Backes & Strauss ‘The Vitesse Collection’, in Collaboration with Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent

Backes & Strauss has announced the upcoming release of The Vitesse Collection of watches in collaboration with Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Michael of Kent.

Inspired by HRH’s lifelong passion and knowledge for the plight of Cheetah’s across the African continent, these exclusive watches show Backes & Strauss at its creative best while supporting vital efforts to preserve this extraordinary species.

HRH’s interest in Cheetah dates back to her childhood in Mozambique, where she raised an orphaned cheetah cub named Vitesse, whom she hand-reared and later released into the wild after teaching her to survive on her own. These experiences were the subject of 2017 autobiographical book A Cheetah’s Tale, which also explored the incredible bonds between animals and humans. The Princess also currently serves as the Royal Patron for both the benefitting organizations.

The launch Vitesse Collection showcases several ‘Métiers d’art’ dials with hand painted cheetahs on enamel, mother-of-pearl, silk and green jade. There is also a dial with hand engraved cheetahs on a mother of pearl background.

In addition there is a creative bezel set with Natural vivid yellow and black diamonds mimicking the skin pattern of the Cheetah.

Technical details

Model: VITESSE 40, REN-PC40MMD2R.RG.CH.BKENA

• Size: 40 mm
• Movement: Mechanical
• Case: 18kt Rose Gold set with 135 yellow diamonds, 1.35cts & 84 black diamonds, 0.69cts, case back open, decorated movement
• Dial: Enamelled black dial featuring the hand-painted cheetah with the Gold glitter at the back
• Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
• Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.06cts
• Display: Hours & Minutes
• Total Carats: 220 diamond, 2.10 cts

Model: VITESSE 33, REN-PC33MMD2R.RG.CH.SILK

• Size: 33 mm
• Movement: Mechanical
• Case: 18kt Rose gold, 136 diamonds, 1.16cts, case back open, decorated movement
• Dial: Silk dial featuring the hand-painted cheetahs
• Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
• Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.06cts
• Display: Hours & Minutes
• Total Carats: 137 diamonds, 1.22cts

Model: VITESSE 33, REN-PC33MMD2R.RG.CH.JADE

• Size: 33 mm
• Movement: Mechanical
• Case: 18kt Rose gold, 136 diamonds, 1.16cts, case back open, decorated movement
• Dial: Green jade gemstone dial featuring the hand-painted cheetahs
• Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
• Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.06cts
• Display: Hours & Minutes
• Total Carats: 137 diamonds, 1.22cts

Model: VITESSE 33, REN-PC33MMD2R.RG.CH.MOPBL

• Size: 33 mm
• Movement: Mechanical
• Case: 18kt Rose gold, 136 diamonds, 1.16cts, case back open, decorated movement
• Dial: Blue mother-of-pearl dial featuring the hand-painted cheetah
• Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
• Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.06cts
• Display: Hours & Minutes
• Total Carats: 137 diamonds, 1.22cts

Model: VITESSE 40, REN-PC40MMD2R.RG.CH.MOPBL

• Size: 40 mm
• Movement: Mechanical
• Case: 18kt Rose gold, 136 diamonds, 2.39cts, case back open, decorated movement
• Dial: Blue mother-of-pearl dial featuring the hand-graved cheetahs with 3D effect
• Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
• Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.06cts
• Display: Hours & Minutes
• Total Carats: 137 diamonds, 2.45cts

About The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre strives to support conservation within a sustainable ecosystem by focusing on the survival of endangered species through the maintenance of diverse bloodlines of cheetahs, rehabilitation of rhinos, education of both local and international communities about the necessity of conservation, and focussed research for long-term sustainability of endangered species.

About The Cheetah Conservation Fund

In the last 100 years, the world has lost 90% of the wild cheetah population. Today, one-third of wild cheetahs live in southern Africa. CCF is working across Africa to save the species throughout its range. CCF’s mission is to be the internationally recognized center of excellence in the conservation of cheetahs and their ecosystems. CCF will work with all stakeholders to develop best practices in research, education, and land use to benefit all species, including people.