Fortis - Pilot I – Automatic Day-Date - No reserve price - Men - 2010-2020

Fortis Pilot I – Automatic Day-Date – Black Dial – 41 mm

A distinctive Swiss automatic timepiece with classic aviation character, this Fortis Pilot I combines a highly legible black dial with a versatile 41 mm stainless-steel case. Its prominent minute scale, luminous hands and unusual day-date display create a purposeful instrument aesthetic, complemented by a brown leather strap and an exhibition case back revealing its mechanical heart.

Technical Details

Brand: Fortis

Model: Pilot I

Case: Stainless steel

Diameter: 41 mm, excluding the crown

Crystal: Sapphire

Dial: Black dial with contrasting Arabic numerals, an outer minute scale and luminous hour markers

Hands: Luminous hour and minute hands with a slender central seconds hand

Movement: Swiss automatic mechanical movement

Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, day and date

Calendar: Day window and elongated date aperture positioned at 3 o’clock

Case back: Exhibition back displaying the movement and signed Fortis automatic rotor

Water resistance: Rated to 100 metres / 10 bar, but not tested

Strap: Generic brown leather strap with contrasting cream stitching

Wrist size: Suitable for a wrist of up to approximately 21 cm

Accessories: Supplied with a generic presentation box

Condition Report

Grade B – Good condition, with normal signs of wear.

The stainless-steel case presents surface scratches and traces of wear, particularly around the bezel and lugs. The case back also shows marks consistent with regular use. The brown leather strap displays creasing and a worn surface character that complements the watch’s aviation styling. The black dial, contrasting numerals and hands retain an attractive appearance. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an essential part of the condition description.

Although the watch is marked as water-resistant to 100 metres, its water resistance has not been tested. Contact with water should therefore be avoided unless the watch is professionally pressure-tested and resealed.

Story & Heritage

Founded by Walter Vogt in Grenchen, Switzerland, in 1912, Fortis has a long history of mechanical watchmaking. Its aviation watches draw on the functional traditions of pilot instruments, where clear displays and purposeful design take priority.

This Pilot I captures that spirit through a dial designed around the reading of time. The prominent outer minute numerals surround a quieter inner hour display, while the triangular marker at 12 o’clock provides an immediate visual reference. Broad luminous hands stand clearly against the black background, giving the watch the distinctive character of a cockpit instrument.

At 3 o’clock, the elongated date aperture reveals three successive dates beside the separate day window, adding an individual touch to the otherwise restrained layout. The warm brown leather strap and contrasting stitching soften the steel case’s technical appearance, lending the watch a classic aviation feel.

Turn the watch over and the automatic movement becomes visible through the exhibition case back—a reminder of the mechanical craft beneath its practical exterior. With its balanced 41 mm proportions, distinctive calendar display and strong visual clarity, this Fortis Pilot I offers an appealing combination of Swiss tradition, everyday utility and enduring pilot-watch style.

Internal Reference Number - CAT 02