When discussing space-tested chronographs, horological conversations inevitably drift toward the Omega Speedmaster. Yet, seasoned collectors well-versed in orbital watchmaking know that Grenchen-based Fortis has quietly laid claim to some of the most arduous space missions in history.
Building directly upon the legacy of the iconic B-42 Cosmonauts Chronograph, the Fortis Novonaut N-42 Watch represents a ruthless, modern evolution of the space-grade tool watch.
Priced at £6060, the Novonaut Titanium Legacy Edition strips away unnecessary mass without sacrificing structural resilience, serving up a high-performance column-wheel chronograph engineered for conditions far beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Space-Grade Titanium & Architectural Ergonomics
The defining evolution of this Novonaut N-42 lies in its physical construction.
Machined from lightweight titanium, the 42mm case weighs a nimble 88 grams for the watchhead, reducing wrist fatigue while offering exceptional corrosion resistance.
Featuring a 51mm lug-to-lug footprint and a 15mm case height, it possesses an authoritative presence on the wrist, framed by a bidirectional matte black ceramic “Sirius” bezel—virtually unscratchable and inlaid with Superluminova® X1.
* Case Diameter: 42.0 mm (Framed by a 44mm Ceramic Sirius Bezel)
* Lug-to-Lug & Height: 51.0 mm Length / 15.0 mm Thickness
* Watchhead Weight: Featherlight 88 grams (Titanium Build)
* Water & Pressure Resistance: 200 Meters / 20 ATM / 600 Feet
* Glass: Dual-Sided Anti-Reflective Coated Sapphire Crystal
Engineered to endure sudden cabin depressurization and deep aquatic environments alike, the case achieves a true 200-meter (20 ATM) water resistance rating. Protection is reinforced via quickset chronograph pushers and a dedicated screw-down crown fitted with a performance FKM triple-gasket system.
Tactical Contrast & Lumicast® Engineering
Beneath a high-domed sapphire crystal treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides, the dial of the Novonaut N-42 is a masterclass in functional legibility.
The deep, light-absorbing matte black surface is punctuated by rich 3N gold-plated hands—including a gold-plated sweep second hand featuring a signature “bull’s eye” tip.
“To ensure split-second legibility under zero-light conditions, Fortis utilizes 3D-molded Lumicast® X1 numerals alongside Superluminova® X1 on the hands and markers, emitting an intense, long-lasting blue glow.”
This golden handset provides an unexpectedly warm, opulent counterpoint to the watch’s stealthy, tactical titanium architecture—a subtle aesthetic nod to the golden thermal foils used on orbital spacecraft.
The Werk 17 Manufacture Calibre
Driving the Novonaut N-42 is the space-tested Manufacture Calibre Werk 17.
Developed in partnership with Swiss movement specialist La Joux-Perret, this robust automatic column-wheel chronograph movement operates at 28,800 vph and delivers a generous 60-hour power reserve alongside a crisp day-date complication at 3 o’clock.
| Specification | Performance Detail |
| Retail Price | £6060 |
| Calibre | Space-Tested Manufacture Werk 17 Automatic |
| Complications | Column-Wheel Chronograph & Day-Date Display |
| Regulation | Chronometer-Certified Precision |
| Case Back | Titanium with Deep Ultra-Engraving |
Far from a marketing gimmick, the Werk 17 was subjected to real-world extreme testing in collaboration with the Swedish Space Corporation—enduring stratospheric balloon flights and suborbital express rocket launches where it survived brutal g-forces, microgravity, and severe thermal shocks.
At £6060, the Fortis Novonaut N-42 Watch stands as an unyielding monument to practical tool watchmaking.
For collectors seeking an authentic, space-proven chronograph with modern titanium construction and manufacture mechanics, this is a masterpiece forged for the future.
