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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Jupp Philipp says Fortis appealed to him first as a watch enthusiast, especially through its titanium Cosmonaut. After about 20 years in his family’s food business, he bought the Grenchen watchmaker in September 2018 and set out to make it a small, family-owned brand with a clear identity. The account below reflects what Philipp told Rob Nudds in an interview conducted in Grenchen on March 13, 2020, and published by Fratello on March 31, 2020.
How Jupp Philipp first connected with Fortis
Philipp says his brother, a pilot working in aviation, introduced him to Fortis. The watch that particularly caught his eye was the official Cosmonaut. Its titanium construction stood out to him, and he was intrigued by what he described as the testing carried out on the brand’s space watches.
He also recalled being shown Fortis watches that had been sent up on a rocket and returned to Earth. That is Philipp’s account of the pieces and their history; the interview does not independently verify the testing. “For me, it was always the Space watches,” he said.
Why he left the family food business for watches
Before Fortis, Philipp worked with his brother and sister in the family food business for roughly 20 years. He said he wanted a new challenge and wanted the next phase of his working life to involve something he felt passionate about. As he considered other investments, he learned through a newspaper that Fortis was facing financial problems.
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- Tudor Pelagos Chronometer Black Dial Titanium Men's Watch M25600TN-0001
Philipp recounts that a friend involved in watch-hand production brought him to Grenchen. When he saw the Fortis building, he asked for a meeting—and then asked whether he could buy the company. He said negotiations lasted six to eight months and the deal closed in September 2018. These milestones are his recollection in the 2020 interview.
The kind of brand he wanted Fortis to become
Philipp described a deliberately focused ambition: keep Fortis small and family-owned, while giving its products a shared identity that makes the brand recognizable. He said the plan was to shape five distinct watch families around that common character, rather than trying to make watches for everyone or offer everything at once.
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His preferred pace was “a subtle and direct evolution rather than a revolution.” In the interview, that meant developing the range gradually while preserving a coherent sense of what Fortis stood for.
His hopes for Fortis and his sons
Asked whether he was building Fortis as a legacy for his children, Philipp answered yes. He said he hoped to work on the company for another 20 years and then hand it over to his sons. That was his aspiration in 2020; the interview does not establish that a succession plan is currently in place.
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- VERIFY YOUR WATCH MODEL & MEASURE THE CORRECT SIZE USING A RULER – Watch Parts Are Model and Size Specific. Please Verify Compatibility Before Purchasing.
- Check Compatibility: Includes 2 stainless steel screw pins designed for Fortis B-42 bracelets and other models. Ensure accurate fit; measure your bracelet's mounting size before purchasing, as this item comes in various sizes for a secure fit.
- Premium Quality Materials: Made from high-quality 316L stainless steel, these screws are durable and designed to match your original components. Trust in reliable materials that ensure longevity and performance for your watch strap.
- Complete Package: This set includes 2 pins and 4 screws, providing all you need for a secure attachment. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing you have reliable parts to maintain the integrity of your Fortis watch strap.
- Easy Installation: Perfect for DIY enthusiasts and professionals, these replacement screws are simple to install. Upgrade your Fortis B-42 bracelet with this convenient set to keep your watch looking and functioning like new.
What he said about Fortis and Kenissi
Philipp said Fortis had recently established a relationship with Kenissi and expected to work with movement specialists on its offering. This describes the arrangement as he presented it in 2020. The interview does not establish whether that relationship continues, so it should not be taken as a guide to current Fortis models or suppliers.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Fortis collections and media contacts today
For current brand navigation, Fortis’s official press page lists the Novonaut, Flieger, Stratoliner, Marinemaster and Vagabond collections, along with accessories such as straps, clasps and buckles. It also provides media resources and a press contact. These present-day listings are separate from Philipp’s description of the company’s plans in 2020.
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