This chronograph Fortis model is still on the official equipment list for any Russian Cosmonaut. Model reference 605.22.142.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
The movement in this watch was produced from 1978 to 1998, and the first commercially available Fortis Cosmonaut watches were tested and approved in 1994 before being released in stores in 1995, so the crossover gap is quite small. The later watches are the B42 models, which had a 42mm case and the Valjoux 7750 movement.
CONDITION
When designing a watch for space travel, you have to set high standards. So the build quality of everything on this watch is top notch, and the watch is waterproof (including screw down pushers for the chronograph). There are also practicalities to consider, so the choice of design and materials is important. By using the Lemania 5100 automatic movement you not only gain reliability but the top subdial is a 24 hour indicator – very useful in space where you are not sure if it is night or day. Being automatic also means you can wind the watch without removing gloves, just by moving it. The lume used is Tritium, that is heavily applied and still glows very well today so legibility in all lights is excellent. The bracelet also has an extender piece built in – normally this is for wetsuits, but we doubt it would fit over a spacesuit. The bracelet has been cleaned in our ultrasonic bath. A new version can cost up to €3,800 on a bracelet, but these earlier ones will be the collectible versions.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 42.3 mm
Width without crown 39.0 mm
Between lugs 20 mm
Lug to lug length 46.9 mm
Case Thickness 14.2 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 204 mm. The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
