How the Fortis Marinemaster 40 is Changing the Game

The journey of the dive watch began in earnest in the 1950s, a time when underwater exploration was entering a golden age. Two timepieces, in particular, set the benchmark for what a dive watch could be: the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and the Rolex Submariner. These watches were not just tools but symbols of human ambition and ingenuity. 

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, introduced in 1953, is often celebrated as the first modern dive watch. It was born out of a request from the French Navy’s elite combat swimmer for a watch that could withstand the rigors of underwater missions. 

Just a year later, in 1954, Rolex unveiled the Submariner. It was a watch that combined Rolex’s penchant for precision with a ruggedness required by divers. Over the decades, the Submariner has undergone numerous updates, each enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal.  

In contrast to the ever-evolving Submariner, brands like Omega and Tudor have tapped into the nostalgia of the golden era of dive watches. The Omega Seamaster 300, first introduced in 1957, and Tudor Black Bay pay homage to the past with designs that are reminiscent of the original models from the heyday of diving exploration, offering a vintage aesthetic for those who yearn for the charm of yesteryear.

Breaking away from the traditional and vintage schools, Fortis introduces the Marinemaster 40, a testament to the brand’s innovative spirit. First introduced in the

1950s, the Marinemaster has undergone a transformation that aligns with contemporary sensibilities while maintaining a strong foundation in practicality.

Design and Comfort: A Watch for Every Wrist

The Marinemaster 40 (ref. F8120012) is a study in balance and precision. With a 40mm diameter, it caters to contemporary tastes without succumbing to the trend of oversized watches. The bracelet is a triumph of engineering, offering robustness and a tactile pleasure that belies its utilitarian purpose. The clasp, with its heavy swing arms, houses an innovative quick-adjust system that is both intuitive and discreet. This feature allows divers to make swift adjustments to the bracelet, ensuring a snug fit over a wetsuit sleeve or directly on the wrist, accommodating a range of sizes and situations with ease.

Dial and Legibility: Clarity Under Pressure

Fortis has reimagined the dive watch dial with the Marinemaster 40, opting for a clean and uncluttered display. The minute hand, distinct in color, stands out against the backdrop of an intricately stamped pattern, allowing for effortless bezel alignment and time tracking during dives. The cushion-shaped case and lugless design echo the vintage Marinemasters while presenting a fresh, modern silhouette.

Versatility and Style: Beyond the Bracelet

Fortis acknowledges the diverse preferences of divers with a selection of rubber straps for the Marinemaster. These straps are not mere afterthoughts but integral components of the watch’s design ethos. Each strap mirrors the vibrant colors of the dials, enhancing the watch’s visual appeal and legibility. The rubber straps offer a lighter, more flexible alternative to the metal bracelet, ideal for divers seeking comfort without compromising on style. The design continuity between the dial and strap is reminiscent of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut, creating a cohesive and stylish look that is both functional and fashionable.

Reliability and Value: The Heart of Diving

At the core of the Marinemaster 40 beats a reliable ETA caliber, a movement renowned for its precision and durability. This choice ensures that the Marinemaster 40 is more than just a statement piece – it is a reliable companion for the most demanding underwater adventures. Fortis has managed to encapsulate the essence of diving in a watch that offers practicality, reliability, and a modern aesthetic that stands apart from its peers. The Marinemaster 40 is a testament to Fortis’s commitment to innovation and value, offering a fresh perspective on what a dive watch can be.

The Fortis Marinemaster 40 is not merely a new model in a catalog – it is a statement, a manifesto of Fortis’s vision for the future of dive watches. It has been crafted with a clear focus on the practical needs of divers. Every aspect, from the easy-to-adjust bracelet to the legible, uncluttered dial, has been designed with real-world use in mind. Yet, it does not compromise on aesthetics – the watch is as visually striking as it is functional, a rare feat in a market often divided between form and function.

While many dive watches are content to rest on their laurels, the Marinemaster 40 writes its own rules. It respects the rich heritage of its predecessors while refusing to be constrained by it. The result is a watch that feels familiar yet entirely new, a bridge between the storied past of dive watches and their boundless future. Fortis has managed to capture the essence of diving – the thrill of exploration, the challenge of the depths, and the satisfaction of reliable equipment.

As the watch industry evolves, the Fortis Marinemaster 40 stands as a beacon of thoughtful design and enduring value. It is a reminder that at the heart of every great dive watch is a commitment to the diver’s experience.

Founded in 2013, the company based in Zug, Switzerland, is now one of the leading providers of CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) and vintage watches. In addition to its core business in online retail, CHRONEXT now also operates exclusive brick-and-mortar boutiques and lounges in locations around the world such as Hamburg, Munich, Berlin, Zurich and Hong Kong.

CHRONEXT combines the convenience of an online shop with the first-class service of a boutique and supports its customers in all phases of purchasing and owning a luxury watch. Thanks to its hybrid business model, the company can offer its own watches as well as stock from manufacturers, retailers and private sellers, giving it access to a range of over 7,000 models. CHRONEXT is responsible for controlling the entire process, which is ensured by a team of around ten in-house watchmakers. They check each watch in a 17-stage authenticity and quality control process and then issue a 24-month guarantee.

To date, CHRONEXT has helped over 175,000 customers in more than 60 countries to buy and sell their watches.