AMADEE-20 the New Fortis Cosmonauts Chronograph for Mars
Let’s go to another Pitch Watch.
Amadee is a research program of the Austrian Space Forum, whose main objective is to prepare future planetary missions by recreating similar environments where Analog Astronauts (who are true astronauts) test all aspects of future missions.
In October, in the Negev desert (Israel), the Austrian Space Forum in partnership with the Israel Space Agency will simulate the exploration of Mars (the next giant leap) with a strong focus on detecting life.
Fortis decided to join this mission and make a watch, the AMADEE-20, which will equip the entire crew involved, which includes the field astronauts and the station crew.
So, let’s take a look at this big watch, although its size comes with interesting details.
The 44 mm case is made of titanium with a sandblasted finish, which extends across the bracelet with a slide clasp. The new “Misson Control Bezel” (MCB) in the case, comes with two markers, the usual 12 o’clock marker when aligned with the cardinal points of the North and a second marker at 2 o’clock, the space between the two markers cover 10 minutes, which represent the average delay time for communications between Mars and Earth in both directions. The solid case-back is engraved with space orbits, where the Earth, the Moon and Mars are also represented and the inscription “The Next Giant Leap” at the top.
The silver dial is engraved with lines on the right side to symbolize the orbit of Mars, applied large numerals and hands injected with SuperLuminova X1, 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock, day-date window at 3 o’clock, small-seconds at 9 o’clock and applied mission patch at 6 o’clock.
Inside, the automatic movement Caliber UW-50 based on the Valjoux 7750 operates, offering up to 48 hours of power reserve.
The watch is now available in stores and can be purchased for the price of € 3,800.
General Specifications:
Brand: Fortis
Model: Official Cosmonauts Chronograph Amadee-20
Reference: F2040007
Dial: Stardust gray
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Case Material: Titanium
Case Dimensions: 44 mm Diameter
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Titanium
Water Resistance: 200 Meters
Strap: Titanium with slide clasp
Calibre: UW-50 (Valjoux 7750 base)
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, day-date, chronograph
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Jewels: 25
Power Reserve: 48 Hours
Price: € 3,800