Fortis B42
Author
Discussion

rat840771

Original Poster:

2,028 posts

195 months

Monday 16th November 2015
quotequote all
I have an urge to get one of these beauties, I prefer the steel bracelet, very chunky.

I presume it is a standard ETA movement and could be serviced by any reputable dealer?

Anything I should be worried about, they do appear to good value ( in comparison to other brands)


http://www.chronomaster.co.uk/images/1000/242/fanc...


lostkiwi

4,585 posts

154 months

Monday 16th November 2015
quotequote all
They use the ubiquitous 7750 movement I believe so should be no issues with getting it serviced/repaired.

Spice_Weasel

2,366 posts

283 months

Monday 16th November 2015
quotequote all
Yes and Yes. I have one although a slightly different dial and hands design. It's well built and feels very solid.

Movement is the workhorse Valjoux (now ETA) 7750 which can be worked on by any good independent (subject to parts availability in the future).

42mm case with large crown and pushers plus a very tall case (18mm?) means that it wears as quite a large and heavy watch. Lug width is only 20mm which does feel a little small on the standard leather. I swapped mine for a non-tapering Toshi strap which works better. The Fortis bracelet is superb - solid, screwed links but as a combo, it's a heavy one to wear.

Mine has been accurate and reliable but does work as a casual wear watch more than formal. It doesn't fit under or with a shirt cuff very comfortably.

As far as alternatives go, I think it's still well-priced against the competition at approx £2K. Residuals are likely to be approx 50%.

Jimmy Recard

17,551 posts

209 months

Monday 16th November 2015
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Excellent watches. I'm torn between one of these and an Ebel 1911 Discovery as my next watch.

(Probably the Ebel though)


rat840771

Original Poster:

2,028 posts

195 months

Tuesday 17th November 2015
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I have owned an Omega Seamaster chrono in the past so i'm used to large watches, I wish I had never sold that!

I do love the B42 and the machined screws that go into the bracelet, also the brushed steel case.

I have got my eye on a second hand one, so hopefully I get it for a good price.

The Ebel isn't in the same league IMHO ( looks wise)


rat840771

Original Poster:

2,028 posts

195 months

Friday 20th November 2015
quotequote all
well, I've gone and done it....I'm not quite sure how im going to get this past the wife.

unmarked 2 year old for £800, to me that is great value for a top quality watch, I think in years to come I wouldn't loose much on it ( if any)

when it arrives ill post some pictures.

alburnie

40 posts

244 months

Thursday 7th January 2016
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Well done, I have had my B42 for 10 years now and its never missed a beat in that time. I have owned many a Rolex too but this is a real workhorse. The only sad thing now is that its luminosity has faded to almost nothing. of all the watches I have owned only two others were remarked upon or noticed as much as this is. Green Sub 2005 and Titanium Panerai Sub. I like the fact its a quality item that is appreciated but is very rare. Enjoy.

rat840771

Original Poster:

2,028 posts

195 months

Friday 8th January 2016
quotequote all
It is a lovely watch.

What everybody notices about it is the anti reflective glass, my wife and daughter thought the glass had fallen out!

It is currently with 'variomatic' being repaired as it was not automatically winding. Hopefully the bill will be no more than £50 and then I can become my workhorse.