A Literal Monument to Space

In English, "Monolith" refers to a monumental structure such as a tower or obelisk. Film buffs might recall the mysterious black slab from the science fiction masterpiece "2001: A Space Odyssey," which spurred human evolution. A wristwatch bearing this symbolic name has now arrived.

FORTIS has produced numerous innovative timepieces throughout watchmaking history. Today, it is particularly renowned for its close collaboration with Russian space development, supplying the "Cosmonaut" series as official equipment for current ISS missions. Few watches can withstand the extreme conditions of launch and re-entry, such as intense G-forces and vibrations, or maintain legibility in the pitch-black expanse of space. However, FORTIS watches have been official equipment at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia since 1994. The "B-42 Cosmonaut Chronograph" has been continuously adopted as the official watch for ISS missions since the 13th mission.

Both "Monolith" models inherit the durability and highly legible design befitting a "Cosmonaut" (astronaut). The cases and bracelets feature a black PVD coating for an all-black finish, presenting a strikingly sharp appearance. The case back is stamped with the emblem of the Russian Federal Space Agency, celebrating 20 years of cooperation in space development.

In March 2015, FORTIS watches will once again adorn the wrists of two astronauts embarking on a new ISS mission. The "Monolith" is a truly monumental model, paying tribute to the 20-year history of the "Cosmonaut" collection. It is also a timepiece poised to venture into space as the next generation of spacewatch.