When A Big Watch Is Done Perfectly! - The Fortis B-42 Official Cosmonaut Chronograph Watch Review
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
Today I review an extremely cool Swiss made chronograph from the massively underappreciated but hugely important brand Fortis. This B-42 Automatic (Ref. 6381011M) not only is beautifully designed, robust and excellent quality, it also is the official choice of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos). In this video I give an introduction to Fortis and it's most famous watch. Hard as nails and proven on many space missions, it is still standard issue for Cosmonauts to this day. Eat your heart out Omega Speedmaster, theres a new beast in town!
For more information and to get your horological questions answered, join our UGWC community on the Facebook group: / 1503241666636531
Instagram: / theurbangentrychannel
TGV's Tumblr: / tgv83
To contact me please email: theurbangentry@gmail.com
I do not use the messaging system on KZread, Facebook or Instagram. Thank you
Пікірлер: 442
Jesus Christ, with that amazing intro, Tag Heuer should hire TGV because he knows more about advertising than them.
@BikerJim74
7 жыл бұрын
hahah exactly
@zerotonine807
7 жыл бұрын
Jerry Meng EXACTLY!!! KILLER INTRO
@frankieeisenberg6506
7 жыл бұрын
His intros make me want the watches that I don't even think look good LOL
@ashleyb66
7 жыл бұрын
Spot on there
@phmwu7368
7 жыл бұрын
LOL " M.I.R. 97 "... just Mir like in the Mir space station ;-D
In TGV's last 2 reviews of Fortis Cosmonaut Chronograph watches, many questions have been raised over how an automatic watch can function in space WITHOUT gravity. The answer to this question is two-fold: 1. Aboard the ISS at an altitude of 200-250 miles, Earth's gravity is roughly 90% of that on the surface. The "weightlessness" that cosmonauts experience is due to "free fall in a vacuum" and NOT a lack of gravity or mass. 2. Automatic watch rotors are actuated by kinetic energy produced by the wearer's motion. While the watch rotor's mass (a property) is constant, the rotor's weight (a force) is generated by the gravitational attraction of the earth. Since gravity increases the weight of a watch's rotor, this requires more energy to move it. As Fortis previously stated, aboard the ISS with a 10% reduction in gravity, automatic watches actually operate more efficiently than on the surface due to this slight reduction in rotor weight. Hope this helps everyone.
@rossness5539
6 жыл бұрын
....and don't forget these are easily hand windable due the lack of a screw down crown.
@artyomsherwin648
5 жыл бұрын
Gravity doesn't matter. There could be a 100% reduction in gravity. The thing that matters for the rotor is the mass of the rotor. The inertia of the rotor turns it when the watch is moved.
@phmwu7368
2 жыл бұрын
Automatic wrist watches have been flown in space since 1965 (Gemini V), automatic chronographs have been flown in space since 1973 (Skylab-4), Fortis since June 1994 (TM-19)
@gioponti6359
5 ай бұрын
@@artyomsherwin648exactly.
what i love about your channel is that you know quality watches regardless of the brand…
you are right fortis is very unappreciated. they do not get credit where its due this is a very robust and rugged piece of art. i think it could be a very respected vintage piece down the road. keep up the great work TGV. Best regards Joseph
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Absolutely Joseph, I could not agree more, spot on. Thank you my friend. Best regards, TGV
Finally a fortis review.. Love this brand!! 😎👍💪
From 200m under sea level to 200km above sea level. I just found my doomsday piece. Thanks for the review TGV.
It may be heavy, but weightless in space! Amazing watch.
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Excellent point!!! I think I just did a Homer style "Doh!" ;-) Thank you sir, Best regards, TGV
@ariakowsarian9057
7 жыл бұрын
You're right for the most part, but inertia is still a factor
@ariakowsarian9057
7 жыл бұрын
But what makes me wonder is not the weight but the fact the Russians chose an automatic, wouldn't it be wiser to choose a manual wind (like NASA did) and benefit the lighter weight, thinner case and in most cases, a more robust manual winding mechanism? I know hand movements is going to turn the rotor, again because of its inertia; but I'm afraid that wouldn't be enough without the help of gravity Anyway, this is only a speculation, I have yet to search how it actually worked and did the astronauts had to use the manual wind mechanism or not
@pe7976
4 жыл бұрын
Why the Russians chose Fortis over other watches is because, I believe, of cost factor. Think about their military hardwares. Maybe crude, is definitely cheap yet effective in its purpose. Just like this Fortis watch that is significantly cheaper than the Omega Speedmaster yet you can manually wind it (just like the Omega) in space if you think there's not enough inertia that can spin the rotors.
