Fortis Marinemaster History
Fortis Marinemaster ref. 6237 / Credit: Analog/Shift
You don’t see too many vintage Fortis watches around these days, likely because there aren’t that many popular vintage Fortis models in comparison to other brands like Omega or even Eterna. However, the Fortis Marinemaster is a pretty well-known Fortis dive watch creation – and totally unrelated to its Japanese cousin from Seiko.
Fortis started making waterproof wristwatches as far back as the 1940s, when they released the Fortis Fortissimo. The Fortissimo line actually started in the early 1930s, but the production of waterproof models started later. These watches used Fortis-modified third-party movements that were inside of a specially designed steel case. Generally, Fortis used movements from companies like Venus, ETA, and A. Schild.
The Marinemaster was created in the early 1950s (presumably 1952), when Fortis started branding their water-proof watches ‘Marinemaster’. Now, the Fortis Marinemaster may take some inspiration from the Fortissimo, but was much more ‘experimental’, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. One of the most popular Fortis Marinemasters is the ref. 6237, which was released in the 1970s and stands out for its colourful dial configuration and for being a Super Compressor. This vintage Fortis has a multi-colour dial that is very emblematic of the styles of the ‘70s and uses an ETA movement. This Fortis reference is also faked relatively often, so beware! Another notable reference of the Marinemaster is the ref. 8001 – a chronograph. And not just any chronograph, this early ‘70s dive chronograph was powered by the Valjoux 72; just like the Daytona! It also had a depth rating of 200 meters.
Fortis Marinemaster Chronograph ref. 8001 / Credit: Analog/Shift
The Fortis Marinemaster was a successful series of watches for Fortis, so much so that in 2002 Fortis released a re-issue of the ref. 6237 Marinemaster to commemorate the brand’s 90th anniversary. Only 90 copies of this watch were made and they are nearly identical to the original. The Fortis Marinemaster ref. 8001, on the other hand, was re-issued for the brand’s 100-year anniversary in 500 blue and 500 orange editions. Thus the Fortis Marinemaster line still lives on today! A true tool watch, on the wrists of athletes and soldiers alike.
By: Andres Ibarguen