Introduced: 2002

Purpose / Inspiration: Named after the Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft, this model was built as Breitling’s largest, most utility-packed mechanical chronograph. Designed for those who needed a big watch with serious capability, the Hercules featured an integrated circular slide rule, 12-hour chronograph, and no-nonsense layout—all in a case that made no apologies.

Designer: Developed during the Schneider era, it stood apart from Chronomats and Navitimers by being bezel-free and having a bezel-integrated slide rule, a mechanical engineering feat for its time.

Materials & Features:

• 45mm stainless steel case (massive for the early 2000s)
• Powered by the Breitling Caliber 39—automatic, COSC-certified, 12-hour chronograph with central minutes and hours counters
• Unique internal rotating bezel operated via crown—housing the slide rule functionality internally
• Water resistant to 100m, sapphire crystal, robust steel construction
• Offered on Pilot bracelet with black, silver, or slate dials featuring strong luminescent indices

Discontinuation Status: Discontinued around 2006. No direct successor. Remains a cult favorite among big-watch fans and Breitling loyalists for its sheer utility and wrist presence.

Engineered Like Its Namesake: Big, bold, overbuilt—and ready for lift-off.

Slide Rule Without the Bezel: The math is there. You just don’t have to wear it on the outside.

12-Hour Chrono. Central Counters. No Clutter. Pure pilot power.

A Tool, Not a Trophy: This wasn’t made to fit under a shirt cuff—it was made to survive impact.