Fortis 17J automatic (self-winding) Fortissimo Special wrist watch, case #4106, early self-winding design has the rotating-weight component move around the outer circumference of the movement as opposed to the more modern weight that rests in-line with the center post, champagne-toned metal dial with a brushed finish, dark green Arabic-style numbers and a black marked outer minute marker ring, dial has a few small specks of discoloration and many of the numbers have lost some of the dark green filling which was likely luminous paint that is no longer emitting light, blue steel baton-style hands with pointed tips and luminous inserts and a red sweep second hand, the luminous inserts are no longer emitting light.
Heavy full stainless steel (SS) round water-resistant case with a stepped bezel supporting a heavy domed plastic crystal and classic curved extended lugs has the back case cover connected to a movement cup in a single piece and fit to the underside of the top bezel with a gasket that would have been a highly water-resistant design in the 1940s when this model of watches was in production, case is showing normal light even wear overall with a few short but notable scratches on the back side of the frame and around the case back, measures approx. 32mm in diameter x 40mm lug to lug x 11mm thick (crystal included), fully adjustable white base metal (WBM) bracelet-style band with narrow segments with a bright polished finish and a simple hook clasp with a slide button to release, watch can have a total wearable length between approx. 6" to 10 1/2". A high grade vintage watch from Fortis, a company that helped to bring to the mainstream many of the quality of life improvements to watches that we enjoy to this day, in excellent+ overall condition!
- Year Made: 1940s
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Company:
Fortis
- Jewels: 1117J
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Setting/Movement Type:
self-wind (automatic)
- Model/Grade: Fortissimo Special
- Serial #: (case) #4106
- Movement Details: outer self-wind weight
- Dial Material:
metal
- Dial Color: champagne
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Hand Style:
baton - light, skeletonized - luminous, sweep second hand
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Case Style:
round
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Case Material:
Stainless Steel
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Case Details:
water resistant (WR)
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Case Width, without crown:
32mm (1.26 inches)
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Case Length, lug to lug:
40mm (1.57 inches)
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Case Thickness:
11mm (0.43 inches)
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Interior Lug Width:
16mm
(5/8")
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Band Size:
adjustable
- Band Material: metal bracelet
- Crystal Material: plastic
- Country of Origin: Switzerland
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Condition:
Excellent +
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Gender:
Unisex
For more information on many of the above details, please check out our Abbreviations & Glossary page.
This watch is in good running condition, unless otherwise noted in the description. This means that on receipt, pending any item-specific running conditions noted in the description, you can expect the watch to be winding and setting properly and to run smoothly while keeping reasonable time. We consider "reasonable time" to meet these basic guidelines:
- Railroad Grade Watches will be keeping +/- 5 minutes per day
- Pocket and Wrist Watches with 15 or more jewels will be keeping +/- 10 minutes per day
- All key wind watches and watches with 14 or fewer jewels will be keeping +/- 15 minutes per day
The above guideline is the lowest standard in which we would ship out a watch, however in most cases, you will see much better timekeeping. Most of our watches have been in storage for many years, so if you plan on carrying/wearing them everyday, you should consider having them cleaned and oiled soon, and then once a year thereafter to keep them in top running condition. If the watches will be for occasional use or display, they should be cleaned and serviced every 3 to 5 years depending on use.
As of October 30th, 2026, we are not offering a cleaning and service option through PM Time Service. While we do hope to offer this again in the future, we are unfortunately unable to meet customer requests for watch servicing at this time. Please note that, unless otherwise mentioned within the "Full Description" tab, this watch is being sold in good running condition and is ready to wear or carry on arrival.
Unlike modern quartz watches, most vintage watches need daily winding in order to keep the watch functioning for timekeeping. Additionally, there are a number of different ways to set the time other than simply pulling the crown away from the watch body. We are happy to provide an overview of each of the different setting types on our
"How To Use" page, where we also provide information on proper winding techniques for each style and some suggestions for the proper long term care and storage of your watch.
For your gift giving convenience, please find a consolidated overview of the information on this item, with no reference to the price, on this
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