Vintage FORTIS Pilot Professional Chronograph Automatic Ref. 597.18.141
I purchased this vintage Fortis Chronograph about 12 years ago. The legibility of the dials and minimalist execution of the hands are what drew me to this particular Fortis ref. The bright orange chrono hands when it was released in 1987 have aged to a bright yellow. The black PVD case has worn gracefully over the years.
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Tempusology
Industrial and graphic design director. Proud pitbull dad. Non smoker & drinker. Watch, camera, bike, & car nerd.
Chicago
Member since
Last active: 16 hrs ago
16.51 cm
Lovely watch, great patina #fortis
These B42 fliegers are really great, 40mm case with tritium dial. The tritium paint is still glowing ever so slightly when it is dark. I think mine is a 2001 version but not 100% sure. Bought it used a few years ago.
Not sure how long they made this reference. Here is a page out of Fortis’ 100 Year Anniversary book they put out a number of years back with our B42 Professional Flieger
Thanks for the info. I have tried to source the net for more info on these watches, but can't seem to find much about them. They are actually not in the B42 family as they have a bigger 42mm case with longer lugs. I think these are called Fortis Flieger Chronograph. Checked the warranty card and mine was purchased new in 2001 so it might be older.
You are correct, these watches are not the B42 for the reason you stated. Our ref could be the predecessor to the Spacematic, which has the same case design & size, chrono dial face, and hands. The only difference between our chronographs and the Spacematic ref 549.22.141.3 are the chrono pushers and the non PVD case.