Great video! Just want to mention that I owned the non-chronograph version of this watch. The only downside to this watch is the screwed lugs. The tiny screws are extremely fragile and are very very expensive to replace and really hard to find! If you break a screw you can't secure the watch to the band. I would say to only buy this watch is you don't plan to remove the bracelet. Other than this issue, this is a great watch and really offers a great bang for your buck! Thanks TGV! I'm a long time fan of yours!
@rossness5539
6 жыл бұрын
I have heard there are Casio screw bars that will fit the B42 case and they have much more thread to them thus stronger. I am still looking for the correct part number. I broke a screw bar over tightening it on my Fortis and a new bar cost 20.00 USD from Fortis service here in the States! They are keyed which adds to the cost but the Casio bar will work just fine using 2 screwdrivers.
An excellent review,! For some reason Fortis are a very little known brand in the UK despite being a very high quality product with a rich heritage. While even many with zero interest in watches know about the Omega Speedmaster Professional virtually none know about the space heritage of Fortis (or classic Soviet watches like Sturmanskie and Strela). I love the aesthetic of Fortis, they often have an extremely clear, legible, very clean and functional design which prioritises form over image which I like.
I have a handwind V-72 powered Fortis Marinemaster from the 70's. It belonged to my father, so Fortis has a special place in my heart. Thanks for giving some attention to this very underrated company!
I have the non chronograph Ti version and absolutely love it. The fact that it was a wedding gift from my wife makes it even more special.
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
WOW, now that is a classy wedding gift! Enjoy it my friend and wear it with pride! Thank you Luc, Best regards, TGV
awesome review one thing i do respect is your love for watches as a whole not just mechanical but quartz etc keep up the great work
I love contrasting orange seconds hands on any watch for some weird reason. Makes me want to buy them all.
Seems like someone paid BOTS in India to dislike your video, TGV. No matter what they do, they can't keep you from continuing to be the best Horology channel on KZread.
GOOD LORD IM GOING TO BE HOMELESS
@ricklujan8670
2 жыл бұрын
Jajajaja 🤣 me TOO !
The Fortis B42 is a beautiful, utilitarian and underrated watch. So glad you finally did a review on it.
@MrDoncarnage
5 жыл бұрын
White Knight who is underrating it? Must be mental...
The amount preparation and work that you put into every video is incredible. And, your production values are first-rate. Thanks for all your effort.
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much Joe, very much appreciated, Best regards, TGV
Amazing into! That dial has a great combination of being "busy" but perfectly legible. I'm surprised and happy you were able to get a clean sample from Fortis. Thanks for taking time to research the brand's heritage and include the history with this overdue review. What a great introduction to this underrated brand that some viewers may not have heard of or may not have thought much of it based on 2D photo. Regarding the titanium case, last I saw in the catalog, it wasn't listed. I hope they bring it back as an option for people who like less mass, but maybe there wasn't enough interest from buyers. As a note on the B42 series, the case is 42mm. The "dive" bezel is 44mm. Info for this watch will usually list the 42mm csse size which may disappoint a buyer who is expecting a 42mm width and is buying online and can't try it on. There is a similar model, the classic cosmonautis, with a fixed tachymetre bezel that doesn't overhang the 42mm csse. In fact, it slopes into the crystal and may wear smaller than 42. It's a nice option for smaller wrists or those who just prefer a bit smaller piece. For those unaware, Fortis also does flieger and a couple dressier types.
Dat intro!! 😍
@AnshShah1
7 жыл бұрын
wow I didn't know that you enjoy watches how cool.
@NoahPardee
7 жыл бұрын
Hey! Been watching you since 2010!
@themaranovot
7 жыл бұрын
Snazzy Labs Didn't think you would slack here, pretty cool.
@reecemesser
3 жыл бұрын
TGV is the 🐐 at intros. Stay tuned 📺🚀🌌⌚
THank you for the great review ! The FORTIS Cosmonauts Chrono is on my list for a long time. Now I need this one...
A very tastefully done, task-specific timepiece. Thanks for showing it.
Fortis as well as Tutima don't get the recognition they deserve. Thanks for reviewing a great watch!
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
An absolute pleasure, and I totally agree. Thank you, Best regards, TGV
My goodness. The intros have reached a whole other level. Great tool watch.
