Hands-On: The Latest Fortis Marinemaster M-40 Models In Four New Colorways
I mainly associate Fortis with its different watches created for use in space. But there is more to the brand than just those. The Fortis M-40 is a versatile tool watch for diving or adventures out in the wild. It has appropriate specs to make it a versatile piece that will serve you in various conditions. And knowing that it is a Fortis, you know that the quality is top-notch. So, after reviewing the Novonaut late last year, which impressed me, I welcomed the chance to go hands-on with the Marinemaster M-40.
Getting back to the association that I have with Fortis, I love the story of the brand’s watches and adventures in space. The Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chronograph has become an industry classic. The follow-up B-42 and the current Novonaut N-42 tell that story brilliantly. I was deeply impressed by how well the new Novonaut is made. It perfectly combines the instantly recognizable look of the classic models that came before, modern design updates, and an impressive overall production quality. It’s the perfect continuation of a compelling story that, knowing the brand’s ambitions, will undoubtedly get more exciting in the next chapters.
The Fortis Marinemaster M-40 collection
But it would be selling Fortis short to label it a brand focused solely on conquering space. Fortis has long been working on creating an extensive collection of tool watches consisting of four model lines. The Novonaut and Stratoliner series directly connect to the space story. The Flieger line is a versatile series of modern pilot’s watches with time-only three-handers, GMTs, and chronographs. Lastly, there is the Marinemaster line, a versatile range of tool watches you can take diving and wear on adventures on land. Within the Marinemaster line, the M-40 is the smaller model, and the M-44 is the bigger brother. The M-40 is also one of the brand’s more affordable watches, along with the time-only Flieger F-39 and F-41.
Until this review, I hadn’t had a chance to wear one of the Marinemaster models. We have reviewed the white version that was part of the first drop of four different dial tones. Rob explained in the review that they weren’t necessarily standard colors. Besides the beautiful white-dial version, there was Woodpecker Green (light green), Serenity Blue (turquoise), and Rockstone Gray. The blue and green dials were especially outspoken. Fortis now adds a few more dial colors with four new M-40 variants that fans will love.
Four new colorways for the Marinemaster M-40
Before we get into the colors, it’s worth mentioning that all four dials feature the same Fortis “O” motif that the previously introduced models have. That pattern looks very noticeable when you first see the watches. But from wearing them, I can say that the dials suit the case very well and are not as outspoken as the pictures may suggest. The new dial colorways consist of Amber Orange, Gravity Black, Ocean Blue, and Blue Japan. The last two are a similar shade of blue, but the designs are somewhat different.
For the Amber Orange, Gravity Black, and Ocean Blue dials, the dial color continues on the rehaut. The color is contrasted by the applied markers filled with white Super-LumiNova, a stainless steel handset with white Super-LumiNova, a white luminous circle on the dial’s periphery, and white 60-minute markings on the rehaut. The Blue Japan version is slightly different, featuring a white rehaut with blue 60-minute markings. It also has a red minute hand, and the seconds hand has a nice splash of red with the signature “Bull’s Eye.” It gives this version a distinctly different presence from the Ocean Blue model.
The specs of the Marinemaster M-40
The dials are combined with a 40mm stainless steel case measuring 12mm thick, 43mm long, and 21mm between the hooded lugs. The case is water resistant to 300 meters and perfectly equipped for diving adventures. It features a 120-click unidirectional rotating bezel, a signed screw-down crown, and a neat all-brushed finish.
But the most striking thing about it is its design. The integration of the round bezel with the tonneau-shaped case is wonderful. The absence of traditional lugs does not stand out until you look closely. It’s a far more intricate case design than you might initially think.
Inside the case, Fortis equips the watches with its UW-30 caliber. Essentially, it is a modified Sellita SW200-1. This trusted automatic movement operates at 28,800vph and has 26 jewels and a 38-hour power reserve. The movement is hidden behind the steel case back, which features several engravings to spice it up. Regarding strap options, the watches are delivered with a 21mm rubber strap in the same color as the dial.
The other option is to buy the watch with the stainless steel Fortis Block bracelet. Fortis uses also the same one for the Novonaut, and it’s an incredibly high-quality bracelet. It’s solid and sturdy, uses screws in the links, and connects to the case with screws as well. The rubber strap also connects this way, I might add.
Wearing the Fortis Marinemaster M-40
The luxury of having all four watches at our disposal meant we could take them all for a spin. Regarding a preference for the rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet, I must say that the watches wear very nicely on rubber. The bracelet is top quality but lacks a nice taper, making the watch heavy.
While I like the look of the watches on the bracelet, I mostly wore these Marinemaster M-40s on the rubber Horizon straps. They are sturdy and balance the watches nicely on the wrist while also being extremely comfortable to wear.
Once on the wrist, all the little details stand out more. One is the white date disc with black printing on the two blue models and the orange variant. The brand chose a black date disc with white printing for the black-dial version. Usually, I like color-matched date discs, but I prefer a white disc in instances like this. The reason is quite simple. Right next to the date window is a cut-off marker with white lume, so the date disc corresponds nicely with the colors of the indices. It creates a balanced design. But the nice thing is that the black version works well too. Neither would be a dealbreaker for me after I picked my favorite color.
Once on the wrist, the Marinemaster M-40 shows what Fortis is all about
On the wrist, the M-40 feels super solid. As mentioned, the build quality of Fortis watches is outstanding, and this time, it’s no different. The modern styling fits the rest of the brand’s collection, and Fortis has found its distinct design signature. It feels fresh, and I like it a lot. There’s no harking back to the olden days but, instead, crisp designs that feel modern and lead to great watches. An awesome detail is the luminous ring on the dial, which further enhances the modern feel in the dark. The lume is impressive and lights up bright blue in darker conditions.
Overall, it was hard picking a favorite. I loved the Japan Blue model with its extra colors quite a bit. After wearing all four versions, that was the one that came out on top for me. But all of these colors work well with the design, I must add. When it comes to the strap-versus-bracelet dilemma, your personal preference will rule. I would probably pick the rubber strap as it helps make the Marinemaster M-40 models sporty, colorful, and comfortable divers.
Final thoughts about the new Fortis Marinemaster M-40 models
I greatly enjoyed my time with these new Fortis Marinemaster M-40 variants. They are great examples of what makes Fortis such a great brand. The modern design signature is combined with exceptional production and some playful details, such as the dial pattern and the luminous ring around the dial. However, as these are hardcore tool watches, function always comes before frivolity, and I find that very commendable.
The new Marinemaster M-40 models are available now for €2,950 on the Horizon rubber strap and €3,300 on the stainless steel Block bracelet. The Blue Japan model comes standard with the bracelet and a strap for €3,300. For the money, you will get an exceptionally well-built watch with a design that looks instantly recognizable and has a modern signature. In a world overflowing with vintage-inspired watches, that is a fresh approach that I greatly appreciate.
For more information, visit the official Fortis website, and share your thoughts on the new Fortis Marinemaster M-40 models in the comments below.
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