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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe Fortis N-42 Novonaut Space Chronograph brings the B-42 Official Cosmonauts Chronograph lineage into a modern 42 mm watch, with a ceramic timing bezel and Fortis’s Werk 17 automatic chronograph. Monochrome Watches reported its specifications, editions and launch prices in October 2023; those prices and availability details are historical, not current retail guidance.
A modern successor to the B-42 Cosmonaut
Fortis presents the N-42 Novonaut as a revival and modernization of its B-42 Official Cosmonauts Chronograph line. In an October 2023 article, Monochrome Watches traced the earlier connection to the Russian space program, reporting that the first Fortis Cosmonaut watch flew to the Mir space station in 1994 and describing a historical relationship with Roscosmos. The same article said Fortis was no longer cooperating with Roscosmos at the time of publication. These are the publication’s historical account, not a newly confirmed statement from Fortis or Roscosmos.
The Novonaut keeps the practical, instrument-like character associated with that lineage while updating the case, bezel and movement. Monochrome’s first-look account is the basis for the details below; it does not provide independent testing of the watch or movement. Read the October 13, 2023 Monochrome Watches article.
Case and bezel: built around timing and legibility
Monochrome reported a brushed recycled stainless-steel case measuring 42 mm in diameter and about 15 mm thick. The listed water resistance is 200 m. Other reported construction details include a screw-down crown and a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.
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- Premium-crafted tool watch features a classic 46 mm ceramic bezel, all-metal watch design and brushed titanium bracelet with a locking clasp cover
- Displays GMT plus 2 additional time zones, with automatic world time adjustment by GPS, countdown timer and stopwatch
- Preloaded with worldwide aviation database; offers GPS navigation, dynamic moving map and NEXRAD weather display (limited to U. S. , Canada, Australia and Western Europe) plus Direct-to emergency navigation so you’re prepared for any situation
- Integrates with the Garmin Pilot app and in Reach Mini satellite communicator
- Smartwatch functionality, including streaming music, Garmin Pay contactless payments, estimated wrist-based heart rate, daily activity tracking, sleep monitoring and smart notifications compatible with Apple and Android devices
The bidirectional ceramic bezel has a luminous 60-minute scale. Monochrome identifies it as Fortis’s “Sirius Bezel.” A bidirectional bezel can be turned in either direction to track elapsed time against the scale; the luminous markings are intended to remain legible in low light. These are design and specification descriptions, not results from a hands-on test.
A busy, instrument-style chronograph dial
The dial uses a 6-9-12 chronograph layout alongside day-date displays. Monochrome describes luminous hands and applied Lumicast numerals, with small arrows on the dial indicating the direction for crown adjustments. Together, the subdials, calendar and adjustment cues make for a deliberately information-dense face rather than a minimalist one.
Rank #2
Dial finish and accent color vary by edition: the First Edition has a black sunray-brushed dial with orange details, Legacy uses matte-grained black, and Cobalt Blue has a sunray-brushed blue dial. The bezel finish and color change with the dial, so the choice is principally a matter of appearance and configuration in the details reported by the 2023 article.
Werk 17: an integrated automatic chronograph
Monochrome identifies the automatic Werk 17 as an integrated column-wheel chronograph developed by La Joux-Perret for Fortis. The article calls it a robust evolution of the Valjoux/ETA 7750 and reports redesigned, reinforced bridges plus a tangential micro-screw regulation intended to improve shock resistance. Those are the publication’s descriptions; it does not present independent durability tests or a reliability comparison.
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- NAVIGATE WITH GPS, HSI AND A WORLDWIDE AERONAUTICAL DATABASE
- UP TO 10 DAYS OF BATTERY LIFE IN SMARTWATCH MODE
- BRIGHT 1.4-INCH AMOLED DISPLAY AND STAINLESS STEEL BEZEL IN SILVER OR SLATE
- ACCESS AVIATION WEATHER1 AND CHECK PULSE OX2 LEVELS IN FLIGHT
- SUGGESTED WORKOUTS AND 24/7 HEALTH MONITORING FEATURES
The reported functions are hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph and day-date. Monochrome lists a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a 60-hour power reserve. These are specifications reported in 2023, not independently measured results.
Three editions reported at launch
Monochrome’s October 2023 article described three versions. The First Edition was limited to 100 pieces; Legacy and Cobalt Blue were described as part of the permanent collection at launch. Their reported visual and configuration differences are set out below. Launch prices are included only as dated historical figures, not current prices.
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- Modern, pilot-inspired Promaster timepieces equipped for professional use to discover the world from high above.
- Synchronized to Atomic Time Clock for Superior Accuracy, Atomic Timekeeping Technology with Synchronized Time Adjustment Available in 43 World Cities, 1/100 Second Chronograph Measures up to 24 Hours, Perpetual Calendar, Dual Time (Second Time Zone), 2 Alarms, 99-Minute Countdown Timer, Digital Backlight Display, Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) Display, Power Reserve Indicator
- Black Stainless Steel
- Ana-Digi Display; Luminous Hands and Markers; Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
- 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
| Edition | Dial and bezel | Caseback and configuration | Launch status and price reported in October 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Edition | Black sunray-brushed dial with orange details; polished black ceramic bezel | Tinted sapphire caseback; steel bracelet only | Limited to 100 pieces; EUR 5,200 |
| Legacy | Matte-grained black dial; matte ceramic bezel | Solid steel caseback; rubber/textile strap or steel bracelet | Permanent collection at launch; EUR 4,600 on rubber or EUR 4,950 on steel |
| Cobalt Blue | Sunray-brushed blue dial; polished blue ceramic bezel | Tinted sapphire caseback; blue rubber/textile strap or steel bracelet | Permanent collection at launch; EUR 4,750 on rubber or EUR 5,100 on steel |
For a choice between editions, the useful distinctions are dial and bezel finish, caseback, and whether the watch is supplied on a strap or bracelet. The 2023 article does not compare their performance, so it provides no basis for ranking one edition above another on that measure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the 2023 launch prices do—and do not—tell you
Monochrome reported an October 2023 launch-price range of EUR 4,600 to EUR 5,200, varying by edition and strap or bracelet configuration. Those figures describe prices at publication, not what a watch costs now. The article reported sales through Fortis and retailers at that time, but it does not establish present-day availability, retailer stock or current pricing. Confirm the exact edition and configuration with Fortis or a seller before relying on a price.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Modern, pilot-inspired Promaster timepieces equipped for professional use to discover the world from high above.
- Dual Time (Second Time Zone), Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Luminous Hands and Markers, Anti-Reflective Mineral Crystal
- Sustainably powered by any light, with our Eco-Drive technology this watch never needs a battery. 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
