The Best Space Going Automatic Chronograph - The Fortis Cosmonaut Classic Comparative Review
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- Опубліковано 29 січ 2018
- When it comes the space going chronographs, there is always one clear winner. The most revered and iconic is undoubtedly the Omega Speedmaster. But what about automatic chronographs? Among the many strong contenders, the winner happens to be the watch worn the most in outer space.
Today I finally review my second generation Fortis Cosmonaut Official chronograph (630.22.141) - which I bought late last year - and compare it to its modern day "Classic" equivalent (401.26.141). I investigate what has changed over the decades and which are more collectible. I discuss its unique and prestigious history, and how the watch came to be the choice of the Russian Federal Space agency in 1994.
To watch my review of the B-42 Chronograph, click here:
• When A Big Watch Is Do...
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That's funny. I am just watching Star Trek when the notification of a new Urban Gentry video pops up at my computer. And what do I see? 😃
Horology, the final frontier, these are the voyages of the Urban Gentry...
What can I say. I am glad to be on board under Captain TGV. 😊
I wish to say to Fortis: "Live long and prosper!" 👍👍
LOL Best comment so far.
Thank you EUS, I am about to put DS9 on myself ;-)
Best regards,
TGV
This is not about politics here. It's about watches and fun.
But I want to mention a bit. The European Union kept peace and stability in Europe. The EU builds a strong ecomony that helps even the smaller Countries of our union to survive in the globalised world. I live near the boarder to another EU country. No more passports, free traveling, shopping in the next country and so on. Thats freedom. A lot of cultural projects with neighbours. Student exchange. You live in Spain and you want to work in the Netherlands? No Problem in the EU. Freedom again. There is so much more to say
But the main point is. Never ever war in Europe again.
EU supporter i totally agree I live in antwerpen (belgië) and when I go to the Netherlands no problem ... but then vacation to the UK ... thats another story..........
Thank you very much once again for this incredible review! Great job!
One little but important correction: the pushers on the new model are screw down as well like on the older version. You only received a prototype model by accident...sorry for that!
Thank you
Breitling may have the heavy duty marketing for "flight watches", but Fortis has a strong following. You highlighted some of the "squadron watches" that Fortis would do upon request of a military unit.
Fortis builds a great product and are really underrated Swiss pieces. Ironically, many people don't know the brand. But, that's EXACTLY who you want to buy a watch from: a company that focuses on making good time pieces instead of focusing on good marketing.
OUTSTANDING comment and so ruddy true!!!
Thank you sir for sharing that, I could not agree more.
Best regards,
TGV
I think a Speedy vs Fortis duel is needed.
Great intro once again, I appreciate Fortis as a brand and their history. Love their pilot Chronos they are awesome!
I think Fortis deserves more love and respect than a lot of brands out there, that not even have heritage at all!.
The Eternal Totally agree. Bremont, for example....
Absolutely, could not agree more. I may be mistaken but I believe that the Fortis Flieger chronograph received an award for the readability of its dial. If memory serves I think it was sometime around 2000/2001. Fortis watches are what started my collection off.
Imagine cosmonauts flying to the space station with a Richard Milles 😅
Best intro EVER! Loved it! The video is very timely as well - I was looking at Space Chronographs over the weekend and it is great to see the comparisons.
Thank you John, so glad I could help.
Best regards,
TGV
Wow, that intro really made me smile! Those Fortis chronographs really are beautiful examples of a highly functional and cleanly designed watches with a real purpose.
Thank you Armand, so glad to hear. You really must to get one into review yourself!
I am sure they would be more then happy to.
Best regards,
TGV
+The Urban Gentry: You're quite right, I'll certainly look into it!
Armand The Watch Guy glad to see you here Armand!
superb intro but the International Space Stations orbits Earth sixteen times in 24 hours (not 12 times)
"Countless" cosmonauts is exaggerated, otherwise a great video !
