Sponsored: Fortis Novonaut N-42: The Next Chapter in Space-Tested Timekeeping
From orbit to Earth, Fortis continues its mission to build the ultimate space chronograph
Since its debut, the Fortis Novonaut N-42 has solidified its place as the modern successor to the brand’s space-proven chronographs of the 1990s. Available in Legacy, Cobalt Blue, and Titanium Legacy editions, the N-42 embodies the essence of Fortis’s mission-tested tool watches. Each model integrates the luminous Sirius Bezel™, applied Lumicast® Super-LumiNova® X1 numerals, and the space-tested Werk 17 manufacture chronograph movement — blending aerospace-grade innovation with contemporary design, purpose-built for life on Earth and beyond.
Purpose-Built for the Next Frontier
True to Fortis’s utilitarian DNA, the Novonaut N-42 is engineered for endurance and clarity in any environment. Measuring 42mm, the watch is offered in recycled stainless steel or grade 2 titanium, each delivering 200 meters of water resistance and equipped with a screw-down crown and triple-gasket system upgraded in FKM. Double anti-reflective sapphire crystals ensure legibility in every light condition, while the brand’s bi-directional Sirius Bezel™ in high-tech ceramic with Super-LumiNova® X1 inserts guarantees maximum visibility across any terrain.
The Legacy Edition emphasizes stealth with a matte ceramic bezel and a finely grained black dial. The Cobalt Blue Edition contrasts a polished bezel with a radiant blue sunburst dial and a smoked sapphire caseback, evoking the color and energy of the stratosphere. Completing the trio, the Titanium Legacy Edition introduces a lighter case architecture paired with a matte black dial, a matching matte black ceramic bezel, and 3N gold-plated hands, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic with the same rugged reliability that defines the collection.
Dials Engineered for Readability
Every element of the Novonaut N-42 dial is shaped by function. Lumicast® X1 numerals deliver three-dimensional depth and exceptional glow, complemented by grooved subdials that highlight Fortis’s technical aesthetic. Berlac Fluor Orange accents highlight the chronograph seconds hand and the distinctive “T-13” date marker— a nod to the final countdown before launch.
Across the collection, the Cobalt Blue Edition radiates celestial vibrance, the Legacy Edition recalls the utilitarian precision of Fortis’s cosmonaut-issued predecessors, and the Titanium Legacy Edition offers a more understated, contemporary character through its darker palette and lightweight construction.
The Space-Tested Werk 17
At the heart of each Novonaut N-42 is the Fortis Werk 17, a manufacture automatic column-wheel chronograph built to withstand the extremes. Tested during stratospheric balloon and rocket missions in collaboration with the Swedish Space Corporation, the movement meets Fortis Performance Standards for precision and resilience. It offers chronometer-grade accuracy, a 60-hour power reserve, and robust day-date functionality, with specially designed bridges and a tangential micro-screw regulation system ensuring long-term stability under intense temperature and pressure changes.
Availability and Pricing
The Fortis Novonaut N-42 Legacy Edition, Cobalt Blue Edition, and Titanium Legacy Edition are available on a Block Bracelet with a fine-adjustable slide clasp or an optional FKM hybrid strap made of rubber and high-strength textile. Pricing for each is marked as:
• Legacy Edition: USD 4,270 (on strap) / USD 4,590 (on bracelet)
• Cobalt Blue Edition: USD 4,410 (on strap) / USD 4,770 (on bracelet)
• Titanium Legacy Edition: USD 4,650 (on strap) / USD 4,950 (on bracelet)
Together, these timepieces embody Fortis’s continuing mission to redefine the modern tool watch— built not just for space, but for every frontier ahead.
To learn more, visit Fortis, here.
