Fortis has been the Russian space program’s watch partner for more than 20 years, and seen its watches involved in over 50 missions. This year, the brand has taken the Official Cosmonauts watch and given it a jolt by using ceramic for its bezel. The result is the Classic Cosmonauts Chronograph Ceramic, with the “p.m.” version shown here. This isn’t just a classier and more understated reference, it also echoes the darkness associated with deep space.

The Classic Cosmonauts Chronograph Ceramic p.m. speaks a design language that is familiar to fans of the brand, including a no-frills stainless steel case and a highly legible dial with raised hour indexes coated with Super-LumiNova. The Valjoux 7750 chronograph caliber, which has proven its reliability in zero gravity, is used here to measure elapsed times of up to 12 hours. The pushers here have been improved over previous versions of the watch – they are now of the screw-down variety.

Specs

• Dimensions: 42mm
• Functions: Hours. minutes, small seconds, chronograph, day, date
• Power Reserve: 44 hours
• Movement: Self-winding chronograph ETA Valjoux 7750
  Material: Stainless steel
• Water Resistance: 100 meters
  Strap: Black leather with pin buckle

This article was originally published in World of Watches Magazine