When A Big Watch Is Done Perfectly! - The Fortis B-42 Official Cosmonaut Chronograph Watch Review 

Jesus Christ, with that amazing intro, Tag Heuer should hire TGV because he knows more about advertising than them.

In TGV's last 2 reviews of Fortis Cosmonaut Chronograph watches, many questions have been raised over how an automatic watch can function in space WITHOUT gravity. The answer to this question is two-fold: 1. Aboard the ISS at an altitude of 200-250 miles, Earth's gravity is roughly 90% of that on the surface. The "weightlessness" that cosmonauts experience is due to "free fall in a vacuum" and NOT a lack of gravity or mass. 2. Automatic watch rotors are actuated by kinetic energy produced by the wearer's motion. While the watch rotor's mass (a property) is constant, the rotor's weight (a force) is generated by the gravitational attraction of the earth. Since gravity increases the weight of a watch's rotor, this requires more energy to move it. As Fortis previously stated, aboard the ISS with a 10% reduction in gravity, automatic watches actually operate more efficiently than on the surface due to this slight reduction in rotor weight. Hope this helps everyone.

awesome review one thing i do respect is your love for watches as a whole not just mechanical but quartz etc keep up the great work

THank you for the great review ! The FORTIS Cosmonauts Chrono is on my list for a long time. Now I need this one...

what i love about your channel is that you know quality watches regardless of the brand…

Finally a fortis review.. Love this brand!! 😎👍💪

you are right fortis is very unappreciated. they do not get credit where its due this is a very robust and rugged piece of art. i think it could be a very respected vintage piece down the road. keep up the great work TGV. Best regards Joseph

A very tastefully done, task-specific timepiece. Thanks for showing it.

I love contrasting orange seconds hands on any watch for some weird reason. Makes me want to buy them all.

Great video! Just want to mention that I owned the non-chronograph version of this watch. The only downside to this watch is the screwed lugs. The tiny screws are extremely fragile and are very very expensive to replace and really hard to find! If you break a screw you can't secure the watch to the band. I would say to only buy this watch is you don't plan to remove the bracelet. Other than this issue, this is a great watch and really offers a great bang for your buck! Thanks TGV! I'm a long time fan of yours!

The Fortis B42 is a beautiful, utilitarian and underrated watch. So glad you finally did a review on it.

Great review as always, TGV! Thanks for teaching us about Fortis. Cool story and cool brand! We'll see you on the next one...

Best intros in the business. Great vid T quite a jam packed watch right there.

Solid introduction my friend!! Worthy of an award!!! Not to mention the cool watch!!! 2 Years in & still very much enjoying the urban gentry!!! BMJ ENGLAND

Excellent review 👍.Thank you 🙏. This watch has been on my radar since watching your upload and now I’ve finally purchased one 😀. So excited to see it when it arrives 🤗.

Just got one. And this video was partially responsible for it. I love it, definitely the new "crown jewel" of my little collection. Thanks for the great info!

Amazing intro, and what a great episode (again!), got to love a Fortis, been thinking about the Aviatis collection too much, but still saving for my first Omega... must resist Saludos

It may be heavy, but weightless in space! Amazing watch.

From 200m under sea level to 200km above sea level. I just found my doomsday piece. Thanks for the review TGV.

I have a handwind V-72 powered Fortis Marinemaster from the 70's. It belonged to my father, so Fortis has a special place in my heart. Thanks for giving some attention to this very underrated company!

Never thought I'd fall in love with a Timex, I guess you have give every brand a chance!

Outstanding review Tristan!! Glad you're giving some love to larger diameter watches for us folks with larger wrists.

An excellent review,! For some reason Fortis are a very little known brand in the UK despite being a very high quality product with a rich heritage. While even many with zero interest in watches know about the Omega Speedmaster Professional virtually none know about the space heritage of Fortis (or classic Soviet watches like Sturmanskie and Strela). I love the aesthetic of Fortis, they often have an extremely clear, legible, very clean and functional design which prioritises form over image which I like.

Terrific review, TGV. I am really glad you got around to this wonderful brand. I experienced these superb watches first-hand at the WatchBuys show last year in San Francisco. The build quality and exectution, as you say, are really first-class. *Very* impressive quality, feel, and fit and finish. The fact that you can buy this watch new for $1640 at WatchBuys makes it one of the most insane value propositions for a watch I can think of. And that intro is insane....

Great intro! This is a mid time goal for me. Whatta piece with amazing heritage. Cheers.

The amount preparation and work that you put into every video is incredible. And, your production values are first-rate. Thanks for all your effort.

Thank you so much for this! Always been curious about this watch! Wonder why it's not more popular, people love space watches but this one feels so forgotten. In fact, I feel Fortis as a whole gets forgotten way too often, despite having such a rich history... Fantastic work!

Been eyeing this watch and was convinced after this video. It's an amazing piece solidly built and looks good on my wrist too.It's a space watch but you can go diving with it too and all this without a screw down crown which i prefer. Truly a value for money.

