I’ve become a bit of Frater’s “Fortis Novonaut Guy.” Not intentional, I might add. However, I have to say I am a fan of the latest version of Fortis Space Explorers chronograph. The Novonaut series debuted in October 2023 as a follow-up to the famous B-42 Cosmonauts Chronograph. After three first stainless steel models, Fortis released the Novonaut Amadee-24 Mars analog mission timer. That Titanium Limited Edition showed what the lightweight Novonaut could offer. The new Fortis Novonaut N-42 Titanium Legacy Edition is the usual production version of that watch. Combine the best properties of the Amadee-24 and the legacy stainless steel version to make it the best Novonaut ever!
At this point, when I put the Fortis Novonaut n-42 on my wrist it almost feels like I’m going home. This is not only because the design is familiar, but the watch is also very well made. Finding a brand to design and produce tool watches on the same level as Fortis is not an easy task. As explained in our review of the first trio of stainless steel models, the quality is very impressive. As a result, Novonauts exude confidence. It’s one of the watches that immediately shows you’re ready to throw it. The new Novonaut N-42 titanium legacy is the same. Plus, that’s the logical next step in the Novonaut collection.
Fortis Novonaut N-42 Titanium Legacy Story
As I said, this new Novonaut combines the best elements of the two previous models. The first is the stainless steel legacy version of the original trio. The new titanium legacy has the same aesthetic with matte black dials and matte black bezel inserts. Additionally, there are three subdials on the 6, 9 and 12 and a 1 day/date window at 3am, sharing the famous Valjoux 7750 style layout.
This new model is inspired by the second model is the titanium Novonaut Amadee-24 Mars analog mission timer. Its limited edition was the first Titanium Novonaut, with a special dial. Today’s subject shares the hands of titanium construction and gold-plated chronographs. The matte black dial, bezel and gold tone elements combine to make the Novonaut N-42 still the most stylish.
New Novonaut N-42 Titanium Legacy Specifications
This Novonaut has the same specifications as the above model, but let’s review it. The Novonaut N-42 Titanium legacy comes with a 42mm brush titanium case with a 44mm bezel and a water resistance rating of 200m. The case also comes with a 15mm thick, 51mm lug-to-lag, a bi-directional bezel with a ceramic 60 minute insert and bright markers. Certainly, the watch is quite a bit of a hit, but its titanium construction makes it easier to wear. I certainly had no issues with the stainless steel version, but I prefer a light titanium run just because it’s less. To provide an idea, this watch weighs 161 grams for the bracelet, while its stainless steel counterpart weighs 225 grams. That’s certainly a noticeable difference. Plus, the slightly darker shade of titanium, combined with the matte black and gold elements, creates a presence that fits very well with the Novonaut.
Matte black dial with gold element is the winner
Decorate the matte black dials with bright numbers of time and small numbers of half an hour. At the top of Leauto on the right corner, there is a 60-second timing scale that does not interfere with time markings or tiny tracks on the side. The three subdials feature circular grains as opposed to the matte finish of the dial. As a result, they look a little darker. It is located in the 3am and date window. Just above them is the Fortis logo, and below it you will see the Novonaut model name.
I’ve said this before, but despite the generous amount of information, the dial doesn’t feel messy. All puzzle pieces fall neatly into place and create an easy-to-read dial. That’s because of the great mobile phone. The large sword style time and minute hands stand out for the size and thorough application of the blue sparkling Super Luminova. The second hand of the Gold Lollipop Chronograph also features a lovely plot of Lume, making it easier to read in the dark.
The round case features a under-screw crown on the right side and two large chronograph pushers. These pushers never impress me. Chronograph functions make it easy to operate and sturdy. Finishing the watch’s robust appearance is a titanium three-row block bracelet with push button clasps and a sliding fine-tuning system.
This is a tool watch, so the 21mm wide bracelet doesn’t have a taper, but it doesn’t bother me at all. However, please note that because of double-headed screws it can be a little difficult to remove the link from the bracelet without a very stable hand and two screwdrivers, or anything like the Fortis mirror tool.
Fortis Werk 17
Inside the Novonaut N-42 titanium legacy is the Fortis Werk 17, an automatic space-tested chronograph movement created by La Joux-Perret. It operates at a 28,800VPH frequency and offers a power reserve of 60 hours. La Joux-Perret utilized custom traverse bridges and tangential microscrew regulations for increased strength and stability. This movement is hidden behind the back of the closed case, engraved with a bit of Fortis rocket and functional information, like the stainless steel legacy edition.
Wearing a Novonaut N-42 titanium legacy
After I put on the bracelet size, I placed the watch on my wrist and all the good memories rushed back. The clasp closed with a firm click and I instantly remembered how well the watch sat on my 18.5cm (7.3 inches) wrist. I usually wear small watches these days, but sometimes it’s good to switch things up with the right tool watch. The Novonaut is the perfect watch for the job and feels just right on my wrist. The 42mm case size is a spot in terms of wear resistance, and the sharp lug is positioned at the perfect angle, ensuring that the bracelet is wrapped well around the wrist.
Visually, the watch is well balanced too. As I said, the various elements work in harmony so that the wearer can read all the information. If you had to choose one thing to criticize, it would be the font size of several elements, such as a 30 minute marker. But in all fairness, I don’t need to read them. Thankfully, the little markers on Rehout remain fairly readable. Above all, I love the difference in size. Because it creates visual dynamics that work well.
Final Thoughts on Fortis Novonaut N-42 Titanium Legacy
After wearing this watch for a few days, you can see that it is my favorite Novonaut model. Just check all the right boxes. Because of its weight, I prefer the titanium heritage over steel novonauts, and combine them with alloy hues and matte black dials and bezels to create a lovely, almost monochromatic background. The 3N gold-plated chronograph hand contrasts this beautifully, a small glow that brightens the overall aesthetic completely. As mentioned before, I think this look is subtle and elegant.
Plus, the watches are worn like charm. If you have large wrists, we highly recommend checking out the Novonaut N-42 Titanium Legacy Edition, available for 5,800 euros/5,360 euros. It’s nothing but impressive. Every time I wear it, it reminds me of how Fortis Novonaut is cleverly designed and executed. Everything from the case and two-way bezel to the bracelet, everything exude confidence. It’s good to remind you of that every time. But I think the biggest win is that this new titanium legacy is the lightweight standard production version of the Novonaut, which fans love. Combine the best features of two popular Novonaut variations to create standout models in the series. This proves that the best Fortis Nobonauts can still get better!
For more information about this watch, please visit the official Fortis website.
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