The B-42 is fitted with a 120 click unidirectional rotating bezel with aluminum insert. The bezel is quite firm with absolutely no play and very precise clicks. No worries with this bezel getting knocked out of place on a dive based on what I have seen so far. The bezel is a 60-minute rather than a 15-20 minute countdown that is seen so often on many dive watches. A lume pip is inset at the 12 o’clock position, which I much prefer to pips that are raised above the bezel which are so easy to knock out. The coin edge of the bezel is quite easy to grasp as well.
The watch is fitted with a large Sapphire crystal with dual Anti-Reflective (AR) coatings. I really love it when watch companies get it right in this particular area. If the AR is really good, then at certain angles, the watch would appear to have no crystal and this model hits that mark dead on. The only downside is having an AR coating on the exterior. Exterior AR increases the likelihood for scratches so just be mindful of that possibility. The dial opening measures a substantial 35mm, which will play into the illusion of having a slightly larger watch on the wrist combined with the other specifications mentioned previously. Beneath the sapphire crystal is a gorgeous off-white dial, but not a lume dial as some may have anticipated, which in the case of this watch I greatly prefer. I think a lume dial in this instance would take away from the elegant nature of the watch overall, but would probably increase the functionality of the model as a dive watch. The dial overall is extremely clean and uncluttered with the usual branding above and below center dial. A chapter ring surrounds the dial with 24-hour time indicators painted in black for those who prefer time telling in the military format. Large day/date windows are positioned at the 3 o’clock position, which I believe provide day function in both English and German.
One of the most attractive features of this B-42 model is the applied numerals surrounding the dial. Based on which angle one views the dial, the markers will appear almost black, however, the dial markers and handset are actually what I and some others consider furnace blue in color similar to the blued screws found in mechanical and automatic watch movements. The blued markers and hands just add a touch of color contrast and flair to the dial appearance. There is no lume on the numerals and only a small amount at the tips of the handset. There is a touch of lume above each hour marker painted on the dial. If I could change one aspect of the dial, I would probably eliminate the skeletonized hour and minute hands just so some additional surface area for lume would be available. I would also probably change up the lume compound to BGW9. The lume on this model appears to be C1 Superluminova as the application is white and when charged illuminates with a greenish hue.
Now, on to the bracelet, which is one of my all time favorites – ranking right at the top with the Breitling Pro I. The bracelet measures 20/20mm from lug to clasp with no taper. The links measure a substantial 4mm in thickness. The links are connected using the same screw and barrel system found on the Breitling Pro I for those of you that are familiar with that awesome bracelet. Now the bracelet isn’t the easiest in the world to size if you are not familiar with the design, as you have to actually remove both screw heads the one side of the link, which will then allow for sliding of that piece off the barrels then the other side will slide out as well. Once you get the hang of it, the process is super simple just keep track of your pieces and screw heads. Do not, and I stress DO NOT, attempt to knock out the barrels as you would greatly damage the bracelet. There are some YouTube videos that will show how to size this style bracelet so I would definitely suggest checking them out or take it to a reputable jeweler for sizing. The bracelet does have a signed diver’s flip lock with safety, which includes 4 micro adjustments, which will allow for getting that perfect fit on the wrist. The clasp does also have a stamped dive extension, which is adequate, but a watch in this price range should have a more heavy-duty dive extension, at least in my opinion.
If you are looking for a dive watch with quality specifications and a company with some serious heritage dating back to the early 1900’s, then definitely check out what FORTIS has to offer in their Maritime lineup. The B-42 Diver is a prime example; packed full of great features noted above and looks fantastic on the wrist. I would like to thank each of you for reading and would also like to invite you to view the brief video presentation of this model provided. Also, while you are at it subscribe to the WatchReport.com YouTube channel as there are quite a number of great video presentations on a wide array of watches and the site I’m certain would enjoy having you as a subscriber.
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