Tristano, I absolutely cherish these videos! Irrespective of the brand of the watch, the appreciation you bring to the audience is what makes you the most valuable friend to us. Many thanks, cheers!

Solid review on a gorgeous watch. Thanks for introducing this one to me.

Soo beautiful watch, lovely Fortis! Thank you for this Video!

Stunning watch 😍😍 great video as always !!

Amazing into! That dial has a great combination of being "busy" but perfectly legible. I'm surprised and happy you were able to get a clean sample from Fortis. Thanks for taking time to research the brand's heritage and include the history with this overdue review. What a great introduction to this underrated brand that some viewers may not have heard of or may not have thought much of it based on 2D photo. Regarding the titanium case, last I saw in the catalog, it wasn't listed. I hope they bring it back as an option for people who like less mass, but maybe there wasn't enough interest from buyers. As a note on the B42 series, the case is 42mm. The "dive" bezel is 44mm. Info for this watch will usually list the 42mm csse size which may disappoint a buyer who is expecting a 42mm width and is buying online and can't try it on. There is a similar model, the classic cosmonautis, with a fixed tachymetre bezel that doesn't overhang the 42mm csse. In fact, it slopes into the crystal and may wear smaller than 42. It's a nice option for smaller wrists or those who just prefer a bit smaller piece. For those unaware, Fortis also does flieger and a couple dressier types.

Great review and watch. Looking forward to the timex as well.

Watch brands need to look at your intro's! Another classic!

Fortis as well as Tutima don't get the recognition they deserve. Thanks for reviewing a great watch!

Loved the review of this watch so much I had to add it to the collection. Really dig your videos. I agree wholeheartedly on the pieces that you tend to gravitate towards, with the exception of the smaller sized watches. I’m a large fellow at 6’1” and 260 with an 8” wrist size. I wish I could pull off the smaller pieces probably as much as the smaller guys would like to wear the larger pieces. Keep up the good work, and maybe in the future see some more of the G-Shocks. Love those watches.

I just got my hands on the Fortis Pilot Classic Chronograph and I also visited the factory, and I have to say that it is a fantastic watch!

Great intro and great review as always, TGV! Massive watch but massive personality. I think the dial is very attractive.

I have the non chronograph Ti version and absolutely love it. The fact that it was a wedding gift from my wife makes it even more special.

Extremely nice watch. Saving for the alarm version of the same watch. Cheers.

Brilliant intro mate! I’m sold on the Fortis Cosmonaute!

Seems like someone paid BOTS in India to dislike your video, TGV. No matter what they do, they can't keep you from continuing to be the best Horology channel on RU-vid.

I own this watch and love it madly.. thank you so much for adding it review to this wonderful channel..it will certainly add to its already exciting heritage...

GOOD LORD IM GOING TO BE HOMELESS

New subscriber your channel is crazy cool thanks. So many brands that I didn't know excited hahaha my collection is about to grow.

Hey TGV! Love the new Timex! I have two that I have owned for over 20 years and they have never failed me. I am really excited that you are reviewing a Fortis watch. I have read extensively about them and am impressed by what I have learned about them. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to try one on in person :( The B-42 is very impressive. My favourite feature on this watch is the bracelet. As you mentioned, it can be adjusted with ease. This is personally important to me as I have a small wrist and I tend to have bracelets that are either too tight, or too loose. Also, the dial is clearly laid-out and is easy to read. My eyesight is not the best and even with glasses or contacts, a scattered dial can make reading a watch difficult. This watch appears to be ready to be used in any circumstance. Maybe this, or another Fortis, will be the chrono I will purchase! Has to compete with the Speedmaster, however. Thanks for another great and educational video! Regards, Nathan

I've been waiting for you to review a Fortis chrono!

Sharp intro, great vid about a somewhat overlooked brand. Thanks Guv!

Always a treat to see new video by TGV. I have learned so much from you bro.. thank you for helping me become a gentleman. Best wishes to you and your family. cheers mate

Always impressed by your command of the history TGV. Really makes s difference in my brand selection.

Great review... I have been singing Fortis Watches praises since coming across the brand in 2008. I have 2 models in my collection: B-42 Flieger and the Cosmo 3 GMT. Beautifully made and precise engineering... I love em and the Fortis site does sell refurbished models at bargain prices!!!

Amazing Intro And that is an OUSTANDING tool watch

My goodness. The intros have reached a whole other level. Great tool watch.

Great vid production and summary of an often overlooked but superb piece. Would have been nice to see some wrist shots on nato and leather straps.

Thank you, thank you! I have been waiting for this review! Other than being a quite large watch, its perfect in every other way for me! Titanium is probably the way to go. Great review, thanks again!

It seems that i watch this Intro every day....i think i got addicted to it. So emotional....

Nice intro!!!! that Fortis is quite a piece, beautiful! i had the sinn 104 as my next objective but this one might make me change my mind. excellent content as usual nice one Tristano!

Dat intro!! 😍

Great review sir, I've had this one in the ol' cart countless times... And congrats on nabbing your Explorer btw!! Out of your entire (impressive) stable, that one just looks like TGV...suits you quite well --- Keep it rollin' brother ----

Oh what a beautiful piece

Awesome review! I would be interested to see one of the new Fliegers on the channel.

mine got here this morning loving it!

