Introducing The Fortis Flieger F-43 Triple-GMT PC-7 TEAM Edition
Announced with much fanfare, Fortis treated us to a revitalized series of pilot-focused tool watches in the middle of 2020. Although the brand has decades of airborne credentials to its name, the idea of a wholly rehauled Fortis Flieger line felt like an exciting and encouraging step for the Swiss proponent of purpose-led timekeepers. First was the Bicompax, followed by the Automatic, and finishing with the Triple-GMT. The brand sought to unapologetically return to its “tooltastic” origins, and the Flieger was the way it was going to make it happen. With sword hands, unmissable brick-like indices coined “Brixtrack,” suppressed finishes throughout, and an indicator at 12 devised for pilots to synchronize flying in formation, Fortis loaded all three models with utilitarian prowess.
Passionate Fortis fans and the wider pilot-watch community universally agreed that the Flieger was the brand’s key to success. So much so that Fortis subsequently introduced Midnight Blue expressions along with fresh color palettes for the entire Flieger collection as recent as only a handful of weeks ago. Now a new Flieger has arrived! Keen to uphold the commitment to functionality, Fortis has extended its longstanding relationship with the Swiss Air Force PC-7 team with this new limited edition.
Designed and used by the Swiss Air Force
For those unfamiliar with the PC-7 Team, this branch of the Swiss Air Force is its aerobatics display group. It comprises pilots who typically spend their working hours as full-time military pilots in the cockpits of F/A-18 fighter jets. When they’re not taking control of multirole combat aircraft, you’ll find them inside red, white, and blue Pilatus PC-7s, demonstrating the dynamism, elegance, and precision the Swiss Air Force is capable of. If you’re lucky enough to meet any of these remarkably proficient pilots, you’ll almost certainly see them wearing a Fortis.
It’s been well over a decade since Fortis began building watches for the PC-7 Team. Standout examples over recent years include the Aeromaster Chronograph and Day-Date editions of 2019. But, in 2023, Fortis is at it again, and it’s time for the Flieger to get in on the action.
The Fortis Flieger F-43 Triple-GMT PC-7 TEAM Edition
Presented as a limited-edition run of 100 pieces, the PC-7 TEAM Edition of the Triple-GMT is undoubtedly a distinctive creation commanded by its holistic design. Still presented in an all-brushed, super-lightweight titanium case, the 43mm exterior of this edition now benefits from a dark gray DLC coating to enhance the rugged appearance of its substantial case tenfold. Now carrying an additionally stealthy exterior, the contrasting elements and enhanced legibility of the dial and bezel truly come into their own.
The 24-click bezel remains a bidirectional 12-hour GMT one. However, in place of the “12” is a depiction of the PC-7 aircraft, while the “04” has been swapped out in favor of a wine glass. The reason? Well, eight hours before the pilot’s next flight is the cut-off for the consumption of alcohol. Therefore, this addition allows pilots to ensure they’re appropriately compliant and responsibly alert. So yes, this watch doesn’t just tell the time but also holds the wearer accountable.
The dial remains as good as unchanged from the original Triple-GMT, which will reap no complaint from me. The fine vertical brushing still graces the dial’s center, boldly contrasted by white and Berlac Fluor orange printing. From the framing of the date aperture to its centralized 24-hour scale and chapter ring, these two highly legible colors (even in low light) are executed brilliantly. Bucketloads of Super-LumiNova X1 present within its sword hands, concise GMT hand, and those oh-so-chunky Brixtrack indices ensure accurate time telling if external light sources are lacking. The counterbalance of the second hand also holds a hidden detail in the form of additional white lines to mimic the tips of the plane’s propeller. With only a “PC-7 TEAM” signature at six, the lasting impression of this dial is one of superlative efficiency, whether you’re high in the clouds or down at sea level.
A pilot’s watch made for land, sea, and air
Speaking of sea level, if you’ve been yearning for a GMT with enhanced resistant credentials, this Triple-GMT delivers. It is capable of maintaining a 200m water resistance rating, helped by its screw-down crown featuring a triple-gasket system. Better yet, the piece has a display case back featuring a smoked sapphire crystal with an etched PC-7 Team logo. You’ll want to make the most of the view it provides, as under the dial sits the caliber WERK 13. This is a movement crafted in partnership with Kenissi, the folks that are officially an arm of Tudor. Kenissi has worked and still works with the likes of Breitling, Chanel, TAG Heuer, Tudor, and Norqain on movement manufacturing, so you know Fortis is in good company.
Industry credentials aside, this caliber is capable of 70 hours of autonomy, with COSC certification and 27 jewels. It is also a “true” traveler’s GMT, allowing the independent setting of the local hour hand that also alters the date both forward and backward. Visually and mechanically, there is plenty to obsess over with this new edition. Fitted to it is a Mission Green hybrid strap, which includes a DLC-coated pin buckle to match the case finish, resulting in a tactile and highly engineered tool watch. The watch also includes a bonus PC-7 Team hook strap in Swiss red, adding an extra touch of style and versatility.
Some personal thoughts
Fortis has done an excellent job with the Flieger series. How the brand has integrated its deep-rooted relationship with the PC-7 Team for this edition scores high marks with me. When watch manufacturers partner with external organizations, they can risk creating pieces that wind up too forced and clumsy. Sometimes they almost appear to exist solely because of a partnership. This Triple-GMT is the antithesis of clumsy. The PC-7 connection spotlights its adherence to function-first design and manufacturing, whether it’s the caliber, the fresh case finish, or the small-but-significant updates.
The overarching notion I’m particularly fond of is how the watch’s Air Force connection doesn’t scream from the rooftops. Fortis hasn’t relied exclusively on this partnership to find all 100 pieces new homes. Instead, this execution stands on its own two feet. It takes the over-engineered spirit of the model and honors the authentic relationship between these two outfits, all in the name of celebrating expertise.
If you like what you see, my advice would be not to hang around; these pieces are destined to fly.
Fortis Flieger F-43 Triple-GMT PC-7 TEAM Edition price and availability
The Fortis Flieger F-43 Triple-GMT PC-7 TEAM Edition is available as a limited-edition numbered run of 100 pieces. Each has a retail price of CHF 4,800 / €5,300 / US$5,400. All prices include local VAT.
Find out more on the official Fortis website.
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