The story of the Hercules brand doesn’t begin in a Swiss watch manufacture, but rather on the icy heights of Nanga Parbat. In 1953, legendary Austrian mountaineer Hermann Buhl became the first person to solo climb the 8,126-meter summit—wearing a Hercules watch on his wrist. This daring feat not only marked a historic moment in mountaineering but also ignited the myth behind the brand: the birth of Luxury Alpinism.
Hercules – Where Watchmaking Reaches New Heights
The Roots: Henzi & Pfaff
Originally produced by the watchmaker Henzi & Pfaff in Pforzheim, Hercules was known in the 1950s and 60s for its sporty-elegant timepieces. The 1953 Nanga Parbat expedition became a milestone: the rugged Hercules watches proved themselves under extreme conditions—a PR coup that brought international attention to the brand.
Like many European manufacturers, Henzi & Pfaff underestimated the technological revolution from the Far East: the quartz crisis. By the 1970s, it marked the end of the company’s journey—at least for the time being.
The Renaissance of a Legend
Almost 70 years later, in 2022, Swiss watchmaker Adriaan Trampe revived the brand. With a vision to elevate the bond between mountaineering and horology, he introduced the concept of Luxury Alpinism. The result: timepieces that fuse technical mastery with the spirit of the mountains.
A Tribute to Ice and Altitude
Hercules' latest models are inspired by the glacial hues and natural phenomena of high-altitude environments. The Snow Dial series features four captivating dial variants: Ice Blue, Ice Pink, Ice Green, and Snow White. Each dial tells a story—from crystal-clear glacier ice to pink algae that tint icebergs with a delicate blush. These colors are not just visually stunning but are rooted in scientific phenomena—subtle references to nature as the ultimate designer.
Manual Winding or Micro-Rotor
From a technical standpoint, Hercules shines with two in-house movements, entirely manufactured in Switzerland. The manual-winding caliber features twin barrels for a power reserve of 120 hours—ideal for adventurers with endurance. Alternatively, a slim micro-rotor movement is available, offering over 70 hours of autonomy and an open view of engraved topographic lines of the Nanga Parbat. These engravings are filled with BRW9 Super-LumiNova, glowing in icy blue in the dark—a poetic nod to the permafrost light of the Himalayas.
Tantalum – The Case Material for Connoisseurs
Another highlight is the use of tantalum—a rare, dense, and hypoallergenic metal. It gives the watches a distinct dark grey finish and a refined weight appreciated by connoisseurs. The challenges of working with tantalum make each Hercules timepiece a masterpiece of artisanal precision and exclusivity.
Modern, Personalized, Global
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With over 30 points of sale worldwide, a flagship boutique in Saint-Prex, Switzerland, and a growing online presence, Hercules presents itself as a modern luxury brand rooted in tradition. Collaborations with artists like Rachel Monard, who hand-paints custom dials, also allow for highly personalized timepieces.
A Watch Brand of Courage and Craftsmanship
Hercules stands for boldness, innovation, and a profound connection with nature. Whether on the wrist of a mountaineer or a watch enthusiast, each Hercules timepiece delivers a summit experience for everyday life.
Discover selected Hercules watches in our CHRONEXT collection: