Fortis is well known in the world of horology for creating amazing tool watches. It is also one of the few brands with a track record of successfully sending watches into space. The Fortis Stratoliner S-41 collection is a modern-day space traveler’s watch that has achieved just that. Now, the Swiss brand is extending the lineup with two very different versions of the Stratoliner. The first is the stealthy Stratoliner S-41 Gravity Black, and the second is the visually striking Stratoliner S-41 Reentry Edition. We had a chance to take this remarkable duo for a spin.
If you are a regular Fratello reader, you will know what the Fortis Stratoliner S-41 is all about. We’ve covered the minimalist modern-day space watch on multiple occasions. Among the extensive coverage were articles on the watch’s space adventures. Fratello’s own Dave was present at the Esrange Space Center in Sweden in late 2021 to witness Fortis sending watches up on a stratospheric balloon to test the capabilities of the Werk 17 movement. Additionally, Fortis launched 13 special Stratoliner watches aboard a research rocket in late 2022 in collaboration with the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC). This journey was covered in the documentary Microgravity – How Earth Can Benefit From Space, which I wrote about in 2023. It shows the Fortis team’s great ambition in exploring space with its Stratoliner series.
The story of the new Fortis Stratoliner S-41 Gravity Black and Reentry Edition
The newest additions to the Stratoliner lineup are two watches that look incredibly different but are created from the same canvas. The first of the two — and the immediate eye-catcher — is the Stratoliner S-41 Reentry Edition. It features a unique hand-burned dial that draws inspiration from a spacecraft’s reentry into Earth’s atmosphere. As a spacecraft slams into dense air layers at speeds over 25,000 km/h, friction generates temperatures exceeding 1,600° C. As you will understand, only precise engineering and heat-resistant materials can withstand this brutal phase and return home safely. This intense moment is captured on the dial of the new Reentry Edition.
The second of the two models is the stealthy Stratoliner S-41 Gravity Black. It is the first-ever Stratoliner model with a DLC-coated stainless steel mid-case. Not only does it give the watch a nice stealthier look, but the coating also adds tremendously to the scratch resistance of the watch. With the DLC coating, the case reaches a surface hardness of up to 4,500 Vickers, which is nearly 20 times that of standard stainless steel. It ensures this Gravity Black version of the Stratoliner S-41 can resist anything you expose the watch to.
The specs of the Fortis Stratoliner S-41 models
Let’s talk about details, as both watches are created from the same canvas. Both watches feature the same 41mm × 50mm × 15mm case made from recycled stainless steel. As the Stratoliner is a space-focused chronograph, on the right side of the case, it features two chronograph pushers and a crown to control the Werk 17 inside. The round case is significant in size but fits its tool watch purpose perfectly. On top of that, the Stratoliner sits well on the wrist despite its substantial dimensions. The case is matched with a minimalist dial that features the famous Valjoux 7750 layout with three counters at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock and a day/date display at 3 o’clock.
Inside the case, Fortis equips both watches with its space-tested Werk 17. La Joux-Perret developed the automatic column-wheel chronograph movement. The caliber operates at 28,800vph and offers 60 hours of power reserve. Furthermore, it offers COSC-level precision and features a specially designed bridge and tangential micro-screw regulation for ultimate robustness. As a result of extensive testing, the Werk 17 has proven to be the perfect caliber for the Stratoliner.
The Fortis Stratoliner S-41 Gravity Black
Let’s zoom in on the individual models to get a better idea. We will start with the Stratoliner S-41 Gravity Black. As shown above, the graphite-black DLC-coated mid-case is matched with an uncoated bezel and a black stardust-textured dial with light blue details. The dial somewhat reminds me of Dave’s cool Cosmic Gray version that he has owned since it first came out. However, the mostly black dial is a step up in overall stealthiness.
This dial features light blue Super-LumiNova X1 markings that light up bright blue in the dark. Additionally, the chronograph scale is neatly integrated into the rehaut with white and light blue markings.
On top of that, the textured light blue central chronograph hand makes the rounds when the chronograph is activated, hovering over the rehaut, so timing is always easy. Lastly, the black metallic hands are filled with white Super-LumiNova X1.
A black hybrid strap made from FKM rubber and high-resistance textile finishes the look. In line with the case, it features a black DLC pin buckle. Overall, the new Stratoliner S-41 Gravity Black is a cool new addition to the lineup. It is available now and costs €5,150.
The Fortis Stratoliner S-41 Reentry Edition
The second of the two new Stratoliner models immediately catches the eye. As I explained, the dial of the Reentry Edition was inspired by a spacecraft’s reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere. Fortis first compressed the titanium dials under high pressure to mimic this special moment and create a dense, resilient surface.
After that, each dial is hand-flamed, and the titanium reacts, creating a unique range of colors. As you can see, there is a combination of glowing copper, metallic violet, deep blue shadows, and occasional scorch marks on the dial. As a result of the manual process, all the dials are unique. Fortis deliberately chose titanium as the base material for these special dials. Other materials showed issues with magnetization during testing, but titanium remains stable, ensuring peak precision, especially in technically demanding environments.
A sandwich dial full of details
In addition to the light gray titanium with its burn marks, the dial features the same light blue Super-LumiNova X1 markings as the Gravity Black model. Additionally, the chronograph scale is printed in black and light blue on a white rehaut. This creates a nice light contrast with the gray and blue shades on the dial. The metallic black hour and minute hands also create an extra bit of contrast.
Lastly, the Reentry Edition comes on Fortis’s familiar 21mm-wide stainless steel Block bracelet. This is an incredibly well-engineered bracelet that feels super sturdy. It comes complete with Fortis’s quickly adjustable Slide Clasp to ensure the watch sits comfortably on the wrist.
Lastly, a nice twist is the “One Of A Kind” engraving on the case back. It is a nice reference to the unique and extravagant dials of the new Fortis Stratoliner S-41 Reentry Edition. This watch is not limited in production and is available now for €5,500, making it only €200 more expensive than the regular Stratoliner on a bracelet.
Final thoughts on the new Fortis Stratoliner S-41 models
Overall, these two new Stratoliner models are logical additions to the lineup, but that’s only after matching the backstories with the Stratoliner’s space-focused ambitions. As you will understand, when we first saw the dial of the Reentry Edition, we needed some context. It all made sense once we read the story, and it is a cool concept. On top of that, the idea that every single dial is unique only adds to the meaning behind this special edition.
The stealthier Gravity Black is a great pick for people who like their Stratoliner to be a bit less extravagant. Both watches are a joy to wear and demonstrate that Fortis is pushing boundaries in its conceptual execution. The Stratoliner is also an impressive minimalist modern-day space watch that can withstand anything you throw at it. Isn’t that reliability what it’s all about when developing a space watch? Kudos to Fortis for exploring original ways to expand the lineup of its impressive Stratoliner further.
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