We are proud to release our first collaboration with Fortis to bring you the Fratello x Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax Capsule Edition. This is the first watch in the Fortis × Fratello Capsule Collection. This watch, and future models in the collection, is not limited; it’s uniquely and perpetually available in the Fratello shop.

First things first...

The Fortis × Fratello Flieger F-43 Bicompax Fratello Capsule Edition is 43mm in diameter and 15mm tall with a brushed, recycled stainless steel case and a lug-to-lug length of 55mm and a lug width of 21mm. The watch also features a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on both sides, and a coin-edge, bidirectional 12-hour rotating bezel with 24 clicks. That’s a very neat functional touch because it means you can track a second 12-hr time zone. The case back is also executed in recycled stainless steel and shows a so-called ultra-engraving and the distinct Fratello “f”; this is a Fortis × Fratello Flieger after all.

A strap to match

This special Fratello × Fortis Flieger comes on a hybrid strap made of black FKM with brown textile on top. FKM is a family of fluorocarbon-based fluor elastomer materials defined by ASTM International standard D1418 and ISO standard 1629. This hybrid piece has the looks of a tough textile strap, but it wears just like a soft and comfortable rubber strap. The tactile textile on top of the strap contributes to a luxury feel without taking anything away from the tool-watch vibes. A sturdy, stainless steel Block Bracelet with a quick-adjustable Slide Clasp is available separately from Fortis.

Reliability is mission-critical

Inside the 200m-water-resistant case beats a workhorse movement. It’s the caliber UW-51, which is an automatic Sellita SW510 caliber using a proven Valjoux architecture. We’re not taking any risk of potential “engine failure” by using this movement in a watch meant to withstand tough circumstances. The 4Hz caliber has a power reserve of 48 hours and uses a special unidirectional rotor to wind the mainspring. There’s also a Glucydur balance wheel to achieve great precision. The movement is operated by a screw-down crown with a triple-gasket system and circular chronograph pushers with an anti-slip pattern.

Dialed in

The first-ever brown Fortis Flieger has an umber dial. Umber is a dark shade of brown that’s part of the prehistoric palette of earth pigments. It’s a very warm, natural, and luscious color that we’re very happy with. Take a closer look at the dial’s vertically brushed finish. Due to the umber hue, it almost mimics natural wood. The decorative brown is balanced by the use of functional colors. These include black for the sub-dials and minute track as well as Fortis’s signature orange color for specific details. The fluor-orange chronograph seconds hand takes pride of place in the center. And there are more orange elements. There’s the “Bicompax” name in orange, and both the date window and minute register have an orange border.

The three-dimensional five-minute/hour markers and the distinct triangle on the raised black minute track are details that are most definitely both subtle and spectacular. And so are the large, lume-filled sword hands in brushed steel. This functional visual spectacle guarantees great readability. And so does the fluor “Synchroline” at between 11 and 1 o’clock. The line is intended to make it simpler for the pilots in a squadron to synchronize their watches mid-flight.

The Fratello x Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax Capsule Edition will be available indefinitely in the Fratello Shop.

Specifications

Dial: Umber brown
Case Material: Recycled stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 43mm (diameter) × 55mm (lug-to-lug) × 15mm (thickness)
Lug Width: 21mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Case Back: Recycled stainless steel
Movement: Fortis UW-51 — Sellita SW510 base, automatic and hand winding, 28,800vph frequency, 48-hour power reserve, 27 jewels, hacking seconds
Power Reserve: ~48 hours
Water Resistance: 20 ATM (200 meters)
Strap: Black rubber with brown nylon textile upper
Functions: Time (hours, minutes, small seconds), date, chronograph (30-minute counter, central seconds), bidirectional 12-hour bezel
Special Notes: First 25 pieces available at launch, with 25 more pieces expected in 1–2 weeks. Further 50-piece runs to be available approximately every six months.