Fortis Adds Color and History to the Dive Watch Cannon with the Marinemaster M-40

When you hear the name Marinemaster, Fortis may not be the first brand you think of, but it should. Renowned for their pilot and space-faring timepieces, did you know Fortis is also one of the oldest dive watch makers in the world? Their Marinemaster line started in 1954, and it has been an integral part of their catalog for the past 70 years.

In 2022, Fortis modernized the Marinemaster line to include 2 sizes. The M-44, which as the name implies, is 44mm in diameter and houses a manufacture Kenissi movement, as well as a nifty bezel locking system. While, the M-40, which you guessed it, is 40mm in diameter and houses a Sellita SW-200, upgraded to the Fortis UW-30 Performance standards which means it comes with a antimagnetic gilt glucydur balance wheel and chronometer accuracy. Both are constructed and finished to levels that far exceed what their price point would indicate.

Their updates did not end with the new sizes and movements. They created an all-new barrel shaped case with hooded lugs, featuring a new triple gasket protected screw-down crown, a new 120-click Gear Bezel™ that feels as solid as a tank turret and added a new best-in-class clasp to their already incredible Block bracelet. The latter even has a push-button slide system that offers 8mm of micro-adjustment.

The dials and their use of color is what really made these new Marinemaster stand out. The M-40 was initially offered in Rockstone Grey, Serenity Blue, Woodpecker Green and Snow White. For 2024, Fortis is adding 4 new colorways to the M-40 line. Amber Orange, which comes on their Horizon rubber strap. Gravity Black, which is available on either Block bracelet or Horizon rubber strap, as is the Ocean Blue. Lastly there is Blue Japan, which comes with both bracelet options, along with a silver minute track, a red minute hand and a red lume plop on the seconds hand.

It is also worth noting that the case, along with the bezel are made of recycled stainless-steel and there are a couple other neat quirks. There is a strip of SuperLuminova® circling the entire dial and the brand name is also lumed, but that is not all! The 13th day of every month differs from the rest, as it is painted in Berlac Fluor Orange. Pricing on rubber strap is $3,100, on bracelet it is $3,550, while the Japan Blue, which is available with both options is priced at $3,550. For more information, please visit www.fortis-swiss.com.