Fortis Marinemaster ref. 8001 chronograph/Valjoux 72 Item #3154
This example is easily one of the best condition ones you’ll likely to see. Just look at those dial graphics.
Pre-owned and certainly used at some point, but that looks to have been rarely and then with care. Plus it has been sitting in one collection for more than the past 25 years. This particular watch has never been polished or had any case work whatsoever. The original factory finish can still be seen in wonderful detail.
This Fortis Marinemaster 8001 dates back to the early 70’s and features what many (myself included) feel is the best manual wind chronograph movement ever produced. The legendary Valjoux 72 with its wonderful column wheel design. I personally have serviced many 100’s of these over the years and still look forward to doing the next.
The stainless steel case measures 39 mm without the crown and 46 lug tip to lug tip. It features a screw-on caseback and rotating timing bezel. The original black dial with its white/yellow and red sub dials is stunning. The hands are steel with duo red stripes and luminous. All of these details make this one truly unique timepiece.
The watch was recently serviced and is working well and keeping good time. All chronograph functions work as they should. The chronograph pusher at 2 o’clock starts and stops the stop watch function and the one at 4 resets it. This is a 3 register chronograph for recording seconds, minutes, and hours. Lastly, we installed a new black Hirsch Rally strap that we think looks great on the watch. Plus we have installed a signed Fortis buckle. It’s complete!
