About This Watch:

The Fortis B-42 Automatic Day/Date Ref 655.10.158 hails from the Flieger line, which was designed for pilots to use. The exceptionally legible dial provides for superior readability under all lighting conditions, with lumed hands, numerals, and indices.

The History: While Fortis is a known name to horological enthusiasts and watch collectors, their name might now be as familiar to all. Fortis is one of the few watchmakers in the world that remains, to this day, independent despite its rich history in Swiss watchmaking. Fortis was founded in 1912 by Walter Vogt. In 1926, Fortis, in collaboration with watch inventor John Harwood, created the first automatic watch to be put into production, thus setting the stage for the likes of many major brands we see on the market today, such as Rolex, Omega, and more. Later, in 1940, Fortis pioneered the way for one of the first water-resistant watches ever built.

The Watch: The B-42 Automatic Day/Date Ref 655.10.158 features a 42mm stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal and an exhibition case back. The dial features large Arabic numerals with sword-style hour and minute hands, a day window at the 9 o’clock position and a date window at the 3 o’clock position. Powered by an ETA 2836-2 movement, the B-42 has a water resistance rating of 200 meters.

The Details: This Fortis B-42 Automatic Day/Date Ref 655.10.18 shows some wear on the bezel and case that is consistent with a pre-owned timepiece and visible in the photographs. This timepiece includes both outer and inner boxes, a leather Fortis document holder, an instruction booklet, the guarantee booklet, a Day/Date adjustment card, the hangtag, and the original black leather Fortis strap with stainless steel Fortis buckle.