Fortis is well known in the world of watches for creating amazing tool watches. It is also one of the few brands with a proven track record of successfully sending watches into space. The Fortis Stratoliner S-41 collection is a modern space traveler’s watch that has achieved this. Currently, the Swiss brand is expanding its lineup with two very different versions of Stratoliner. The first is the Stealth Stratoliner S-41 Gravity Black, and the second is the visually impressive re-entry version of the Stratoliner S-41. I had the opportunity to take this amazing duo with me for a spin.
If you are a regular fratero leader, you will know what the Fortis Stratoliner S-41 is. We have covered a minimalist modern space watch multiple times. Among the extensive coverage was an article about the watch space adventure. Fratello’s own Dave attended the Swedish Esrange Space Centre in late 2021 and witnessed him sending a clock to stratospheric balloons to test the ability of the Fork 17’s movements. Additionally, Fortis launched 13 special Stratliner watches with the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) in late 2022, with the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC). This journey was featured in the microgravity of the documentary. This shows how Earth can benefit from space, written in 2023. It illustrates the great ambitions of the Fortis team in exploring space in the Stratoliner series.
The story of the new Fortis Stratoliner S-41 Gravity Black and Reintry Edition
The latest addition to the Stratoliner lineup is two watches, which look very different, but are created from the same canvas. The first of the two, and the most striking, is the Stratoliner S-41 re-entry version. It features a unique handbalun dial that brings inspiration into the Earth’s atmosphere from re-entering spacecraft. When the spacecraft hits a dense air layer at a speed of over 25,000 km/h, friction produces temperatures above 1,600°C. As you will understand, you can endure this brutal phase and return safely. This intense moment is captured on a new re-entry dial.
The second of the two models is the Stealth Stratliner S-41 Gravity Black. This is the first ever Stratliner model with a DLC-coated stainless steel midcase. Not only does it give the watch a stealth look, but the coating also adds a lot to the scratch resistance of the watch. With DLC coating, this case reaches a Vickers surface hardness of up to 4,500. This is almost 20 times more than standard stainless steel. This gravity version of the Stratoliner S-41 ensures you can resist anything you’re exposing to the watch.
Specifications for the Fortis Stratoliner S-41 model
Let’s talk about the details as both watches are made from the same canvas. This includes the same 41mm x 50mm x 15mm case made from recycled stainless steel. The Stratoliner is a chronograph focused on the space on the right side of the case, so it has two chronograph pushers and a crown that controls the internal Werk17. The size of the round case is important, but it is perfectly suited to the purpose of the tool watch. In addition, the Stratliner sits well on the wrist despite its substantial dimensions. The case matches the minimalist dial, featuring the famous Valjoux 7750 layout with three counters at 6, 9 and 12 o’clock and a 1 day/date display at 3 o’clock.
Inside the case, the Fortis is equipped with space-tested Werk 17s on both watches. LaJoux-Perret has developed an automatic pillar chronograph movement. The aperture operates at 28,800VPH and provides a 60-hour power reserve. Additionally, it offers COSC level accuracy and features specially designed bridges and tangential microscrew regulations for ultimate robustness. After extensive testing, the Werk 17 has proven to be the perfect caliber for the Stratoliner.
Fortis Stratoliner S-41 Gravity Black
Zoom in on individual models for better ideas. Start with the Stratoliner S-41 Gravity Black. As shown above, the graphite black DLC-coated midcase matches the uncoated bezel and a black stardust texture dial with light blue details. The dial reminds me of having owned Dave’s cool universe grey version since it first unveiled. However, the almost black dial is a step up overall stealth.
This dial features dark blue blue markings. Additionally, the chronograph scale is neatly integrated into a rehaut with white and light blue markings.
Plus, the textured light blue central chronograph hand creates a round round when the chronograph is active and hoveres over the rehaul, so timing is always easy. Finally, the black metallic hands are full of white Super Luminova X1.
A black hybrid strap made from FKM rubber and highly resistant fibers finishes the look. It features a black DLC pin buckle along the case. Overall, the new Stratoliner S-41 Gravity Black is a cool new addition to the lineup. It is currently available and costs 5,150 euros.
Fortis Stratoliner S-41 Re-enter Edition
The second of the two new Stratoliner models is immediately eye-catching. As I explained, the re-entry version’s dial was inspired by the re-entry of the spacecraft into the Earth’s atmosphere. Fortis first compressed the titanium dial under high pressure to mimic this special moment and create a dense, elastic surface.
Each dial then fires up by hand, and titanium reacts to create its own range of colours. As you can see, there is a combination of sparkling copper, metallic violet, deep blue shadows and occasional scorchmarks on the dial. As a result of the manual process, all dials are unique. Fortis intentionally chose titanium as the basis material for these special dials. Other materials exhibited magnetization problems during testing, but titanium remains stable, ensuring peak accuracy for movement, especially in technically demanding environments.
A sandwich dial full of details
The dial features bright gray titanium with combustion marks, as well as 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 rehau. This creates a nice contrast between the shades of gray and blue on the dial with nice light. The black metallic times and fine hands also create even more contrast.
Finally, the re-entry version is found on Fortis’ familiar 21mm wide stainless steel block bracelet. This is a very sturdy, very well designed bracelet. It comes with a brand’s quick-adjustable slide clasp to ensure that the watch sits comfortably on your wrist.
Finally, a nice twist is the “something” sculpture on the caseback. This is a great reference to the unique and luxurious dials of the new Fortis Stratoliner S-41 re-entry edition. The watch is not limited to production and is currently available for 5,500 euros, and is only 200 euros more expensive than the regular stratliners on the bracelet.
Final Thoughts on the New Fortis Stratoliner S-41 Model
Overall, these two new Stratoliner models are logical additions to the lineup, but that’s after matching the backstory with Stratoliner’s space-focused ambitions. You know, when I first saw the re-entry version of the dial, I needed some context. Reading the story makes all sense, and it’s a cool concept. In addition to that, the idea that all dials are unique is added only to the meaning behind this special edition.
The Stealthier Gravity Black is a great choice for those who like to have a little extravagant Stratliner. Both watches are a joy to wear and demonstrate that Fortis pushes the boundaries between its concept and execution. Stratoliner is also an impressive minimalist modern space watch that can withstand what you throw at it. Isn’t that reliability that it’s all when developing a spacewatch? A compliment to Fortis for exploring an original way to further expand the impressive Stratoriner lineup.
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