Hercules Watches Launches A New Limited Edition In Tantalum: The Hong Kong Edition

Presenting a limited series of just 50 timepieces in collaboration with Independent Watcher. Inspired by the iconic Lions Rock, towering over Hong Kong, these watches pay homage to its lofty heights. Echoing the spirit of Hercules, the movement bears intricate engravings mirroring the elevation contours of this landmark, while infused with Super Luminova for enhanced visibility. Crafted from tantalum, a rare and dense metal rarely seen in horology, the case exudes exclusivity and durability. The dial, fashioned from chipped carbon and adorned in a vibrant blue hue reminiscent of the sky, is complemented by a striking yellow second hand, symbolizing the sun. Together, these elements culminate in a truly exceptional timepiece tailored for the discerning collector.

Tantalum watch cases are a fascinating niche in the world of horology. Tantalum, a rare and dense metal, has increasingly become a choice material for luxury watchmakers seeking to differentiate their timepieces. Here's why tantalum is gaining popularity in watchmaking:

Durability: Tantalum is renowned for its exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion, making it an ideal material for watch cases. It can withstand the rigors of daily wear, scratches, and environmental factors, ensuring that the watch retains its luster and appearance over time.
Unique Aesthetic: Tantalum's distinctive dark grey hue sets it apart from traditional watch case materials like stainless steel or gold. Its deep, lustrous sheen adds an air of sophistication and exclusivity to the timepiece, appealing to collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate unique aesthetics.
Hypoallergenic Properties: Tantalum is hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin or metal allergies. This property ensures that wearers can enjoy their timepiece comfortably without any adverse reactions.
High Density: Tantalum is a dense metal, which gives tantalum watch cases a substantial feel on the wrist. This weightiness adds to the luxury feel of the timepiece and provides a sense of quality craftsmanship.
Craftsmanship Challenges: Working with tantalum presents unique challenges due to its high melting point and resistance to corrosion. However, skilled watchmakers have developed techniques to overcome these obstacles, resulting in finely crafted tantalum watch cases that meet the highest standards of quality and precision.
Limited Availability: Tantalum's rarity adds to its allure in the world of luxury watches. Its limited availability contributes to the exclusivity of tantalum timepieces, making them highly coveted among collectors.

Overall, tantalum watch cases offer a blend of durability, unique aesthetics, and exclusivity that appeal to discerning watch enthusiasts. As the demand for distinctive and high-quality timepieces continues to grow, tantalum is likely to remain a sought-after material in the realm of luxury watchmaking.

The Hercules Hong Kong Edition offers two movement options: 

Micro Rotor Movement: This movement is designed with a micro rotor, which is asmall automatic winding system that helps power the watch. One key benefit of this design is that it allows for a thinner overall watch profile compared to regular automatic watches that rely on the movement of your wrist to wind. Additionally,the placement of the micro rotor allows for a close fit inside the movement and the anti-reflective coated sapphire caseback,giving the wearer a clear view of the intricate mechanics of the watch and the decorated bridges with Superluminova-filled height lines. 

Hand Wound Movement with Two Barrels: The hand-wound movement with two barrels provides an impressive 120 hours (5days) of power reserve. Hand-wound movements are appreciated by watch enthusiasts for their simplicity and the connection they offer to the watch’s inner workings. Through the caseback, you can get an up-close view of the movement,including engraved height lines representing the Lions Rock peak, which are filled with Swiss BGW9 SuperLuminova for a striking glow in the dark. 

Furthermore, each Hercules watch is assembled by hand, emphasizing the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into its production. To ensure accuracy and precision, the complete watch undergoes testing by Timelab in Switzerland to receive an official “Observatoire Chronométrique” certification. We chose this particular test because the movement is tested inside the movement instead of separately as with other chronometer tests. 

The dial of this exquisite timepiece is exclusively crafted for the Hong Kong limited edition. It begins with a base of chipped carbon, meticulously painted in a vibrant shade of blue. This color palette and intricate pattern pay homage to the expansive sky that graces the exalted heights of Lion Rock. Drawing inspiration from the pioneering spirit of Hercules' original exploration watch from 1953, the indexes are elegantly designed. To further accentuate the homage to Lion Rock, the second hand is adorned in a striking yellow hue, exclusively tailored for this esteemed limited edition.

Both the hour and second hands, along with the squares surrounding the hour markers, are imbued with SuperLuminova, ensuring optimal visibility in low-light conditions. These squares illuminate in harmony with the color of the height lines on the movement, enhancing the overall aesthetic coherence. Additionally, all hour markers, as well as the hour and minute hands, are meticulously crafted from high-polished steel, further accentuating the watch's luxurious appeal.

Named for its resemblance to a crouching lion, especially when viewed from certain angles, Lion Rock holds significant historical and cultural significance for the people of Hong Kong. It has long been a source of inspiration, often serving as a metaphor for strength, resilience, and unity, particularly during challenging times.

The mountain is situated in the northern part of Kowloon, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city's skyline, Victoria Harbour, and the surrounding countryside. Its strategic location has also made it a symbol of the city's spirit of defiance and determination.

During the 1970s and 1980s, when Hong Kong was undergoing significant social and political upheaval, Lion Rock became a potent symbol of the city's resilience and the collective struggle for a better future. The iconic image of Lion Rock adorned with banners and slogans became synonymous with the aspirations of the people for social justice, democracy, and freedom.The watch case made of Tantalum represents the toughness and resilience of the people in Hong Kong. 

Beyond its physical attributes, Lion Rock continues to serve as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit and resilience of the people of Hong Kong. Its enduring symbolism reflects the city's rich cultural heritage and its unwavering determination to overcome challenges and reach new heights.

The new Hong Kong Limited Edition is available for pre-order via our authorized retailer Independent Watcher. Please go to https://independentwatcher.com/products/hercules-in-tantalum-hong-kong-edition for more information and details.

Delivery is planned for August 2024

The timepiece costs 12’000 CHF (around 108’000 HKD)

TECHNICAL DETAILS 

MicroRotor movement

Handwound movement

Case

Dial

Strap

Extras