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you Ricardo, very kind of you to say. A long time no commentary! I hope you are well and had a good birthday. Best regards, TGV
@ricardosime2654
7 жыл бұрын
I truly can't complain. Life is good. Can't wait to see what you have been cooking in the lab with Giancarlo with the secret project. My test subject services are always available. 👍
I just got my hands on the Fortis Pilot Classic Chronograph and I also visited the factory, and I have to say that it is a fantastic watch!
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Fantastic, so glad to hear! Thank you Piero, enjoy your Fortis and wear it with pride. Best regards, TGV
Great review... I have been singing Fortis Watches praises since coming across the brand in 2008. I have 2 models in my collection: B-42 Flieger and the Cosmo 3 GMT. Beautifully made and precise engineering... I love em and the Fortis site does sell refurbished models at bargain prices!!!
@williamstalvey6920
2 жыл бұрын
I agree, Fortis Watches are outstanding!!
That intro could easily be something Fortis would pay big $$$ for as an officiel promo video!
Never thought I'd fall in love with a Timex, I guess you have give every brand a chance!
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Haha, difficult not to right! Thank you. Best regards, TGV
note to self. stop watching TGV videos and make mortgage repayment ... 😂 you are sending me broke or divorce....
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
LOL!!!! Thank you LDW, if it helps at all, I am my own worst enemy too ;-) Best regards, TGV
@luckdingwong2196
7 жыл бұрын
The Urban Gentry I keep looking for the unsubscribe button...... can't seem to locate it ...damn
@getoffmylawn8986
7 жыл бұрын
Luck Ding Wong Me too! Ordered a Sinn today.
@andrewa2646
7 жыл бұрын
Rick Gordon which sinn?
Just got one. And this video was partially responsible for it. I love it, definitely the new "crown jewel" of my little collection. Thanks for the great info!
Terrific review, TGV. I am really glad you got around to this wonderful brand. I experienced these superb watches first-hand at the WatchBuys show last year in San Francisco. The build quality and exectution, as you say, are really first-class. *Very* impressive quality, feel, and fit and finish. The fact that you can buy this watch new for $1640 at WatchBuys makes it one of the most insane value propositions for a watch I can think of. And that intro is insane....
@msp459
5 жыл бұрын
In Spain cost 3230euros ( 3500dolars or more....for this price I bought an omega )
@Den-ml7zg
5 жыл бұрын
Ordered mine today from watch buys, will arrive tomorrow, i cant wait to open the box
Watch brands need to look at your intro's! Another classic!
What is your opinion of Timex and/or Linjer watches?
Great review as always, TGV! Thanks for teaching us about Fortis. Cool story and cool brand! We'll see you on the next one...
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much guys. I hope this finds you well. Best regards, TGV
Solid introduction my friend!! Worthy of an award!!! Not to mention the cool watch!!! 2 Years in & still very much enjoying the urban gentry!!! BMJ ENGLAND
Oh what a beautiful piece
does anyone have a list of all the watches that went to space?
Can someone share with me, what kind of watch did Clark Gable wear in the movie "It Started in Naples"? From the movie scenes it had an alarm built in. Thanks
This is the nicest utilitarian sport watch I’ve ever seen, details have been thought of thru-in thruout. Why not it was designed to go in the harshest environment: Space. Thanks to introducing us to this brand watch which is sadly unknown in North America. Wish there were more distributors! That intro. was mighty impressive 👌❤️👍, keep on the good work. John (from Canada)
@williamstalvey6920
2 жыл бұрын
Great comments and agree 100 percent. Fortis are incredible watches. Bill Atl
It seems that i watch this Intro every day....i think i got addicted to it. So emotional....
Been eyeing this watch and was convinced after this video. It's an amazing piece solidly built and looks good on my wrist too.It's a space watch but you can go diving with it too and all this without a screw down crown which i prefer. Truly a value for money.
Amazing watch. As a one watch guy this will be my next watch.
Best intros in the business. Great vid T quite a jam packed watch right there.
Great review and watch. Looking forward to the timex as well.
Tristano, I absolutely cherish these videos! Irrespective of the brand of the watch, the appreciation you bring to the audience is what makes you the most valuable friend to us. Many thanks, cheers!
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much Ashwin, your comment makes it all worth it! Best regards, TGV
Solid review on a gorgeous watch. Thanks for introducing this one to me.
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Always a pleasure, Thank you, Best regards, TGV
I've been waiting for you to review a Fortis chrono!
