Novonaut First Edition: The Legacy Reborn

This edition marked the beginning of the Novonaut line and Fortis’ return to a purpose built space chronograph, shaped by more than three decades of continuous involvement in space missions. Its foundation lies in the experience gained with the B-42 Official Cosmonauts, worn and tested beyond Earth for over 30 years.

The Novonaut First Edition represents the next generation of the Official Cosmonauts. It carries the same technical DNA and operational intent, but under a new name. A name chosen for a different era. Space is no longer defined by borders or titles such as astronaut, cosmonaut or taikonaut. Exploration has become collective. The Novonaut reflects this shift. From novo, meaning new, it stands for a shared future in space and a new chapter in Fortis space watchmaking.

The First Edition remains the reference from which the Novonaut family evolved.

Werk 17: Tested Beyond Earth

At the core of the Novonaut First Edition is Werk 17, a space tested self winding column wheel chronograph developed to meet Fortis Performance Standards.

In collaboration with the Swedish Space Corporation, Werk 17 was tested step by step under real mission conditions. Initial tests were conducted in the stratosphere, followed by qualification in open space. This testing sequence was chosen to validate performance across extreme temperature changes, pressure differences and sustained operational loads.

The movement offers a 60 hour power reserve and uses a specially designed bridge together with a tangential micro screw regulation system. This construction was selected for long term stability, resistance to shocks and consistent rate performance in demanding environments.

Sirius Bezel™: Clarity Under All Conditions

The Novonaut First Edition introduced the Sirius Bezel™ to the Fortis collection.

Manufactured from polished ceramic, the bi-directional bezel was developed for durability and precise operation. Super Luminova® ensures legibility in low light conditions, while applied Lumicast® numerals provide even and controlled illumination.

The bezel reflects the same design approach as the rest of the watch, focused on clarity and use.

First Edition: The Point of Origin

The Novonaut First Edition was limited to 100 pieces worldwide.

Orange highlights were used to support orientation and readability. The smoked sapphire crystal caseback, featuring a rocket motif, identifies this model as the origin of the Novonaut line.

Its rapid sell out confirmed its relevance within the Fortis space watch lineage.

Technical Overview

Case

• Diameter 42 mm

• Water resistance 200 m

• Recycled stainless steel

• Screw down crown with triple gasket system

• Smoked sapphire crystal caseback with rocket motif

Bezel and Crystal

• Bi-directional Sirius Bezel™

• Polished ceramic with Super Luminova® inserts

• Sapphire crystal with anti reflective coating on both sides

Dial and Hands

• Black sunburst dial with grooved subdials

• Applied Super Luminova® X1 Lumicast® numerals

• Rocket at 6 o'clock and orange details

• Luminous hour and minute hands

• Chronograph seconds hand in Berlac Fluor Orange with Super Luminova® bull’s eye

• Date display with 13 in Berlac Fluor Orange

Bracelet

• Block Bracelet in stainless steel

• Fine adjustable Slide Clasp

Movement

• Space-tested Fortis Werk 17

• Self winding column wheel chronograph

• Chronograph with day date

• Power reserve 60 hours