It all began with a famous landscape in Hong Kong, Lion Rock or Lion Rock Hill which is an iconic natural landmark in the heart of Hong Kong rising 1,624 feet into the sky. And it ends with a spectacular blue dial in chipped carbon and a case in tantalum, a rare and dense metal, renowned for its exceptional durability. The Swiss house of Hercules Watches has just launched a new limited edition The Hong Kong Edition. The watch is being brought out in a limited series of just 50 timepieces in collaboration with the Hong Kong based Independent Watcher and is scheduled to be available in August 2024. The watch draws inspiration from the pioneering spirit of Hercules’ original exploration watch from 1953. 

Inspired by the iconic Lion 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 is a text book example of 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. Tantalum’s distinctive dark grey hue sets it apart from traditional watch case materials like stainless steel or gold. It is also hypoallergenic and its density gives it a substantial feel on the wrist.  The watch offers two movement options: the Micro Rotor Movement which is a small automatic winding system or the Hand Wound Movement with Two Barrels providing an impressive 120-hour power reserve. You can view the movement through the case back. 

Each Hercules watch is assembled by hand and to ensure accuracy and precision, the complete watch undergoes testing by Timelab in Switzerland to receive an official “Observatoire Chronométrique” certification. The house has selected this particular test because the movement is tested inside the movement instead of separately as with other chronometer tests. 

During the 1970s and 1980s, when Hong Kong was undergoing significant social and political upheaval, Lion Rock, located in Kowloon and which resembles a crouching lion, became a potent symbol of the city’s resilience and the collective struggle for a better future, explains Hercules Watches. 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, comments the house. The watch is available for pre-order at: https://independentwatcher.com/collections/hercules-watches or www.herculeswatches.com.

Trish Valicenti special to The Gourmet Gazette