Following on from the AMADEE-18 launched in 2019, Fortis has engineered a new Official Cosmonauts Chronograph watch designed in partnership with the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF). Dubbed the Fortis AMADEE-20, after the Mars simulation of the same name, the new release remains a solid utilitarian timepiece just as much built for life on our own planet as it is for space exploration.
For several years now, Fortis has been championing the Austrian-led Amadee Mars simulation programmes which are designed to help us prepare for future human and robotic Mars missions. Between 4th and 31st October 2021, the Austrian Space Forum will be conducting yet another integrated Mars analog field mission, this time in the Negev Desert in Israel. The AMADEE-20 Mars simulation will see a small field of highly trained analog astronauts with spacesuit simulators conduct experiments and be put to the test in an environment that approximates the surface of Mars. Also assisting in getting humankind to the red planet is Fortis, who in support of the mission have launched the new Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chronograph AMADEE-20 watch. As well as being issued to the general public, the watch is being provided to a number of analog astronauts on the mission.
CASE
The Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chronograph AMADEE-20 is a tool watch through and through. Fully engineered from titanium, the 44 millimetre case is equipped with what Fortis calls their “MCB” bezel. Otherwise known as the Mission Control Bezel, this innovative piece of technology allows the wearer to track time in ten minute intervals by using the luminous primary indicator marker at 12 o’clock and the matching triangle marker at minute position 50. It is believed that transmissions can take around ten minutes to get from Earth to Mars, so supposedly, astronauts can track the time until their next communication using the bezel feature.
Compared to standard stainless steel, the grade 2 titanium case delivers increased robustness and sits incredibly lightweight on the wrist. The bezel and screw down case back are also engineered from titanium with the latter engraved with the words “the next giant leap” in reference to the Mars mission. The case back of the Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chronograph AMADEE-20 watch is also engraved with an image of the orbits of Earth and Mars and labels each of the planets including the two moons of mars, Delmos and Phobos. The screw down crown is fitted with a three-gasket system and guarantees a water resistant rating of 200 metres.
DIAL
Topped by sapphire crystal glass treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides, the dial of the Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chronograph AMADEE-20 watch is fantastic and offers several stylistic trappings. Commander of these flourishes is the dial surface itself finished in an anthracite grey colour and split into two patterns. From 5 o’clock to 11 o’clock, the surface is kept simple with vertical brushing while the other half is wonderfully embossed with a radial pattern for a sense of depth and character. Further finishes come into play on the 12 o’clock 30 minute counter with sunburst decoration and at 6 o’clock where the AMADEE-20 mission patch adds a bold touch of colour. To pair with the AMADEE-20 logo, the pointed chronograph seconds hand is dressed in royal blue.
The other hands on the Fortis AMADEE-20 watch are kept simple and legible, black, sword shaped and coated in lume for easy readability in the darkness of space. The applied Arabic numerals and indexes are similarly outlined in black and injected with glow in the dark lume. To the right, at the 3 o’clock position, two greyed out apertures make way for the day and date and are paired with two arrows on either side to signify which way the wearer needs to turn the crown to adjust each indication.
MOVEMENT
Inside the Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chronograph AMADEE-20 watch is the automatic winding UW 50 movement. Based on the Valjoux 7750, the UW 50 removes the 12 hour register at 6 o’clock for the AMADEE-20 mission patch but retains the 30 minute counter at 12 o’clock alongside classic central hands for hours, minutes and chronograph seconds and a date and day window at 3 o’clock. The movement also promises a power reserve of 48 hours and beats at a frequency of 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour.
STRAP
To complete the Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chronograph AMADEE-20 watch, a grade 2 titanium block bracelet is added alongside an adjustable slide clasp. Within the box, you will also receive an additional Marine Nationale-like hook strap in grey fabric and detailed with the Fortis emblem courtesy of designer Nick Mankey.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
The Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chronograph AMADEE-20 watch is available to order now on the Jura Watches website at a retail price of £2,850. For more information on this piece and other new Fortis watch releases, get in touch with the team on 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
