Fortis Updates its Space Chronograph with the Fully Luminous Novonaut N-42 Halo Editions

In recent years, Swiss brand Fortis has worked hard to update most of its collection and mechanical offerings, including a refreshed Flieger collection, the return of the Marinemaster, and the introduction of the Stratoliner with a space-tested movement. In 2023, the brand tackled the task of revamping one of its most important models, a model once known as the B-42 Official Cosmonauts Chronograph, and introduced a new generation of space exploration chronograph, the Novonaut N-42. This year, Fortis expands the collection with luminous dials made entirely of Lumicast, new high-contrast panda layouts in three colours and an upgraded version of its space-tested Calibre Werk 17. Meet the new Novonaut N-42 Halo Editions. 

The story behind the Novonaut collection is the evolution of an emblematic watch for the brand: the B-42 Official Cosmonauts. With this chronograph, Fortis became part of the standard equipment for Cosmonauts, cooperating with Roscosmos, the Russian Space Agency. The first Fortis Cosmonaut watch flew into space in 1994 as Russia was operating the MIR space station. A second version – again for Roscosmos, specifically as the ISS followed MIR – was designed some 10 years later. For reasons that we all know, Fortis isn’t cooperating with the Russian agency anymore, but the concept of the space chronograph resurfaced in 2023, with the Novonaut collection. This bold, ultra-robust chronograph mixed elements of the old B-42 with developments introduced in the Flieger and Stratoliner collections. This proper instrument of a watch was also equipped with the Calibre Werk 17, a movement developed on the basis of the Valjoux 7750, upgraded in most technical points and later tested in space.

Using the foundations of the classic Novonaut models, available with single-tone black or blue dials, the brand now unveils three new versions that reveal their true nature at night, but also add superior contrast during the day. Less classic, more striking, no less mission-ready… The case remains unchanged here, measuring 42mm in diameter, 15mm in thickness and 51mm in length. No debate; these Novonaut N-42 Halo Editions are still large and robust watches on the wrist. The cases are meant for action, with a 200m water-resistance, a strap held in place by a screw-pin system, reinforced FKM gaskets and a strong sapphire crystal on top. Made of recycled stainless steel, the case is entirely brushed and weighs 115 grams (watch head only). A screw-down crown with a triple-gasket system finishes what’s more than just a watch for space exploration. It can surely take a beating.

One of the main differences with the Stratoliner, another space-oriented model, the Novonaut N-42 features a bi-directional bezel, with a fully luminous, fully scaled 60-minute track named “Sirius Bezel” by the brand. The new Halo editions are launched in 3 versions, with a black, blue or green polished ceramic insert. A colour-matched hybrid rubber and textile strap, closed by a steel pin buckle, gives these editions a slightly more casual look, compared to the steel bracelet found on the classic editions.

The dial is probably the most striking element of these new versions. While the layout and functionality have not changed, the Halo editions now introduce a high-contrast panda style, with a white base and blue, green or black accents – found on the sub-dials, day-date discs, Arabic numerals and inner countdown flange. But wait until dark, as this white base is actually made from Lumicast X1, making the dial entirely luminous with negative contrast for all the coloured elements. Fortis says that this is its watch with the strongest luminosity ever. The blackened hands, including the seconds hand with a bull’s-eye, are all generously filled with Super-LumiNova.

The evolutions for the Novonaut N-42 Halo Editions are not only on the aesthetic side, as the mechanics have also been upgraded. Inside is the Werk 17 TR, an evolution of the Werk 17 with more power and greater stability. Developed with La Joux-Perret, this movement relies on the architecture of the Valjoux 7750 but shows multiple upgrades. First of all, it is a column-wheel chronograph. Second, it has been conceived with shock resistance in mind, even more so in this TR update. The bridges have been redesigned and reinforced, and the balance bridge is now held in place by two points, providing greater stability and resistance to vibration for the regulating organ. Also, it now features a free-sprung variable inertia balance, whose rate is adjusted by mass screws positioned directly on the balance, rather than through a conventional index regulator. This system reduces sensitivity to shocks and positional changes, so the movement maintains a more stable performance. Finally, the power reserve has been increased from 60 to now 70 hours.

The new Fortis Novonaut N-42 Halo Editions, combining cool, high-constrat luminous dials and the latest generation of chronograph movement, are now available from the brand, as part of its permanent collection. All three editions, black, blue or green, are priced at EUR 5,950, CHF 5,450 or USD 5,950. For more details, please visit www.fortis-swiss.com.