The Fortis Novonaut N-42 has grown beyond the three watches introduced in 2023. The current collection page includes a Titanium Legacy (ref. F2040017) and an AMADEE-24 variant as well as the steel Legacy and Cobalt Blue. The Titanium Legacy is the current standout for buyers who want the N-42’s 42 mm chronograph in a lighter titanium case; Jorg Weppelink of Fratello reported a 161 g bracelet weight in his March 2025 hands-on, compared with 225 g for the steel counterpart.
What changed since the N-42 launch?
Fortis presents the Novonaut as a new chapter in the story of its B-42 Official Cosmonauts chronographs. When Jorg Weppelink covered the N-42 for Fratello on October 13, 2023, the collection consisted of three designs: the steel Legacy, Cobalt Blue and First Edition. Fortis’s current collection page shows additional variants, including the Titanium Legacy and AMADEE-24, so those original three are not the full current lineup. Check the Fortis Novonaut collection for live models and availability.
What is the Titanium Legacy?
The current Titanium Legacy, reference F2040017, pairs a 42 mm titanium case with a matte black dial, Lumicast X1 numerals and gold-tone hands. The case measures 51 mm lug-to-lug and 15 mm thick; water resistance is 200 m (600 ft / 20 atm). A sapphire crystal has anti-reflective coating on both sides. The titanium Block bracelet has a slide clasp with integrated micro-adjustment and screw pins.
Its Werk 17 automatic manufacture calibre is a chronometer-regulated, column-wheel chronograph with day-date and a 60-hour power reserve. Weppelink’s 2025 report adds 28,800 vibrations per hour and 26 jewels. These are specifications, not a claim that the exact retail Titanium Legacy has flown in space.
#1 Best Overall
- Sleek & Functional Design: This sophisticated titanium men's watch showcases a distinctive dial layout with dedicated markers for minutes, 12-hour, and 24-hour time displays. Arabic numerals ensure optimal legibility, while the bold red-tipped second hand injects a subtle yet striking accent. The inclusion of a practical date window further elevates its everyday versatility.
- Lightweight & Durable Titanium Construction: Crafted from premium titanium, the case combines brushed and polished finishes for a refined yet rugged aesthetic. Renowned for its featherlight weight and exceptional resilience, titanium offers superior corrosion resistance. The screw-down case back enhances durability.
- Clear AR Coated Sapphire Lens & Super Luminous: Fitted with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, this automatic watch delivers unmatched clarity and scratch resistance. The watch hands coated with super-luminous material for easy readability even in low-light conditions.
- Precision Japanese Movement & 10ATM Water-Resistant: Powered by a precise Miyota 8215 automatic movement, this timepiece ensures accurate timekeeping and long-term reliability. With a 10ATM water resistance rating, it’s built to accompany you on outdoor adventures without compromise.
- Quick-Release Nylon Strap for Comfort: The lightweight nylon strap prioritizes comfort for all-day wear, while the quick-release mechanism allows for effortless strap changes to suit any occasion. Low-maintenance and durable, it’s designed for convenience.
Fortis says Werk 17 was tested with the Swedish Space Corporation, including a 2022 suborbital rocket test of its tool watches. The brand writes: “After the successful stratospheric balloon test Fortis and SSC have taken watch-movement-testing to the next level.” That is Fortis’s account of testing; it does not establish that the retail Titanium Legacy itself went on a space mission.
How do the versions differ?
| Version | Case and finish | Edition status | Bracelet or strap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy (2023 launch) | Steel; matte black dial and bezel | Not reported as limited in Fratello’s 2023 launch coverage | Bracelet or matching hybrid fabric/rubber strap, as reported by Fratello |
| Cobalt Blue (2023 launch) | Steel; blue sunburst dial and glossy blue ceramic bezel | Not reported as limited in Fratello’s 2023 launch coverage | Bracelet or matching hybrid fabric/rubber strap, as reported by Fratello |
| First Edition (2023 launch) | Steel; black sunburst dial, glossy black bezel and orange accents | Reported by Fratello as limited to 100 pieces | Bracelet, as reported by Fratello |
| Titanium Legacy (current listing) | Titanium; matte black dial with gold-tone hands | Not stated on Fortis’s product listing | Titanium Block bracelet |
| AMADEE-24 (current collection page) | Not stated in the cited collection-page information | Not stated in the cited collection-page information | Not stated in the cited collection-page information |
The 2023 steel versions and the 2025 Titanium Legacy coverage share the same reported headline dimensions: 42 mm case, 44 mm bezel, 51 mm lug-to-lug, 15 mm thickness and 200 m water resistance. The Titanium Legacy’s case material is the clearest practical change. In his March 2025 hands-on, Weppelink measured 161 g on bracelet for the titanium watch and 225 g for the steel counterpart. Those are the writer’s measurements, not Fortis’s published weight specifications.
