Fortis have long been one of the few brands with legit space credentials, having created tested and proven watches for ROSKOSMOS cosmonauts that were in use from 1994 to 2003. For 2022 they have left Earth again, now with a watch designed for a modern era of Space Travelers. The new Fortis Stratoliner range of chronographs are designed with a more approachable extraterrestrial experience in mind, one aboard the Virgin Galactic Flights.

The uniquely textured Dust Dials feature very flat surfaces, for a striking appearance, with unexpected bands of color, each syncing to a portion of the Virgin Galactic Flight Experience. The blue wedge on the hour sub-dial records the 60 - 90 minute climb. The blue arc along the edge of dial is for the boost, 60 - 90 seconds of rapid propulsion up into space at up to 3.5x the speed of sound. Lastly, a 15-minute arc on the minute counter tracks one’s time in zero-G.

Keeping the theme alive, the 41mm steel case of the Fortis Stratoliner has some space-age detailing. Kinked out lugs provide unexpected lines and a strong frame. Pump pushers with a unique collar shape ache to be pressed like a launch button. A rubber inlay along the bezel indicates it’s not afraid of turbulence. All finished in a utilitarian but elegant brushed texture. All version of the Stratoliner are available on either leather straps, or a drop lug steel bracelet with a block link shape.

Powering the Stratoliner is the WERK 17, a new proprietary chronograph caliber. A Swiss-made 60-hour, column-wheel chronograph, this power house was designed for space and tested in the stratosphere. Fortis teamed up with the Swedish Space Corporation to test their new caliber in the harsh conditions of the stratosphere, guaranteeing their capabilities.