1970 Audax Fortis Skylark Date Automatic Watch - Serviced
Just Serviced and overhauled, a wonderful Audax/Fortis "Skylark" Automatic Watch in superb condition. 38mmx38mm case.
Audax Fortis Skylark refers to two closely linked entities in mid-century horology: the historical corporate partnership between Audax and Fortis Watch Ltd., and the iconic space-age Fortis Skylark watch model.
In the early 1960s, the British-market brand Audax co-branded models directly with the Swiss manufacturer Fortis, utilizing their movements and stamped cases. Shortly after this era, Fortis launched the standalone Skylark line, which defined the brand's aesthetic during the late 1960s and 1970s.
The Audax & Fortis Historical Connection
The Relationship: Audax was primarily a vintage importer and brand known for Swiss-made mechanical watches. By the 1960s, Audax formed a direct manufacturing connection with Fortis.
The Co-Branding: Rare vintage pieces exist with dual "AUDAX / FORTIS" branding on the dial, typically beneath a small crown emblem.
The Internals: These co-branded watches featured casebacks stamped internally by Fortis Watch Ltd. and housed genuine ETA mechanical movements.
The Fortis Skylark Model Overview
The Skylark is one of Fortis's most famous mid-century dress and casual watch lines.
The Era: Produced predominantly from the mid-1960s through the 1970s, capturing the transition into "space-age" retro geometry.
The Movements: Driven by Swiss mechanical movements, most notably ETA automatic calibers (such as the ETA 2532), though later 1990s quartz variations exist.
The Designs: Highly recognizable for their oval, cushion, or TV-screen cases, sunburst dials with a subtle crosshair aesthetic, and a date window uniquely positioned at the 6 o'clock mark.
The Materials: Mostly found in 20-micron gold plating or stainless steel, with ultra-rare premium editions crafted in solid 18k gold.
Buying and Collectibility
Because they are vintage items, you can buy them through enthusiast marketplaces and auction platforms:
Availability: You can frequently find vintage Fortis Skylarks on platforms like eBay or curated vintage shops like Etsy.
Pricing: Standard gold-plated or steel automatic models usually trade between £120 and £380 depending entirely on dial originality and mechanical condition.

