ReviewThe Fortress Goes Worldwide: Graham’s Fortress GMT And WorldTimer

Swiss watchmakers Graham are noted for their sports chic collections such as Chronofighter Superlight and Vintage, Swordfish and Fortress. The Fortress, in particular, stands out for its range of aviation-themed chronographs, and GMT and world-timer editions. The term ‘fortress’ was inspired by the 1930s Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress—a four-engine heavy bomber under the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC), and the word’s dictionary definition: ‘an impregnable edifice’. Reflective of these sturdy traits is the trio of Graham Fortress GMT watches—each version with a 100-piece limited-run—and noted for their hefty appearance, plump Arabic hour markers, textured dials, and a GMT hand for the secondary time zone indication.

Vintage Meets Aviation Design In The Graham Fortress GMT

The Graham Fortress GMT impresses with its robust, oversized case. Measuring 44mm in diameter and 15mm in height, the stainless steel case is geared for rough-and-tough adventures. Exuding the feel of vintage pilot watches, the sturdy lugs are fine-brushed and polished. In continuum with the tough exterior, antireflective domed sapphire crystal protects the dial and movement from the back, and provide improved legibility even under bright lights. Overall, the tightly compact case renders the watch water-resistant upto 100m.

Instead of the second time zone/24-hour scale on the unidirectional rotating bezel, the Fortress GMT Worldtimer version features 24 global cities

The dials appear minimalistic yet evoke slight theatre through the slim line that runs horizontally, smooth and linear like the equator, creating two equal halves. Adding more character to the demarcation are the two different surface patterns: a grainy textured top half, and a ridged bottom half. Set this surface and dotting the dial periphery are the 12 Arabic numerals for hour markers, hands applied with beige or white Super-LumiNova, grade A. These are hues that represent the patina seen on all things vintage over time.

All Hands On The (Flight) Deck, With The Fortress GMT

Matching the hour markers are pale yellow cathedral-style hour and minute hands; both timekeeping elements striking a good contrast with the blue and black dials. A thin seconds hand finds company in the long GMT hand with red arrowhead tip. This hand points to the right time on the second time zone/24-hour scale featured in bold Arabic numerals on the unidirectional rotating bezel—made from ceramic with distinct lateral helical toothing or jagged edge. This changes slightly for the Fortress GMT Black Worldtimer that instead features 24 global cities on the bezel. The highlighting factor, for the Fortress collection overall, is the onion-shaped crown to the left side of the case that holds within it a pusher to correct the hour hand and GMT hand when needed. The pusher in the chronograph Fortresses is that of the monopusher chronograph.

Powered by the Graham calibre G1725, an automatic second time zone movement, the Fortress GMT trio offers upto 42-hour of power reserve, and beats at 28,800vph. Fitted with 26 jewels and replete with perlage and Geneva stripes, the in-house calibre is inbuilt with Incabloc shock protection system to safeguard against sudden shocks. The watches feature hand-sewn black or blue calf leather strap with contrast stitching to match the dial colour.

For the adventurous jetsetter, combing new lands or fuelling entrepreneurial dreams overseas, the dual-time Graham Fortress GMT range impresses with its easy readability plus old world charm.