In a world where most movements are built to impress, the FORTIS Werk 17 was built to endure.
Purpose-driven, technically bold, and designed for life beyond the cockpit, this movement represents the purest expression of FORTIS’s tool-watch philosophy — durable, functional, and beautifully over-engineered.
At Little Treasury Jewelers in Gambrills, Maryland, we’ve long admired brands that balance heritage with innovation. FORTIS, one of Switzerland’s oldest pilot-watch makers, has done just that with the Werk 17 — a movement that proves mechanical mastery can also thrive under real-world pressure.
A New Chapter in FORTIS History
Founded in 1912, FORTIS built its reputation on dependability — from the early Flieger models to watches that accompanied astronauts into space. But the introduction of the Werk 17 marked a turning point: the brand’s first fully in-house chronograph caliber, designed and manufactured in Grenchen, Switzerland.
This wasn’t about prestige — it was about performance.
FORTIS wanted a movement capable of handling turbulence, zero gravity, and everything in between.
Collector’s Note:
The Werk 17 made its official debut inside the FORTIS Stratoliner Collection, a line tested at the edge of space to ensure accuracy in extreme temperatures and low-pressure conditions.
Inside the Werk 17: Built for Extremes
Every component of the Werk 17 tells a story of precision and purpose.
Key Features at a Glance
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Automatic Column-Wheel Chronograph: Smooth, responsive pushers for precise timekeeping.
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48-Hour Power Reserve: Reliable endurance through long missions or workdays.
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28,800 Vibrations per Hour: Ensures stability and accuracy across conditions.
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COSC Certification: Chronometer-grade precision verified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute.
Unlike many mass-produced chronographs, the Werk 17’s column-wheel system provides a tactile, seamless operation — a sign of true craftsmanship.
From the Jeweler’s Bench:
When we handle a Werk 17-powered watch, the pushers feel mechanical yet refined — a subtle click that reminds you this isn’t a piece of software, it’s an instrument.
The Design Philosophy: Function Over Frill
FORTIS believes that true luxury lies in utility.
The Werk 17 reflects that ideal — engineered not for display cases, but for missions.
Its industrial-grade architecture prioritizes shock resistance and durability, with reinforced bridges and optimized lubrication to minimize wear. The movement was tested not in labs alone but in real-world simulations, including temperature shifts from –40°C to +60°C.
Design Insight:
FORTIS approaches movement design like aerospace engineering — balancing weight, strength, and precision. The Werk 17 is more than mechanical beauty; it’s a tool built to perform under pressure.
A Modern Movement for Modern Explorers
While inspired by the past, the Werk 17 looks firmly ahead.
Its robust construction and COSC-certified precision make it ideal for pilots, scientists, and modern adventurers — anyone who values reliability over ornamentation.
Customer Q&A
Question: “Is the Werk 17 movement exclusive to FORTIS?”
Answer: Yes. Werk 17 is an in-house manufacture caliber developed by FORTIS, designed specifically for their tool-watch collections. Every movement is assembled and regulated in Switzerland to strict standards of precision.
The Stratoliner: First to the Edge of Space
To prove the Werk 17 wasn’t just another luxury caliber, FORTIS tested it in one of the most ambitious horological experiments ever: a stratospheric mission reaching 13,000 meters above Earth.
At that altitude, temperatures plummet and atmospheric pressure drops dramatically — yet the movement remained stable and accurate.
That’s why the FORTIS Stratoliner equipped with the Werk 17 has become a modern legend among enthusiasts: it’s not just inspired by space exploration — it’s part of it.
A New Benchmark in Independence
In an era when many brands rely on outsourced movements, FORTIS’s decision to develop its own caliber reaffirms its independence and engineering credibility.
The Werk 17 represents:
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Technical Freedom: Control over design and performance.
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Reliability Under Pressure: Tested beyond traditional Swiss standards.
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True Authenticity: Every tick reflects FORTIS’s century-long commitment to precision craftsmanship.
From the Watchmaker’s Bench:
Developing a movement from scratch is one of watchmaking’s greatest challenges — it requires patience, innovation, and an unrelenting pursuit of perfection. The Werk 17 achieves all three.
The Spirit of FORTIS Lives On
More than a mechanical marvel, the Werk 17 is a statement — a reminder that tool watches are still about purpose, not just polish.
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Every screw, every spring, every click of the pusher is designed to serve the wearer — not the display case.
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For collectors, the Werk 17 marks a new chapter in Swiss watchmaking: one where independence, resilience, and innovation work hand in hand.
At Little Treasury Jewelers, we’re proud to showcase FORTIS watches for those who demand authenticity and endurance in every detail.
Experience FORTIS at Little Treasury Jewelers
Discover the FORTIS Stratoliner Collection and experience the Werk 17 movement firsthand.
Our watch specialists will walk you through its engineering, history, and design — from its industrial roots to its modern-day legacy.
Little Treasury Jewelers
2506 New Market Ln, Gambrills, MD 21054
(410) 721-7100