Fortis Builds A Perfect Timepiece For Space Travelers

Fortis partnered with the SSC to test the WERK 17 in the stratosphere — it was the first movement ever to do so! They strapped 13 encased movements to a specially constructed gondola driven by a stratospheric balloon and launched it into the stratosphere from the Esrange Space Center. The movements were monitored by specially designed sensors and cameras while subjected to harsh conditions, including 250kph winds, extreme temperatures, radiation and microgravity, before landing in the forest landscape of Finland after 1.5 hours. They proved their mettle with high marks during this unprecedented testing phase.

The Stratoliner S-41 Collection features three different models with dials that reflect the beauty and mystery of space. Each 41mm stainless-steel case is paired with either a stainless steel Block Bracelet or a black leather Aviator Strap. The arrangement on the dial includes three chrono subdials and a day/date aperture, as well as nicely balanced central hands with “especially developed” Superluminova X1. The sapphire is treated on both sides with the Space-AR anti-reflective coating for superb legibility even in the harshest conditions.

The powder blue markings on the dial pay homage to Virgin Galactic’s stratospheric flight and reflect the different phases of the flight, such as the climb phase (up to 1.5 hours), the boost phase (up to 90 seconds), and the time in zero gravity (up to 15 minutes).

The White Dust version has a space-dust-inspired white dial in a minimalist style that highlights the powder blue details. The Cool Gray dial adds a light-gray background that gives a soft contrast with the white subdials. The Cosmic Gray goes for a bolder finish with a dark-gray dial and black subdials.