-44 watches in Woodpecker Green, Ocean Blue, or Resin black, you can check the details out online here at Jura Watches or call and speak to a member of our sales team on 01335 453453.
