Hands-On With The Fortis Marinemaster M-44 DLC Gravity Black And Black Resin

When these two new Fortis Marinemaster M-44 models landed on my desk, I quickly checked when the Marinemaster collection debuted. It stunned me to read that it has already been almost five years since Fortis introduced the Marinemaster series. While the name hints at a line of dive watches, Fortis seems to see it as more of a collection of capable timepieces for any outdoor adventures. The new duo of Marinemaster M-44 DLC watches adds a stealthy touch to this adventurer’s watch. I had a chance to find out more about this new duo of Marinemaster models.

When Fortis first launched the current Marinemaster series, the brand unveiled 40mm and 44mm versions. The former is the “entry-level” Marinemaster, which debuted in four colors. The larger M-44 was initially only available in the Amber Orange colorway, but a variety of others followed shortly thereafter. Besides the bigger case size and heavier-duty specs, the Marinemaster M-44 also features a different dial design. Whereas the smaller Marinemasters feature dials in one specific color (with the odd exception), most of the larger models have a black dial with a colored rehaut for the minute track. These latest M-44 variants, however, break with that tradition.

The new Fortis Marinemaster M-44 DLC Gravity Black and Black Resin

Let’s zoom in on the two new models to find out more. Both feature a 44mm stainless steel case with a 14.5mm thickness, 48mm length, and 500m depth rating. They also have received a black Dianoir DLC coating that increases the surface hardness to 4,500 HV (Vickers), approximately 20 times harder than conventional stainless steel.

This marks the first time any of the Marinemaster models have had a surface-hardening treatment to increase scratch resistance. Additionally, it gives the case a nice, stealthy feel, further enhanced by the black bezel and matching black insert with engraved markings. Lastly, you will find a lock at 10 o’clock that holds the unidirectional bezel in place when engaged.

Both watches feature a textured black dial with Fortis’s Horizon pattern, which is based on the “O” in the brand’s logo. For the Gravity Black model, the dial is contrasted by white details. The steel hour markers contain white Super-LumiNova, and the dial features a white ring on the periphery and a white 60-minute/second scale on the black rehaut. Lastly, the brand’s logo and the text on the lower half of the dial are also white. Furthermore, if you look closely, you will see that the crown and bezel lock are uncoated stainless steel.

A warmer touch

For the Black Resin model, Fortis chose a black DLC-coated crown and bezel lock. The dial is still black and has the same white ring at the base of the rehaut. Additionally, the logo and text on the dial are white, as on the Gravity Black model. The minute track, however, shows gold-colored numerals and hash marks.

In addition, the hands and markers are plated with 3N (yellow) gold and filled with beige Super-LumiNova X1. These differences create a distinct, warmer look. Besides that, if you look at the watches side by side, the Black Resin model’s dial almost looks dark green dial, as the pictures here show.

Finishing the look of both watches is a 21mm textured black rubber strap that features the same Horizon pattern as the dial. Furthermore, it comes equipped with a black Dianoir DLC-coated pin buckle. Changing the strap is easy, though, thanks to the screw-in strap bars. As you can see, Fortis also chose differently colored screws for each model, keeping them in line with the crowns and bezel locks.

The Kenissi-developed Fortis Werk 11

Once you turn the watches around, you’ll see the same color difference for the case back. The Gravity Black variant features a regular stainless steel case back, while the Resin Black version’s case back has a black Dianoir DLC coating. Both feature the same Ultra engraving and spec-related text.

Hiding behind the case back is the Fortis Werk 11. This proprietary caliber is produced by Kenissi and tested in conjunction with Fortis. One of the key features Fortis aimed for was the caliber’s robustness. For instance, the traversing balance bridge with a two-point fixation allows for greater shock resistance than many other movements, as well as precise positioning of the balance. Furthermore, the automatic Werk 11 is a COSC-certified chronometer. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, has 26 jewels, and offers a 70-hour power reserve.

Wearing the Fortis Marinemaster M-44 DLC Gravity Black and Black Resin

These two Marinemaster M-44 watches wear a lot better than their dimensions might suggest. The 44mm case is large, but thanks to the 48mm length, the watches sit very nicely on my wrist. On top of that, the stealthy presence ensures that both Marinemasters do not look as big as they actually are. The size is perfect for my 18.5cm (7.3″) wrist, and the high-quality black FKM rubber strap balances the case well. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortably proportioned these watches are.

Once on the wrist, I was once again reminded how well Fortis watches are made. The hefty feel and the many details reveal that great effort went into designing, machining, and producing these watches. Out of all the available Marinemaster M-44 variants, these two new black DLC models quickly became my favorites. I like the stealthy look combined with the contrasting details.

Final thoughts on the new Fortis Marinemaster M-44 DLC Gravity Black and Black Resin

Now, when it comes to picking a favorite from these two, that’s tough. I like the combination of black and gold quite a bit. Usually, that would be my choice. But I kept coming back to the more utilitarian look of the Gravity Black model. Somehow, that combination feels more appropriate to me when it comes to this adventure-focused Marinemaster.

Then again, there is no right or wrong when it comes to picking a favorite. It’s merely a question of personal preference. Both are great options if you are looking for a stealthy adventurer’s watch that looks good, is super reliable, and can take a beating. Both the Marinemaster M-44 DLC Gravity Black and Black Resin are available now for €4,950.

While wearing these two new additions to the expanding Marinemaster, I quickly found them to be my favorite versions so far. That’s why I also feel that these two new watches will land well with Fortis fans. They offer a stealthy look and are extra resistant to scratches because of the black DLC coating. These aspects make the Gravity Black and Black Resin variants new standouts in the Fortis catalog.

If you want to find out more or purchase either the Marinemaster M-44 DLC Gravity Black or Black Resin, head over to the official Fortis website for more information.

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