Fortis Classic Cosmonauts Steel A.M. Watch Review

Description

The Fortis Classic Cosmonauts Steel A.M. is a lovely watch despite the design not being anything revolutionary. Its legibility is ensured not only through the choices on the colors and the layout but also because of the anti-reflective coating on the glass. However, there is nothing to distinguish it from other luxury watches in terms of design. Due to the movement, it also runs thick, and this is not something that can be easily ignored.

Design

Value for Money

Positives

Negatives

3.9

Ratings

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It can be said that recent developments have led to watches being valued less for their functionality, and more for their appearance that appeals to refined tastes and the innovations they can put forth in advancing a centuries-old tradition. This has led to a number of watchmaking companies slightly shifting their focus, which is understandable from a business standpoint. There are companies, however, that are still faithful to their original branding as tool watch manufacturers, and Fortis is one of them. This can be proven even when solely looking at their Classic Cosmonauts Steel A.M. watch, where nothing on it is included on a whim.

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Jomashop
US$1,995.00
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US$3,595.00
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US$3,886.67
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Year of Release: 2018
Retail Price: US$5,200.00

Anyone well acquainted with Fortis’ previous creations will realize how much the Classic Cosmonauts Steel A.M. watch is influenced by its company’s history. It is familiar, but still impressive in the execution of its complications. The watch gets its name from three things: the Cosmonaut refers to the brand’s history with space exploration, the steel pertains to the material the bezel is made in, and “A.M.” is related to the dial’s light color. It distinguishes itself from the “P.M.” model, which has a darker dial. The Classic Cosmonaut A.M. is also available in ceramic.

Specifications:

Movement: automatic
Caliber: ETA-Valjoux Caliber 7750
Power reserve: ~48h
Case material: stainless steel
Case diameter: 42mm
Glass: sapphire crystal, scratch-resistant
Water resistance: 100m/330ft
Band material: stainless steel
Functions: chronograph, date and day, HMS, tachymeter

Pros

The dial of the Fortis Classic Cosmonauts Steel A.M. is not for everyone, but for those who like to keep it clean and simple, the watch is one hell of a charmer. It bridges vintage and modern tastes, and the watch is inspired by military watches of the 1960s, which means that there is nothing on the display that does not serve a purpose. It is highly legible due in part to Fortis’ choice in colors and the luminant applied on the indices, all the while feeling elegant because of the dial’s sunray finishing that is just right. When the crystal is curved, legibility is usually compromised, but not in the case of this watch—the glass has anti-reflective coating on both sides, even on the caseback which allows you to observe the Valjoux Caliber 7750. There is no compromise on quality, too, and the screw-down crown helps better in protecting it against accidental exposure to moisture and liquids.

Cons

Some buyers want their watches to have distinct aesthetic features; all it should take is a single look to identify that what’s adorning your wrist is a piece of luxury from so-and-so brand. The Fortis Classic Cosmonauts Steel A.M. does not have that even when you’d expect it to for its price point, and it is difficult to tell apart from certain watches. The movement has its merits but it inevitably requires a thicker case; your mileage may vary but it could be bothersome to others. While it has an exhibition caseback, this Fortis watch does not bother with decorations to better present the movement. The bracelet the watch comes with is well-made, although it feels subpar compared to the rest of the materials.