Loved the review of this watch so much I had to add it to the collection. Really dig your videos. I agree wholeheartedly on the pieces that you tend to gravitate towards, with the exception of the smaller sized watches. I’m a large fellow at 6’1” and 260 with an 8” wrist size. I wish I could pull off the smaller pieces probably as much as the smaller guys would like to wear the larger pieces. Keep up the good work, and maybe in the future see some more of the G-Shocks. Love those watches.
That space shot at the end. 👌🏻
Thank you so much for this! Always been curious about this watch! Wonder why it's not more popular, people love space watches but this one feels so forgotten. In fact, I feel Fortis as a whole gets forgotten way too often, despite having such a rich history... Fantastic work!
Always a treat to see new video by TGV. I have learned so much from you bro.. thank you for helping me become a gentleman. Best wishes to you and your family. cheers mate
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much, I find that deeply inspiring. Best regards, TGV
Amazing intro, and what a great episode (again!), got to love a Fortis, been thinking about the Aviatis collection too much, but still saving for my first Omega... must resist Saludos
TGV, that Fortis holds the record for the watch with the most time in space.
mine got here this morning loving it!
Hey TGV! Love the new Timex! I have two that I have owned for over 20 years and they have never failed me. I am really excited that you are reviewing a Fortis watch. I have read extensively about them and am impressed by what I have learned about them. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to try one on in person :( The B-42 is very impressive. My favourite feature on this watch is the bracelet. As you mentioned, it can be adjusted with ease. This is personally important to me as I have a small wrist and I tend to have bracelets that are either too tight, or too loose. Also, the dial is clearly laid-out and is easy to read. My eyesight is not the best and even with glasses or contacts, a scattered dial can make reading a watch difficult. This watch appears to be ready to be used in any circumstance. Maybe this, or another Fortis, will be the chrono I will purchase! Has to compete with the Speedmaster, however. Thanks for another great and educational video! Regards, Nathan
Great intro! This is a mid time goal for me. Whatta piece with amazing heritage. Cheers.
I own this watch and love it. One of my favourite characteristics is the antireflective coating. It appears, as if their is no crystal at all, you see the dial without any reflections. Here Fortis is really the leader. I hate to wear an expensive watch and all you see, especially outdoor, is the reflection of your surroundings.
After picking up a bargain, mint, non chronograph version of this, I knew immediately I just had to get the chrono too. Fantastic watches indeed.
Nice intro!!!! that Fortis is quite a piece, beautiful! i had the sinn 104 as my next objective but this one might make me change my mind. excellent content as usual nice one Tristano!
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you Juan, I feel Sinn and Fortis share a lot in common, either way you decide, its win win ;-) Happy hunting, Best regards, TGV
@JP-dn5lk
7 жыл бұрын
The Urban Gentry dear TGV what would be your strap of choice to pair with this one?
@MUCH-70
6 жыл бұрын
Juan Fernando Pérez Pasquale did you forget who you’re asking? A nato of course lol. Btw I’m currently considering the same 2 watches: Sinn 104 or this... what did you decide? Cheers
Doesnt the 7750 date need to be set at only certain hand positions or damage will occur?
@tefouane
3 жыл бұрын
Avoid date adjustment between 8 pm to 10pm....
Outstanding review Tristan!! Glad you're giving some love to larger diameter watches for us folks with larger wrists.
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much, I had you chaps in mind ;-) Best regards, TGV
What type of timex watch is this at 0:45? Do you have a link maybe? Thank you in advance.
I have two B-42’s and you are so right about Forts being underrated!! Great tool watch:)
@williamstalvey6920
2 жыл бұрын
Just the best the b 42
Soo beautiful watch, lovely Fortis! Thank you for this Video!
hey the urban gentry. I have a Seiko automatic with a canvas strap that's getting a little dirty. how do think I should clean it without damaging the band?
Stunning watch 😍😍 great video as always !!
Amazing Intro And that is an OUSTANDING tool watch
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much :D Best regards, TGV
I own this watch and love it madly.. thank you so much for adding it review to this wonderful channel..it will certainly add to its already exciting heritage...
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you Wissam, very much appreciated. Best regards, TGV
YES THANK YOU TGV
What a piece! I think I've found my grail watch.
Excellent review 👍.Thank you 🙏. This watch has been on my radar since watching your upload and now I’ve finally purchased one 😀. So excited to see it when it arrives 🤗.
Extremely nice watch. Saving for the alarm version of the same watch. Cheers.
Thank you, thank you! I have been waiting for this review! Other than being a quite large watch, its perfect in every other way for me! Titanium is probably the way to go. Great review, thanks again!
