You may have noticed that some watches are specific for certain people. For instance, there are watches made for saturation divers, army personnel, and astronauts. However, what happens if you love outdoor activities and need a watch to match what you like? Fortunately, there is a watch designed for those who love interacting with nature: the Fortis Marinemaster M-40. The watch’s case measures 40mm in diameter, which explains how it got its name. It has a unique lug shape and a round opening, which make its case appear huge. Its dial contains a pattern molded into an O shape to denote the company’s squared logo. The watch has a sloping flange at its periphery to avoid any reflections on the dial. This watch is now available in four colors inspired by nature: Woodpecker Green, Serenity Blue, Rockstone Grey, and Snow White. After describing the watch’s appearance, we can now analyze what it offers in terms of functionality. Tag along.

The watch has a water resistance level of 200 meters. That means you can use the watch in most water-based activities like swimming, jet skiing, and snorkeling. However, there is a misconception about water resistance that we must debunk. Most people assume that since a watch is water-resistant, it can stay as long as they want underwater. According to Jack Mason, the water resistance becomes ineffective since the seals will be exposed to different elements in the water. So, if you are planning to use it in water frequently, it would be best to service the watch regularly. Even though this watch can tolerate high water depths, you should not shower with it. That is because its rubber gaskets get degraded by hot water and shampoo, which lowers their water resistance.

The watch is powered by the UW-30 automatic movement, which is a Sellita SW200-1 base. This workhorse beats at 4HZ, which is the ideal chronometric stability figure. Due to how rapidly the watch runs, the watch is able to have a power reserve of up to 38 hours. The beauty of this watch is that it is wound by wearing it. Automatic movements are powered when a person begins to move their hands. So, with a high power reserve and ease of winding, the watch is unlikely to stop running. For the movement to continue running, it has to be protected. That explains why it is hidden beneath a solid case back to protect it from external force. Furthermore, the movement is controlled by a balance wheel made of Glucydur, a non-magnetic alloy of copper, beryllium, and iron. Since it is not affected by magnetism, this watch will stay accurate since it will not lose or gain time. Magnetism from the earth’s surface usually causes magnetic balance springs to cling to themselves, which eventually causes the watch to run too fast or too slow.

The material used for this watch’s glass is sapphire. Most watchmakers prefer sapphire due to its hardness. According to Jeweler’s Touch, the material has a Mohs hardness scale of 9, which only makes it the second hardest after diamond. Due to its extreme hardness, it cannot easily develop scratches or cracks. Another reason sapphire is preferred is its transparency. Due to its transparency, you will be able to see the time on the dial without squinting. However, its transparency will easily reflect light, which causes glares. To remedy this issue, Fortis used an anti-reflexive coating on the glass, which still manages to retain the material’s transparency.

The strap is made of rubber and comes in different colors depending on the watch you choose. Generally, rubber is the most comfortable material since it fits perfectly on your wrist due to its elasticity, unlike metal straps. Also, another aspect of its comfort is that it remains unaffected by temperature changes. Metal straps tend to become very cold when exposed to cold temperatures, while rubber remains warm regardless of how cold the weather may be. Another reason to like the rubber strap is how easy it is to clean it. Leather straps tend to retain dirt, which makes for an unappealing watch. A good example is when water droplets dry on leather straps. On the other hand, rubber does not absorb any dirt. For instance, if some dust fell on it, all you would need to do is to brush it off with your hands without using a cloth.

You may need to read time in the dark, but you may not have access to a light source. Thankfully, the watch uses luminescence called Super-LumiNova. Before Super-LumiNova came along, watchmakers used radium to make luminescence. Though it was effective as a luminescence, it was highly radioactive. According to EPA, watchmakers at the time inhaled radium while infusing it in watches, and most of them ended up developing cancer. Also, radium may affect the watch wearer if they break their watch, so this is a risk that most watchmakers are not willing to take. Fortunately, Super-LumiNova is non-radioactive since it contains strontium aluminate. Another reason Super-LumiNova is a good luminescence is its durability. You need to charge it with either natural or artificial light to get it working. One thing to remember is that luminescence loses its glow. However, it can last for as long as 15 hours without exposure to light. Since the watch is constantly exposed to light, chances of it stopping are minimal.

If you wanted to sum up the Fortis Marinemaster M-40 watch in one word, it would be “durable.” Some watches break or scratch easily, something you will not experience with this watch’s sapphire glass. Also another aspect of its durability is its luminescence. Some watches rely on certain luminescence, which fades over time. Since this luminescence lasts very long, you will never end up with non-functional luminescence. Winding a watch is not an exercise that some people like to do. Fortunately, with this watch’s automatic movement, you will hardly wind it since by wearing it, the watch runs and stores power. Additionally, its movement is protected, so you will neither lose nor gain time.

Lily Wordsmith is a freelance writer who has had a love affair with the written word for decades. You can find her writing blog posts and articles while sitting under a tree at the local park watching her kids play, or typing away on her tablet in line at the DMV. In addition to her freelance career, she is pursuing ebook writing with an ever-growing repertoire of witty ebooks to her name. Her diversity is boundless, and she has written about everything from astrobotany to zookeepers. Her real passions are her family, baking desserts and writing science fiction.

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