Fortis releases two new Marinemaster M44 models.Â
With a new DLC coating giving toughness and a monochrome finish.Â
Powered by a Kenissi calibre, they maintain 500m of water resistance.Â
Fortis has built a reputation for itself of creating some incredibly tough timers, and the new Marinemaster M44 doubles down on this. Whether they are shooting movements into space or designing a watch to withstand re-entry into the atmosphere, the brand is now turning its attention to how its watches can survive underwater.
This new addition to the Marinemaster line brings in DLC coating for the first time, not only giving these two new watches an entirely black visage, but it also increases the scratch resistance of the cases 20-fold. The new Dianoir® coating gives these cases a hardness rating of 4,500 HV (Vickers). This means that it is tougher than any hardened steel and even tungsten carbide, with the only common material that could scratch it being diamond or sapphire crystal.
To match the brashness with which these watches are able to be used, they are also unapologetic in their size, measuring in at 44mm in diameter, 48mm lug-to-lug and 14mm thick. Much of this size can be put down to the fact that this watch is able to reach depths of 500m under water. You will be more than aware that this is on your wrist. But thanks to the FKM rubber Horizon strap with a pin buckle, it remains comfortable.
That aforementioned strap continues the texture that we find on the dial. This grid pattern made of hollowed squares only works to amplify the tough and rugged nature of this watch as it not only gives the dial texture but also structure. The dial is also the only place where we see a difference between the two models. The Black Resin comes with beige hands and applied hour marks, with its X1 Super-LumiNova coloured to match, while the Gravity Black goes for a starker contrast with polished steel markers and hands and white lume. One giving a more vintage feel thanks to the muted tones, with the other offering that clean, modern look.
Inside the watch watch is a Kenissi-powered automatic calibre that Fortis call the Werk 11. Having toured the Kenissi facility recently, I can assure you that this would have been made to meet the highest of standards when it comes to reliability and consistency as everything in that building is geared towards ensuring every movement that leaves it is ready to go into any watch. The Werk 11 packs 70 hours of power reserve and Fortis made sure to request that an oversized bridge was used with double points of fixation that helps insure extra stability when exposed to shocks. It comfortably meets COSC certification before being placed into its case and also comes with a date function that Fortis made the right decision to colour-match to the dial to ensure visual harmony.
This is the kind of watch that you could take anywhere and it would more than meet the challenge. It has been designed to withstand shocks, deep water submersion, and shrug off any scratch that might come its way. After taking this watch on an adventure, it may come out the other side looking in better condition that you do.