Looking for opinions about this Fortis re-issue.

[ChuckW]

I've got a question for the vintage guys here. I recently picked up this Fortis Marinemaster 2002 re-issue. OK, maybe not a vintage watch in the strictest sense, but it uses NOS parts, so it's close enough for me. It's still in great shape, but I have no service history for it, so I'm going to assume that it's never seen service since 2002 and that the WR is questionable. I figure that at the very least, I should get the movement serviced and I may get it pressure tested, though I have no clue if replacement seals/gaskets are available for it, should they be needed. It would be great if I could be assured of it having the WR it was designed for, but if that's not possible, I'd still enjoy wearing it, even if it never went into the water.

I'm also looking at the lume, which is practically non-existent only a minute or two after charging, so I'm thinking the dial is also NOS. It says "T Swiss Made T," which implies tritium and when I wear the watch in bed and my eyes are fully adjusted to the dark room, the markers continue to glow very faintly, which suggests they may be old tritium, but the hands are totally faded and I think they may be using some kind of over the hill photo-luminescence. I'm thinking about leaving the markers untouched, even as faint as they are, and having the hands either re-lumed or replaced by someone like Jack@IWW, who could probably do other work to the watch as well. My question is this: Does this seem like a sensible, discrete mod or would you leave it alone if this were your watch?

[ChuckW]

BTW, this is what the lume looks like immediately after charging with UV, but it doesn't last long.

[Chronos]

I've always loved that Fortis.

If it were me, I'd leave well enough alone. Those tritium hands and dial markers are wonderful.

Perhaps a movement service, and gasket replacement- if available, as you state. Otherwise I'd enjoy it, as she's a stunning example.

[T.R.]

All I could see was a tennis racket and some serious knockers?




I have never had a watch modded. One mod I don't mind if I will be keeping the watch is relume. I just plain like knowing what time it is at night, especially so with a newer watch. But, as noted above, the best course of action is probably to leave it as is regarding modding - especially so if the dial is NOS.

Those are really cool and they do have that great, original vintage vibe. Uber

Do what makes you happy if you are going to keep her. If you think you will ever sell her... leave it untouched. jmho.

[four20]

i'd have it serviced and leave everything else alone, Chuck. if you need good lume, wear a 007 to bed

[pacifichrono]

When you've been in bed long enough for your eyes to have fully adjusted to the dark, you should be ASLEEP and not looking at your watch and its luminescence!

[carlodwc]

If this is a 100% keeper you should do whatever you want with it that will make you happier. If you are not sure and maybe plan to sell it then just get it serviced and keep it as stock as possible. I assume this is a vintage though? If not, I don't really see the point...

[Jeep99dad]

Check WR and leave it alone.

[Jeep99dad]

Check WR and leave it alone.

[jimyritz]

If this is a 100% keeper you should do whatever you want with it that will make you happier. If you are not sure and maybe plan to sell it then just get it serviced and keep it as stock as possible. I assume this is a vintage though? If not, I don't really see the point...

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+1....Congrats, that's a cool piece..

[ChuckW]

Thanks, guys. That's what I needed to hear. I'll see about getting it serviced and pressure tested, but no re-luming. If waterproofing is needed and possible, I'll do that, too.