Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The new Fortis Marinemaster M-44 DLC Gravity Black and Black Resin
Fortis' bigger and bolder all-rounder watch in two new dark-themed versions.
First introduced in 2021 alongside its smaller, less pro-oriented M-40 version, the Fortis Marinemaster M-44 was part of the new collections to mark the renewal of the brand, and yet it carried a name with historical importance. For once, not a watch linked to pilots, the Marinemaster (specifically the rugged, high-performance M-44 versions) is more than just a dive instrument; it’s a watch meant for exploration on land or underwater. For the first time, we’re treated to stealthy, dark-themed watches as Fortis releases the first Marinemaster with DLC coating.
The name Marinemaster originates from the 1950s and has since been used to indicate the brand’s highly waterproof watches. Over the years, the name has adorned watches with the intention to be used in aquatic life, but not necessarily ultra-focused dive watches. It could include complications such as a chronograph or an alarm. And the new Marinemaster collection, which was unveiled in 2021 and marked an entirely new step in the life of this range, focused on adventure and exploration, both on land and underwater. Fortis’ vision was that of a go-anywhere, do-anything kind of watch. With the Marinemaster M-44, however, things are getting more serious.
The Fortis Marinemaster M-44, available since 2022 in an array of bright colours, was and still is the flagship of the range. A watch with a sizable case, a fair amount of protection, a 500m water-resistance and a bidirectional Gear Bezel with Fortis Lock System, it is powered by a COSC-certified movement by Kenissi. Up until now, all versions were made in uncoated recycled stainless steel, but this year, it’s time for the M-44 to turn to the dark side, with the new DLC Gravity Black and DLC Black Resin editions.
What doesn’t change is the overall construction and look of the case, which is still that of a rugged, focused sports watch with strong diving credentials. Measuring 44mm in diameter, the case of the M-44 is nevertheless quite compact on the wrist with a L2L of 48mm. These watches are water-resistant to a solid 500m and feature, as often with Fortis, several distinctive features for protection. In addition to the classic screw-down crown at 3 o’clock, the M-44 features an additional crown at 10 o’clock, a pretty straightforward locking system to lock the bezel into place. It works together with a bidirectional bezel. The main novelty for this year is the colour scheme, as the Marinemaster M-44 now gets a black Dianoir DLC-coating, a first for this collection.
The result is, obviously, a darker case but also one with great resistance, as the coating results in a surface hardness of 4,500 HV (Vickers), which is approximately 20 times harder than conventional stainless steel. A small difference between these two editions, which is in line with the dial, is that the DLC Gravity Black features uncoated crowns and lateral screws to hold the strap, while the DLC Black Resin has blackened ones.
Talking about the dials, both editions of the Marinemaster M-44 DLC come with the collection’s classic black dial with embossed Fortis “O” pattern, framed by a luminous ring, and an angled inner flange. The difference between them consists of the coloured accents, as the DLC Gravity Black comes with silver-toned hardware, while the DLC Black Resin opts for warmer gold-coloured hands and markers, with beige Super-LumiNova (a combination that we’ve already seen in a classic steel).
Inside the case, under a thick steel caseback, is the Calibre WERK 11, which is produced by Kenissi. Its base is shared with brands such as Tudor or TAG Heuer. A modern automatic movement, its precision has been certified chronometer by the COSC. It runs at a 4Hz frequency, with its balance under a transversal bridge, and boasts a comfortable power reserve of 70 hours.
Worn on a FKM rubber strap with Fortis “O” pattern, the Fortis Marinemaster M-44 DLC Gravity Black and DLC Black Resin are released as part of the permanent collection. Prices are yet to be confirmed. For more details, please visit www.fortis-swiss.com.
