The 2019 Fortis PC-7 Team Aeromaster Editions
Fortis releases two limited edition Aeromaster watches to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Swiss Air Force aerobatics display team.
Founded in 1912, Fortis is known for its rugged, functional watches and the brand’s long-lasting connection with aviation and space exploration. The brand started manufacturing watches for the PC-7 team over 12 years ago. The PC-7 team is the Swiss Air Force aerobatics display team. Their flight displays underline the capabilities of the Swiss Air Force. Interestingly, all PC-7 propeller aircraft acrobats perform with the team as a side activity as they are all full-time fighter jet pilots. In 2019, as the PC-7 team celebrates its 30th anniversary, Fortis is releasing a new pair of PC-7 Team watches.
As you would expect for pilot watches, the PC-7 limited editions are solidly and pragmatically made timekeepers. Two versions are available: a chronograph and a day-date model. The utilitarian yet versatile design comes in a 42mm case that exudes a robust feel. The solid caseback is engraved with the PC-7 team planes. The water-resistance of the watch is 200m or 20 ATM. The royal blue dial features applied metallic planes in diamond formation. The luminous hands and applied hour markers/numerals provide accurate timekeeping in all conditions. The sapphire crystal features double-sided anti-reflective coating to increase display contrast and legibility.
The Fortis PC-7 Team Chronograph is powered by a well-known and reliable workhorse, the automatic ETA Valjoux 7750. For this version, the Valjoux 7750 traditional 6-9-12 layout comes with a day-date display. The second model, the Day-Date, houses another ETA tried-and-tested movement, the automatic calibre 2836 (a day-date version of the ETA 2824). The chronometer precision of both movements is certified by the COSC.
The watches are mounted on a steel three-link bracelet with an adjustable folding buckle. They are delivered with an additional blue Cordura (a high-performance fabric) strap with red stitching and a set of screwdrivers to swap bands. The special edition packaging also includes a travel pouch and the official PC-7 team 30th-anniversary patch.
Both models are limited editions of 300 watches. The individual limited edition number is engraved on a plate affixed on the side of the case at 9 o’clock. The chronograph will be available as of mid-June and will retail for CHF 4,450. The date-date will be available as of mid-August and will retail for CHF 2,450. For more information, you can visit the Fortis website here.