Armand The Watch Guy
Hi Tristano, I just have to say, I’m digging they way you synced the chrono hand and the second in this video lol. It’s so relaxing to me 😀
Wearing my new classic cosmonauts chronograph after watching this 👍
The model leant to TGV is an early demonstrator and doesn’t have screw down pushers. All the others I’ve seen including the two I’ve had have the screw down pushers. Just to clarify for those whom may be put off buying one by the fact.
Great watches!
Jaw dropping intro! You have convinced me well enough that I should get a Fortis.
Thank you Roger :D
Best regards,
TGV
Just scored a 630.22.141 at a great price. I've been scoping one out for years. Can't wait. Thanks for the history and review.
Hello. Did yours come with the bracelet and papers/booklet? May I ask what I’d a fair price for one of these? I’m looking to purchase one too and I see them in the $1800 - $2000 USD range. Thanks
@asko7113 Sure thing. Mine came with bracelet but no papers, booklet or box. I paid around $1600
I agree it's a bit of a shame it's no longer available in the smaller (and dare I say, authentic) 38mm case size. You are not alone, TGV. Those of us who are wrist-circumference-challenged horologists do pine for more wearable options in modern watch lineups.
Great video yet again. Your passion for horolology is inspiring! Keep it up TGV!
Thank you J! :D
Best regards,
TGV
Brilliant intro TGV! I know you've mentioned how the intros take up a lot of editing time, but just wanted to let you know, that they really are appreciated.
And as always the intro was followed by another great and enjoyable review.
Greatly appreciated my friend.
Thank you my friend :D
Best regards,
TGV
Oooh boy! Got the chills with this intro! Lovely videos!
Aviation, space, and watches....what more does one need in a UA-cam video!? Top quality video as usual- can't wait for the Fortis v Speedmaster dual.
Best wishes,
Rob.
The Fortis B-42 Chronograph: a true Aero-Engineering inspired automatic marvel. The bezel is mechanically precise, functional and aesthetically pleasing. It has a very intelligent yet elegant design that gives it tremendous wrist presence. The inky black dial, understated day-date window punctuated by the white markers and the slight spark of orange make it visually striking from a distance. The brushed stainless steel result in a watch that is interesting, rugged and handsome - perfect for the boardroom or ballgame . Purpose meets style. A true Engineer's time piece.
Very astute, well said and I could not agree more!
Thank you sir!
Best regards,
TGV
Dear TVG, excellent video and intro. I’m a big fan of yours. I have become a huge horology enthusiast in the past years thanks to you. Keep up the excellent work gentleman. Cheers from Cancun, Mexico. Let me know whenever you come to these latitudes.
Thank you so much, I adore Mexico!!!!!!! I certainly will let you know, it is long over due, I loved my visits to your wonderful country.
Best regards,
TGV
Great video with marvelous unbiased reviews.I must tell you the few times I have been in space I take a later version Fortis Chronograph.with the Lemania movement.I find the 24 hour subdial at 12 o clock quite useful as day at night can get mixed up and knowing this helps with this orientation.Furthermore the full size chronograph second hand is much easier to see when timing critical tasks.As long as you have an approved timepiece a second is permissible as long as they aware of it and it has been Decontaminated.thanks again for a great video.
the way you do those videos - love it.....so cool
Great intro :P Funny thing when you first showed off the watch I didn't know what to think of it but it slowly grows on you eh? Very cool and unique. Awesome video as always TGV.
KT
That introduction was incredible! Fantastic review as always. I'm definitely considering the 38mm now.
Best intro of all time hands down
Thank you Matt, very kind.
Best regards,
TGV
Thanks for this review! I’m considering getting an older Lemania 5100 version. This was very helpful!
Love the fast forward sound effects. Pure class.
Fantastic TGV. Your videos are worthy of awards. The information and video footage backing your dialogue are really proffessional. This is a big call but to me you are the Sir David Attenborough of watches!! Tally ho and onwards and upwards.
I have always tried to imagine how Spock would react to an automatic watch. “I believe it is a primitive time keeping device, Captain. Earth, 20th or 21st century I presume. Many of your famous Earth people wore these captain.”