TGV, I LIVE for your intros. Seriously awesome. Keep it up, colorcolour

B42 now definitely on the must have list... great video!

Interesting video, very nicely done. Thanks

Always love the intros TGV and impeccable narration, thank you for such intriguing videos. I'm impressed Fortis stepped up and sent this piece to you for review. They have gained my respect. I myself and most likely The Gentry Membets would love a narration background on your employment. It would fill in some questions lurking out there, please consider the request. Thank you again for what you do.

Great review I have owned mine one week and love it ! Its the Real Deal !

You always have the best intros!!!! Do a video about them, how you make them, etc

That is an awesome watch!! I would love to get my hands on one of those. The dial is magnificent! Great video my friend. They just keep getting better and better! Cheers!

wow another one to my list. love it. maybe you can do a video on ww2 watches. just bought a ww2 elgin watch and I can't get it off my wrist. as always keep up the GREAT work.

This is the nicest utilitarian sport watch I’ve ever seen, details have been thought of thru-in thruout. Why not it was designed to go in the harshest environment: Space. Thanks to introducing us to this brand watch which is sadly unknown in North America. Wish there were more distributors! That intro. was mighty impressive 👌❤️👍, keep on the good work. John (from Canada)

Was ready to order a BREITLING Chrono Colt Quartz and I saw this amazing review. So I order this guy instead of the Colt. Wait for it, I'm in France and it came from an AD in Italy.... can't wait to receive it. Thanks for the great job on this review....

ive had this watch for a month now and yes its awesome, i have a 7 3/4 inch wrist so size is not an issue, and for me i dont find it top heavy at all. great review!

I have two B-42’s and you are so right about Forts being underrated!! Great tool watch:)

Great video. Intro and content is as always fantastic. Execution in impeccable. I always love to see a notice of an Urban Gentry video. I am starting to think your talent may be wasted on RU-vid. You might need a much larger venue. World class. Cheers.

Seriously, the intros alone are worth the trip in and the videos are always top shelf.

Magnificent review on the Fortis B-42. You covered most of the positives about this watch. I might add that the design of the solid caseback is the one of the best and the most authentic in its class. Could I suggest a comparison video of this B-42 and the Omega Speedmaster "man on the f**king moon". That would be something interesting to watch. Cheers.

Amazing watch. As a one watch guy this will be my next watch.

Wonderful watch top notch video editing

Outstanding intro and video!!

Thanks for an awesome video out of one of my fav brands. What is your wrist size?

Thank you for such a great video!!!!

Tristano, grazie tante for another great video review! A propos of tool watches, any intentions of reviewing a Damasko? Please correct me if I missed it, but I don't think you've reviewed one yet?

Brilliant review of a lovely timepiece! Like you though I cannot wear this watch with my skinny wrists 😫 have you seen the Aviatis pilot classic chronograph reference: 904.21.41 simply stunning and would be great to see reviewed 👍🏻

Lovely video!

I own this watch and love it. One of my favourite characteristics is the antireflective coating. It appears, as if their is no crystal at all, you see the dial without any reflections. Here Fortis is really the leader. I hate to wear an expensive watch and all you see, especially outdoor, is the reflection of your surroundings.

Awesome video

Fortis really was smart in lending you their watch for review - I can't think of a better presentation that could have been done. I'm not just being overly ingratiating when I say that you did a great job of maintaining the perspective of it's purpose; which was to be extremely tough, legible, logically laid out and easy for pilot (and cosmonauts), to use. Speaking of legible, I just went to the Watchbuys.com website and saw the Fortis Monolith Cosmonautis, which, I think, is the most legible watch I've seen so far, with a rotating bezel . . and it's under $1,000! Very nice video, TGV.

That space shot at the end. 👌🏻

Because of your high quality videos, you can actually see the the inconsistent studder of the chrono second hand...a design characteristic of the 7750

I've been considering this watch in the past, great to see a video on it. TGV, have you ever encountered a Damasko? I have a DA36 which I like. They have a hardened case like a Sinn.

I very much like your videos and the collectibles in the background. I'm looking for your opinion on the best place/places to purchase a vintage/used Rolex. Any suggestions?

I was ready to pull the trigger on a Sinn 103, but then this video came up. Super impressed with all the little details this watch offers. Too bad it's HUGE!! Now I've got a pro/con list to make.

I’m glad it has that space suit extension, going to need that next time I visit the moon!

YES THANK YOU TGV

That Timex looks awsome! Keep up the good work TGV!

I like the triangles next to the day/date window, so that you know which way to turn the crown to set the day and date.

Superb presentation as always. I am wearing B42 Pilot GMT Chronograph for a few years and I must say it is amazing watch. The only downside I can see is that outer AR coating is getting scratched in time but otherwise amazing piece of a watch.

TGV, have you considered doing overviews and reviews of Massdrop merch? Good pieces of gear there. Great videos, best of luck!