Established in 1912 by Walter Vogt in Grenchen, Switzerland, Fortis has carved a distinct niche in the world of Swiss watchmaking, renowned for its unwavering commitment to robustness, reliability, and functional design, particularly within the demanding realms of aviation and space exploration. From its early innovations, such as pioneering the mass production of automatic wristwatches with the Harwood collaboration in 1926, Fortis has consistently focused on creating timepieces built to withstand extreme conditions. This dedication culminated in the brand becoming an official supplier for manned space missions, with its chronographs rigorously tested and chosen by ROSCOSMOS, the Russian space agency, for use by cosmonauts since 1994. This enduring partnership solidified Fortis's reputation as a manufacturer of true "tool watches" – instruments designed for professionals who depend on accuracy and durability in critical situations. Beyond space, Fortis watches have equipped pilots, military personnel, and adventurers worldwide, always adhering to a philosophy where form follows function, resulting in highly legible dials, sturdy case constructions, and dependable Swiss movements, embodying the essence of Swiss Made quality engineered for the toughest environments. Â
The Fortis Stratoliner collection stands as a direct embodiment of the brand's aerospace heritage, representing a line of sophisticated chronographs intrinsically linked to the challenges of high-altitude flight and space travel. Named evocatively for the stratosphere, the layer of Earth's atmosphere where commercial jets cruise and atmospheric research balloons ascend, the Stratoliner has historically been associated with Fortis's space-approved timepieces. Often powered by robust and reliable automatic chronograph movements like the Valjoux 7750 or its derivatives, these watches typically feature a classic chronograph layout with sub-dials for measuring elapsed time, alongside essential day and date indications for practical utility. Characterized by their exceptional legibility, often achieved through high-contrast dials, clear markings, and luminous applications, Stratoliners are designed for quick and accurate reading under any condition. The construction emphasizes durability, usually featuring resilient stainless steel cases, often with tachymeter scales on the bezel for calculating speed, further underscoring their functional, performance-oriented nature. As a flagship line, the Stratoliner continues to evolve, incorporating modern materials and design updates while remaining faithful to its core identity as a precision instrument inspired by and proven in the demanding world above the clouds.