FORTIS B-42 Pilot Professional Chronograph accompanies new world height record with a helicopter at 42.500 Feet

Cape Town, South Africa 23.03.2002, 9:15 AM
At the International Airport of Cape Town the French helicopter pilot Fred North set up a new world height record by reaching an altitude of sensational 42.500 feet. What American military pilots attempted in vain in 1988 the experienced pilot and his technical crew around colonel “Cody” Gary Purdom achieved: The old record set up in 1972 by Jean Boulet fell. The radar team of the airport in Cape Town confirmed: On Saturday, the 23rd March 2002 Fred North set up a world height record for helicopters. With his AS 350B2 “ECUREUIL” he reaches the sensational height of 42.500 feet. Official watch: FORTIS B-42 PILOT PROFESSIONAL CHRONOGRAPH
FORTIS MARINEMASTER EDITION
Limited to 90 pieces world-wide to commemorate
The 90thanniversary of FORTIS 1912 - 2002

This special FORTIS 90th anniversary watch has been produced in a limited edition of 90 pieces world-wide only with original FORTIS parts from the 70s as well as with newly mounted movements of the old calibre 2784 that came up in the early 70s. The special scale on the inner disc can be used for countdown function and is adjustable by the second crown located at the 2 o'clock position. Each watch bears the individual number on its case back.

Automatic movement cal. 2784; date indication at the 6 o'clock position; original case form the 70s in stainless steel with a diameter of 42mm; screw-down case back; steel crown, Plexiglas, water resistant down to 200m (20 ATM). Dial in black with luminous indices; timing/countdown-scale on the inner disc; luminous hands; black leather strap with stainless steel buckle.

Source: Fortis Press release
May 2002