About Fortis
Fortis was founded by Walter Vogt in 1912. Twelve years after its establishment, Vogt set up production with John Harwood, inventor of the automatic wristwatch. In 1926, Fortis released the patented Harwood Automatic, the first self-winding wristwatch at Baselword. In 1937, Fortis commemorated the company's 25th anniversary by manufacturing and marketing their first chronographs, including the Rolls and the Autorist. The Autorist was also designed by John Harwood, and it used the movement of the strap to power the watch. By 1943 Fortis was introducing the world's first waterproof watches with the Fortissimo models, which were increasingly popular.
via wikipedia