Amazing work as usual! Most underrated niche content creator on the platform for sure.
Hands down my favourite chronos. Had one for a few years and it's a tooltastic tank, especially next to a speedy.
A "tooltastic tank". So true!
Thank you Paul,
Best regards,
TGV
Great Intro, great review, great work! Thx TGV!
Thank you Sebastian! :D
Best regards,
TGV
I think my search is over, I want a FORTIS! Thank you for all your videos, sir. I have learned so much about watches and beyond over the past week.
Hey TGV,
Just ordered a Casio DW5600E-1V after watching your 5 Casio watches video. Thanks for all you do!
Always a pleasure and congrats sir! May it serve you well.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Great review and comparison of the 38 mm to the new watch from Fortis. I own the 38 mm one just like yours and I absolutely love it. Great watch in a great size. I got to try the B42 and it's just too much of a monster, but I can see how that would be the one you want when you're in space.
The watch looks great on the olive Nato, but if you get a chance try it on an orange Nato on a casual day. The orange really makes the dial and chrono hands pop.
Wonderful intro - great sense of humor!
This is awesome, I love anything space related. Great watch, great review
thank you tgv this is an amazing arcticle on my new favorite watch maker
i belive i will buy fortis watch this year
love your show
keep the great work
Love the Classic! I would trade the display back on the current model for the screw down crowns and the bolder hands of the vintage piece! Well done TGV!!
Epic intro! great video!
Thanks Tristano, another cracking video. Fortis are very impressive and a brand that I will hopefully own add to the collection some day.
Always a pleasure for you sir!
Thank you Kieran,
Best regards,
TGV
I have a Fortis (Aviatis Aeromaster Chronograph) I bought new last year. Great watch, accurate and has a real tool watch aesthetic, which I love. Great video, definitely an under-the-radar brand.
Oh my gosh, I love that watch!!!!Did you get the PVD or steel version?
Enjoy it my friend, great to hear from a fellow Fortis owner.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
I got the steel version. I have too many PVD watches. :) Thanks, and I do enjoy it!
I like this video. Very informative. I will now buy this watch.
TGV, when you reviewed the Fortis Classic Cosmonauts Ceramic PM Review last July, there was another aviation chronograph,"Cockpit 2" by Fortis with a wonderful nato strap on the table which you said "you will come back to it". And since then I have long waited for your review of that watch. Please DO come back to that watch and that NATO!!!!
Love your Fortis review series! the best review about Fortis watches i have seen so far!!!!
Absolutely fantastic intro TGV!
Thank you sir! :D
Best regards,
TGV
Love the choon 'Samma Knas' - cool. Also your Fortis is just gorgeous and a definite watch love for me.
The cosmic Horology, I love that and I'm glad you decided last year to purchase a Fortis, amazing watch!. During my sleep I also wear automatic watch, which is actually an Alpina Alpiner, classic looking, blue dial lovely piece.
I especially enjoy your english, all the time! Best wishes, happy to see and hear you, so I will catch you in the next one. :)
Best, Robert
Thank you Robert, DYING to review Alpine but they never reply to their emails sadly.
Enjoy yours, stunning watch.
Best regards,
TGV
I can send you my watch to NY just let me know some details if you are interested. New watch in very good condition.
I love this brand great compilations as well
Thank you for your video. I own 2 space-flown watches with full documentation. One is an Omega Speedmaster with the long wristband on which it was worn on the Orlan glove during its spacewalk and the other one is a Fortis Classic Cosmonauts, flown on a taxi flight for about 10 days and only worn intra-vehicle. While logic tells me I should like the Omega more, the Fortis is just much more to my personal liking in many different ways. Anyways, both watches a great space flown time pieces of course. Again , thanks for the video.
I love the watch, I love the show but Tristano I absolutely love this intro, very good job 👌🏼
Best intro ever - 'to seek cool vintage pieces with pure class' hahahahaha love it TGV
LOL ;-)
Thank you DCC!
