Home » Fortis Watches » Fortis B-47 Big Black & Big Steel Limited Editions Watches
The current trend of oversized watches is noticeable in the products of many watchmakers, and Fortis has not been immune to this fashion. Its interpretation of large watches comes in two limited editions of B-47 timepieces which are bound to attract attention. The watches are characterized with the diameters of 47 mm and excellent visibility that is enabled with such dimensions. Other notable traits are the inclusion of the large day and date displays on a glass transparent dial, proprietary F-2016 self-winding caliber, and the new kind of interesting shaped bezel. Both watches are made in the limited editions of 2012 pieces, which was obviously caused by the year in which they have been created.
Fortis B-47 Big Black Limited Edition 2012 Watch
The two models dubbed Big Steel and Big Black are basically the same timekeepers that feature identical characteristics. The only difference between two limited editions is clear from their names: Big Steel has a brushed steel case, while Big Black includes housing with black PVD coating. In both instances, the cases are constructed from three parts. These models have very interesting unidirectional rotating wave shaped bezels (that have finishes that match the ones on the cases) with 60 minutes scale. For the improved protection of the timepieces, bezels are secured with a semicircular rubber inlay which can be very useful in case of accidental hitting of the watch.
Fortis B-47 Big Steel Limited Edition 2012 Watch
The high class of the products can be recognized through the decision to equip them with double antireflective sapphire crystals. The back of the case is screwed down and made from steel, which is in a way a shame, especially for the people who prefer transparent case backs that offer glimpses into the functioning of mechanical movements. However, they are quite resilient to water pressure and can withstand being submerged up to 200 meters below the surface.
Blue Shimmer of the Original Face
The dials of B-47 Big models are very original. They are made of glass and feature two disks that enable the display of day and date (day disk is on the outer part, surrounding the one that is used to show days). Transparent dials allow the wearer to see all of the days and dates at the same time, but its legibility is not compromised for this reason. While the inactive indications are grey, the current day and date are in white color. Two disks rotate, so the white or current date is always at the three o’clock position, while days are displayed at the opposite part of the dial.
Fortis B-47 Big Steel Limited Edition 2012 Watch
Besides, visibility is additionally improved by the fact that indices are treated with black Superluminova, while the skeleton hands include white Superluminova treatment (the central sweeping second hand ends with an arrow-shaped luminous tip. All the luminous elements are made with a blue afterglow that further contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the watch.
In-House Automatic Caliber
As it has been mentioned, the original display of the date is made possible by the in-house designed and produced Swiss made self-winding mechanical Fortis F-2016 movement with 25 jewels. The automatic caliber which oscillates at the high frequency of 28,800 vph includes a fine timing device and Incabloc shock absorber. Taken all together, features that protect the movement of the watch, its crystal and respectable water resistance make this timepiece quite sturdy and resilient.
Fortis B-47 Big Steel Limited Edition 2012 Watch Caseback
For the attachment, Fortis chose black rubber straps with folding clasps. The band is fitted to the case which is another visual perk, while the choice of the material contributes to the reduced weight of these huge models. Both versions, B-47 Big Steel (Ref. No 675.10.81) and B-47 Big Black (Ref. No 675.18.81) are made in the limited edition of 2012 pieces.
The design of these “wrist monsters” has not come unnoticed, and has already brought Fortis some accolades. B-47 Big timepieces by Fortis earned Good Design Award 2011 and the red dot honorable mention 2012.
This is the watch with the most interesting dial in the world. I can’t imagine that its dial is made from glass. That’s unbelievable! I’m thrilled about this watch! I must have this nice timepiece, it’s great. The only problem is which model to order?! It will probably be the model 675.18.81.
I’m charmed. This fine masterpiece from Fortis manufacturers has really seduced me. There’s no doubt that this is one of the most beautiful watches in the recent history of Fortis watches. I really hope that they will have many good watches like this one in the future.
Honestly, I don’t see anything special about this watch. Okay, it has an interesting dial, but that’s all. It’s really naive if somebody buy this watch just because it looks interesting. The most important features on the watch are mechanism, water resistance and a power reserve.