I've been considering this watch in the past, great to see a video on it. TGV, have you ever encountered a Damasko? I have a DA36 which I like. They have a hardened case like a Sinn.
Seriously, the intros alone are worth the trip in and the videos are always top shelf.
I very much like your videos and the collectibles in the background. I'm looking for your opinion on the best place/places to purchase a vintage/used Rolex. Any suggestions?
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much, I will be doing a top ten sellers for luxury watches soon. Stay tuned. Best regards, TGV
ive had this watch for a month now and yes its awesome, i have a 7 3/4 inch wrist so size is not an issue, and for me i dont find it top heavy at all. great review!
You always have the best intros!!!! Do a video about them, how you make them, etc
wow another one to my list. love it. maybe you can do a video on ww2 watches. just bought a ww2 elgin watch and I can't get it off my wrist. as always keep up the GREAT work.
Fortis really was smart in lending you their watch for review - I can't think of a better presentation that could have been done. I'm not just being overly ingratiating when I say that you did a great job of maintaining the perspective of it's purpose; which was to be extremely tough, legible, logically laid out and easy for pilot (and cosmonauts), to use. Speaking of legible, I just went to the Watchbuys.com website and saw the Fortis Monolith Cosmonautis, which, I think, is the most legible watch I've seen so far, with a rotating bezel . . and it's under $1,000! Very nice video, TGV.
I’m glad it has that space suit extension, going to need that next time I visit the moon!
A desirable watch, no question. I happen to enjoy pilot watches, but they're so big on the wrist. For example, so many of the Breitling watches, though they are beautiful to look at and admire, have such wide case diameters that I'm simply unable to wear them given my slim wrist. But that is the nature of this kind of watch. I might be willing to take a chance on the Fortis B-42.
B42 now definitely on the must have list... great video!
Why is there no crown on the Harwood Automatic? I found myself smitten with it's symmetry and didn't realize why until I didn't find the crown.
Interesting video, very nicely done. Thanks
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you Francisco :D Best regards, TGV
Great review I have owned mine one week and love it ! Its the Real Deal !
Because of your high quality videos, you can actually see the the inconsistent studder of the chrono second hand...a design characteristic of the 7750
Really nice watch!
New subscriber your channel is crazy cool thanks. So many brands that I didn't know excited hahaha my collection is about to grow.
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
That makes it all worth it to hear! Welcome to the best hobby a person can have, enjoy the journey and thank you so much for the comment. Best regards, TGV
I like the triangles next to the day/date window, so that you know which way to turn the crown to set the day and date.
Magnificent review on the Fortis B-42. You covered most of the positives about this watch. I might add that the design of the solid caseback is the one of the best and the most authentic in its class. Could I suggest a comparison video of this B-42 and the Omega Speedmaster "man on the f**king moon". That would be something interesting to watch. Cheers.
Do they wear that bracelet in space? The space suit sleeves are way bigger than the dive extension.
Great video. Intro and content is as always fantastic. Execution in impeccable. I always love to see a notice of an Urban Gentry video. I am starting to think your talent may be wasted on KZread. You might need a much larger venue. World class. Cheers.
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much Steve :D Deeply honoured by your words. Onwards and upwards! Best regards, TGV
wow i love that Blue Aura in the glass!!!
I bought that watch 11 years ago and wore it exclusively for about 6 years (exept for the occasional Seiko Cocktail dress watch). It is, hands down, the most resilient and robust watch in my collection. Except for some tiny scratches in the anti-glare, this beast looks as new! And I’ve got a 19cm wrist, so it fits quite nicely. But you’re right, it is quite top-heavy, at least when worn loosely. But overall, an amazing watch!
Wonderful watch top notch video editing
Great intro and great review as always, TGV! Massive watch but massive personality. I think the dial is very attractive.
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you Katrina, so glad you approve. Best regards, TGV
Always impressed by your command of the history TGV. Really makes s difference in my brand selection.
@theurbangentry
6 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much John, I am flattered. I just like to talk about what I love, it's really that simply. Best regards, TGV
Brilliant intro mate! I’m sold on the Fortis Cosmonaute!
A mans watch. Something about fortis gives that no nonsense look and still keeps it aesthetic.
@theurbangentry
7 жыл бұрын
Spot on! Thank you Thomas, Best regards, TGV
Have they stopped to produce it in titanium? (There are reviews here in KZread, but in their site there is only the stainless steel, as reviewed in this video)