Best regards,
TGV
A great combination of two captivating fields of interest. Thanks for covering the collaboration of watchmaking and spaceflight in such an appealing and passionate manner! BTW, the Fortis Jubilee book is actually available for free download at the Fortis website!
Love the intro you're so original. Best wishes from Adrian in Sheffield England.
Thank you Adrian,
Very kind of you to say.
Best regards,
TGV
I can't wait to see the Fortis vs. Speedy showdown
Your intros sir, are superb. 😊
Smashing intro!
Thanks for the review
Maravillosa Intro felicitaciones !!!
Muchas gracias Manolo.
Best regards,
TGV
TGV, thanks to your great review and this video, I'm now waiting for this watch to be delivered. To bad delivery will take 3-5 weeks but if you wait for something good...
But now I really need to know, where did you get the catalogue? Really want one...
Star Trek geekin there TGV, excellent intro as usual, too bad you couldn't get Shatner to do your opening. Amazing in depth show TGV, great history. If you could include a link to acquire the Fortis book would be nice. Thank you.
I'm confused. Does the newer watch still have screw down pushers or not. The Fortis website says it does but TGV suggested it no longer does. Anyone know? Cheers.
Hey UG, what do you think of the casio mdv106-1av? I’m looking for an everyday watch to use for working and and when I’m doing construction. I was wondering if you had any other suggests that don’t break the bank, but that can also take a real beating. Keep up the great work. Cheers.
You've been an excellent ambassador for Fortis because now I want one. They are, sadly, very difficult to find where I live. Maybe in the future I'll find one to add to the collection!
Another interesting review. I’m looking to buy (hopefully) a Lemania version of this from 1995 with the extra minute timer hand complication. Adds more orange and interest to the dial. As you say the dial is visually appealing and importantly legible. The model backstory is of course what makes the watches appealing. Just like the Speedmasters but very different.
Upload couldn't have come at a better time. I got to handle the limited edition Fortis Stratoliner Parabola 🐼 yesterday. Very similar dimensions to the newer Classic Cosmonaut. I still love the older CC though. I just wish I could have the newer ceramic in a 38 with screw-down pushers.
Nice vid.
So glad I could help.
OMG a Stratoliner in 38mm would be amazing!!!!! I hear you my friend.
Good luck on the hun Matt, thank you.
Best regards,
TGV
Great vlog once again. Can’t wait for the next Swiss episode. What do you think about the black dial Tissot Le Locke with the power reserve indicator? Does the indicator justify the extra $200? Thanks again TGV
For $200 it's a bargain!!! I actually featured one during an episode of "The Explorer Bros" series.
It was last November I believe.
Thank you Michael,
Best regards,
TGV
This video has the best intro ever and also compelled me to buy my own Fortis.
that intro. damn, you've outdone yourself once again.
ps: patiently awaiting for the omega seamaster automatik 2017 video, as I intend on purchasing it as my first proper luxury watch. I need the gentry's seal of approval before though. Tell me Tristano, would a seamaster (no chronograph) look out of place on my wrist in a cockpit (commercial plane)?
”May the Fortis be with you.”
The original dial is fantastic.
Intro game still on point my friend! Keep it up!!
Dat intro man, best UG intro ever
Thank you for the great work, sir.
I think you might have confused some unformation with the new classic cosmonauts.
I think you mentioned in a previous video, that iz does have screw down pushers in general, but you version which is more of a prototype has none. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Keep up the great work, I love the higher production standart in the last videos.
Cool I just love watching your show!!
That intro was amazing.
As someone you got into horology, I'm always excited when I see you pop up in my feed; and never disappointed when I click on one of your videos. Keep up the good work and greetings from the midwest!
Thank you so much for sharing that Joshua, you have no idea how much that inspires me.
Enjoy the journey my friend, onwards and upwards!
