Whereas the model has an extended and different historical past with pilot watches, the Fortis Flieger collection has been one of the crucial enduring components of the model’s lineup since its introduction in 1987. Whereas following the overall define of the traditional WWII German pilot’s watches that also kind a basis for flight watch design in the present day, the Fortis Flieger has all the time taken a sleeker, extra angular departure from its contemporaries. As Fortis plans to dramatically renew this cornerstone Flieger collection over the course of the following a number of months, the road’s altered pilot aesthetic is altering as properly, changing into extra futuristic whereas dropping none of its rugged purposefulness. The primary perception into this new fashion is the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax, a clear and sturdy new two register chronograph with a handful of distinctive visible cues.
The 43mm stainless-steel case of the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax follows the traditional sports activities watch profile with extensive set tapering lugs, however the execution of this easy kind is nearly harsh in its utilitarianism. The case sides are utterly flat with a rough, even brushing, whereas the transition between the case sides and the highest of the lugs is an abrupt 90 diploma angle that feels nearly razor sharp. The ends of the lugs are squared off with an analogous abrupt 90 diploma lower. Each the outsized screwdown crown and the extensive inverted pushers with their knurled tops are optimized for simple grip and performance, including a pleasingly purposeful look to the in any other case drab case facet. At first look, the tall coin edged rotating bezel appears to proceed this pattern however reveals one of many watch’s finest visible thrives on nearer inspection. The stainless-steel 12 hour insert is sharply angled inward in the direction of the dial at a virtually 45 diploma angle, making a dramatic bowl-like impact that each creates dynamic reflections in altering mild, and provides miles of visible depth to a dial with an already stunning quantity of verticality. The etched caseback provides a stylized propeller motif, whereas additionally making certain a formidable 200 meters of water resistance.
Like previous Fortis Flieger fashions, the dial of the F-43 Bicompax alters the standard flight watch system whereas creating one thing each bit as practical. Earlier iterations of the Flieger have maintained the traditional Arabic numerals, whereas this new era skips them solely in favor of straightforward indices product of Fortis’ Brixtrack stable lume blocks. This hours and minutes observe is given much more visible depth because it sits on a barely elevated ring across the central dial, giving a contact of persona to this function-first design. The handset is a slimmed down tackle Roman sword fingers, reasonably than the extra frequent diamond formed flieger fashion, and provides a vibrant punch of fluorescent orange on the central chronograph seconds hand. Fortis outlines the main chronograph features on this vibrant orange as a spotlight, surrounding each the three o’clock 30 minute subdial and a ten second sweep from 11 to 1 o’clock on the principle dial. Fortis refers to this ten second line because the “Synchroline,” a fast visible reference to make sure all pilots in a gaggle have their chronographs correctly synchronized. Whereas it won’t be probably the most sensible of additives in each day use, it provides an additional pop of distinction to the dial and injects the general design with some wanted character. The 6 o’clock date window can also be outlined on this orange, which does break this strict use of shade for chronograph features barely. It’s a minor concern, however this utilitarian design would really feel a contact extra targeted with a white or lumed define across the date window as a substitute.
Fortis powers the Flieger F-43 Bicompax with the ETA/Valjoux based mostly UW-51 computerized chronograph motion. Along with the traditional two register structure and a quickset date, the UW-51 presents stable efficiency figures together with a 48 hour energy reserve at a 28,800 bph beat price. There are a pair of obtainable strap choices for the Flieger F-43 Bicompax. The primary of those is a 3 hyperlink oyster fashion bracelet with slender central hyperlinks, that includes stable hyperlink building, a clear throughout brushed end, and a sliding adjustable clasp. For people who want leather-based, Fortis additionally presents a distressed black calf leather-based strap with outstanding black stitching. The feel is simply sufficient to provide a good-looking worn in really feel, with out detracting from the clear, purposeful total aesthetic.
With the Flieger F-43 Bicompax, Fortis has taken a dramatic first step in the direction of redefining one in every of its most enduring collections. The Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax is anticipated to be accessible on the market by way of approved sellers on October 13, 2020. Beginning MSRP for this mannequin is three,150 CHF. For extra data, please go to the model’s web site.