Rank #2
- Sleek & Functional Design: This sophisticated titanium men's watch showcases a distinctive dial layout with dedicated markers for minutes, 12-hour, and 24-hour time displays. Arabic numerals ensure optimal legibility, while the bold red-tipped second hand injects a subtle yet striking accent. The inclusion of a practical date window further elevates its everyday versatility.
- Lightweight & Durable Titanium Construction: Expertly crafted from titanium, this BERNY timepiece delivers a sleek, modern aesthetic in understated gunmetal tones. Renowned for its featherlight comfort and military-grade resilience, titanium provides unparalleled resistance to corrosion and daily wear. The reinforced screw-down case back ensures enhanced protection for long-term reliability.
- Clear AR Coated Sapphire Lens & Super Luminous: Fitted with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, this automatic watch delivers unmatched clarity and scratch resistance. The watch hands and markers are coated with super-luminous material for easy readability even in low-light conditions.
- Precision Japanese Movement & 10ATM Water-Resistant: Powered by a precise Miyota 8215 automatic movement, this timepiece ensures accurate timekeeping and long-term reliability. With a 10ATM water resistance rating, it’s built to accompany you on outdoor adventures without compromise.
- Dual Safety Clasp Design: The secure double-lock clasp ensures your watch stays firmly in place, reducing the risk of accidental slips while delivering both comfort and style. If you have any inquiries about our products, our responsive and expert support team is always ready to assist with tailored solutions.
What does it cost, and what comes with it?
Fortis’s product page displayed CHF 5,150, with taxes and duties included, for ref. F2040017 when accessed. The same page showed online availability and an estimated two-to-four-day delivery time at that time; neither is a standing promise. Weppelink’s March 14, 2025 report gave historical prices of €5,800 / US$5,360. These figures refer to different dates and market contexts, not a like-for-like current conversion. Check the official Titanium Legacy listing and local dealer availability for current regional pricing and stock.
Fortis lists an Alpha Box, five-year warranty, performance certificate, user manual and reversible screwdriver for changing the bracelet or strap as included. The brand says webshop purchases also include a mirror tool for bracelet-length adjustment. Confirm what applies to the country and seller before purchase.
Rank #3
- With bold design and superior accuracy, Citizen Atomic Timekeeping watches synchronize to an atomic clock with a margin of error of just one second in 100,000 years.
- An Eco-Friendly Evolution: Citizen launches first Titanium Watch in 1970. More than 50-year-old evolution of innovative timepieces crafted from proprietary space-age material.
- Benefits of Super Titanium: Lightweight for Better Comfort, Scratch Resistant, Gentle on Skin, and Rust Resistant. Five times harder and 40% lighter than stainless steel.
- 1/5 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, 12/24 Hour Time, Date, Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
- Sustainably powered by any light, with our Eco-Drive technology this watch never needs a battery. 200 Meter Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Who is the Titanium Legacy for?
- Choose the Titanium Legacy if you want the N-42’s black, utilitarian look in titanium, a factory titanium bracelet and the lighter wrist weight reported by Weppelink.
- Consider the steel Legacy if you prefer the original matte-black steel execution or want the reported hybrid fabric/rubber strap option.
- Consider Cobalt Blue if the blue sunburst dial and ceramic bezel matter more to you than the subdued black versions.
- Look for the First Edition carefully if you want its orange accents; Fratello reported a 100-piece limit in 2023, but that does not establish current availability.
Fit is worth considering alongside diameter: the 51 mm lug-to-lug span and 15 mm thickness give the N-42 a substantial profile even in titanium. Weppelink’s wearing impressions and measurements belong to his Fratello hands-ons; they are not independent tests conducted for this article.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dynamic & Functional Design: The dial draws inspiration from aircraft engines, featuring dynamic curved lines that evoke a sense of power and motion. Bold Arabic numerals ensure optimal legibility. A practical date calendar and small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock enhance functionality while maintaining sleek aesthetics.
- Lightweight & Durable Titanium Construction: Forged from premium titanium, harmonizes satin-brushed and mirror-polished surfaces to achieve a sophisticated industrial aesthetic. Celebrated for its unparalleled strength-to-density ratio, titanium provides corrosion resistance while remaining lighter than steel. The screw-down caseback ensures reinforced protection.
- Clear AR Coated Sapphire Lens & Super Luminous: Fitted with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, this titanium watch delivers unmatched clarity and scratch resistance. The watch hands and markers are coated with super-luminous material for easy readability even in low-light conditions.
- Precision Seagull Movement & 10ATM Water-Resistant: Powered by a precise Seagull ST1731 automatic movement, this timepiece ensures accurate timekeeping and long-term reliability. Rated to 10ATM water resistance, the automatic watch withstands daily activities with uncompromising reliability.
- Dual Safety Clasp Design: The secure double-lock clasp ensures your watch stays firmly in place, reducing the risk of accidental slips while delivering both comfort and style. If you have any inquiries about our products, our responsive and expert support team is always ready to assist with tailored solutions.
Rank #4
- 41mm titanium case
- 8 inch black strap
- Black dial
- Sapphire lens
- Water resistant up to 200 meters
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.