Best regards,
TGV
Love your 38mm version - the brighter orange paint, matt dial, brushed/satin case make for a more tool and job specific watch. If you decide the AR crystal wear is not to your liking, you can remove the external AR coating with a little polishing using some Cape Cod cloth. I did that on my Sinn 103 and it turned out great.
lol, I wasn't into watches,but thought it was time to replace my old Gshock so I decided to do a bit of research online first....stumbled on your channel, watched a few ,subscribed...now,3 weeks later got an old Fortis on its way & just ordered a Seiko srp775j . ..I can see this becoming an expensive hobby! Cheers mate !! Live long & prosper
So glad to have you aboard!
Enjoy your new watches, excellent choices btw.
Thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
What more can I say,TGV you truly are the best in the game.Well done!!!!
That into was absolutely awesome ! I love those pieces perfect size T.
what music plays in the background when the piano and brass instruments come in?
Very interesting. One more brand to lust after - thanks. (Liked the Bond reference.)
The beat on the intro man....... got my inner B-Boy amped!
Nice, thank you Jared.
You can't beat the good Dr! ;-)
Best regards,
TGV
Love the 38mm Fortis. Definitely on my want list. Would be fun to take a
look at the history of Russian space watches some time. I think their Poljot 3133 based movement still holds the record for longest mission by Valeri Polyakov. The history of Stalin era watch manufacturing and the US involvement is fascinating also.
I recently bought the Chrono 630.22.141 just like the one in the video (the older)..what strap is that? i love it.
Loved the intro!
Love the intro. :)
Love that opening!
Thanks for the review! I have the 38mm version - bought in new 15 years ago from the official rep of fortis in Bulgaria 🙂 One note - the 38mm version is 200m water resistant, not 100
Hi TGV
It’s hard to choose between the new and the older model (-yours...). I like some of the design details on the new one, especially on the dail. But then there’s the more rough & tough image of the older model. Most of all I think that the brushed case of the old model is more suitable for a tool watch like this...
For me the choice will be straightforward, though. The size will make me choose the older model. But surely there will be buyers for both watches. But should a space watch be elegant/dressy? Well - you can argue that a Speedmaster is kind of elegant too.
Keep up the good work 👍
I love that watch and I loved wearing the Cosmonaut! I really should make that new 42mm version my priority watch purchase this year! You should just send it to me instead of sending back to Fortis 😁
I understand this is a 3 year old posting, but are there active folks available to discuss the 630.22.141? I was given this watch (blue face / steel band) by my late father in law, and I love it. However, he had much slighter wrists than I did, and he had removed links to fit his size, and those links are now gone. I am having a lot of trouble finding any information about the watch (until this posting), let alone replacement links or a new band. I currently wear the watch using the flight suit extender, and I fear that I might break the watch if I continue wearing it this way. Is there any solution I could seek out? Thank you!
Great video. I like the smaller one of the two.:)
Hello there, would there be any chance of you doing a video one day concerning the quartz crisis and the response Swiss watch manufactures implemented in order to survive and evolve into the brands we know them to be today?
I'm only asking because I'm writing an extended research summative essay for university and that is the topic I have chosen to write about. I'm doing a law degree but they decided to let us branch out a bit for once haha
Would love to be able to include you and your channel in my citations, that is if you don't have any qualms about me doing so.
Best regards,
Ken
The intro is great... Love Star Trek and this watch is a beauty
Ee too! What is you fave series if I may ask?
Did you see the video I did about the "Make Is So" Star Trek watch?
Thank you Mark
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry I like the first two seasons of the original series and the new movies with Chris Pine as Kirk
When are you arranging a give away ? Purely excited about it ! Great video by the way ..
I see there is a new video, I like !
Stay strong Fortis
Nice video. When will we see other video of your Swiss trip?
The old version seems like the ultimate tool chronograph. The new one seems like an affordable alternative to the Rolex Daytona made by IWC. I sometimes wonder if the arms race to create the most feature-rich watch has led companies to abandon considerations of cost-effectiveness and utilitarianism.
Hello TGV,
Is it possible for you to review the recent Longines Conquest V.H.P.?
I would love to have your opinion on this great quartz watch.
Keep up the great work and have a nice day.
Love the intro!
Thank you sir!
Best regards,
TGV
I love the Intro!!