
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Fortis Flieger Automatic, Alarm Chronograph With Date, ref. 599.22.170, circa 1990
- Maker / attribution
- Fortis (maker)
- Date
- c. 1990
- Historical period
- Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
- Country of origin
- Unrecorded in source
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 40 mm
- Stock no.
- vws2903
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws2903)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Fortis Flieger Automatic - Alarm Chronograph With Date - Reference 599.22.170 - c.1990 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws2903), this is a wristwatch by Fortis, dated c. 1990. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 40 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist
Fortis Flieger Chronograph Automatic with Mechanical Alarm and Date Function Model 599.22.170, with Box and Unsigned Papers Fortis is a Swiss watchmaker with a history dating back to 1912. Throughout its history, Fortis has maintained a reputation for quality craftsmanship and innovation, particularly in the realm of aviation and space-themed watches. The brand's connection to space missions, including its role as a supplier to the Russian space program, has contributed to its iconic status in the watch industry. Fortis was founded by Walter Vogt in Grenchen, Switzerland. The company initially focused on producing watch movements. However, it didn't take long for Fortis to become known for its quality timepieces. What’s On Offer Fortis watches are appreciated for their robustness, durability, and historical connection to space exploration and aviation, this watch is a perfect example of that. Paired with a quality aftermarket blue leather strap the expertly finished and bead-blasted 40mm stainless steel case is in very good condition with only odd light blemishes. The mint black dial displays 3 subdials for the 60s, 30min and 12h chronograph function with increments of orange seen on the seconds and alarm hands. Turning the watch over you can find a display case back housing the Fortis calibre 2001 (a Valjoux 7750 base movement). This well-built movement also houses a mechanical alarm function. The multi-dynamic movement allows for 46 hours of power reserve. Fortis as a brand continues to produce watches that cater to professionals in various fields and watch enthusiasts who value toughness and precision and emphasize durability and functionality in its timepieces. You don't often see this reference with these functions on the pre-owned market so be quick if you love this watch as much as we do! Additional information Made from Case: Stainless Steel Dial: Black Crystal: Mineral Glass Bracelet: Leather strap Technical specifications Winding: Automatic Movement Type: Mechanical Calibre: Fortis 2001 Jewels: 32j Waterproof: Not Guaranteed Power reserve: 46 Hrs Purchase Details Condition: Very Good - 8.5/10 Model Reference: 599.22.170 Date of Issue: 1990 Dimensions Width (without crown): 40mm Lug width: 20mm Lug height: (lug to lug) 35mm Wrist size: Adjustable
Historical context
Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.
Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution
Atlas type guide
Chronographs and split-seconds watches
A chronograph is a watch with an additional seconds hand that can be started, stopped and returned to zero independently of the timekeeping. Louis Moinet built an early example in 1816 and Nicolas Rieussec a recording 'chronographe' in 1821; Adolphe Nicole's heart-shaped reset cam (patented 1862) made the modern return-to-zero possible. Split-seconds (rattrapante) chronographs add a second hand that can be stopped for intermediate times; flyback chronographs restart instantly.
Chronographs were essential tools for doctors (pulsometer scales), artillery (telemeter), engineers and sport. In wristwatches, Valjoux, Venus, Lemania and later the automatic chronographs of 1969 (Zenith El Primero, the Chronomatic Calibre 11 group and Seiko 6139) are milestones.
What to look for
- Push-pieces on the case band or a single button in the crown (monopusher).
- Subsidiary registers for minutes and hours; tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer scales.
- Column wheel versus cam control visible in the movement.
- Calibre markings of specialist makers (Valjoux, Lemania, Venus, Landeron).
Dating clues
- Pocket chronographs with heart cam reset: after 1862.
- Wrist chronographs: from c. 1910; two-button designs from the 1930s.
- Automatic chronographs: from 1969.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
Read next:Flyback chronographChronograph
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