On 18th February 2022, Vartkess Knadjian (CEO of Backes & Strauss) and Brazilian soccer star Dani Alves officially launched the Alves Trophy Collection in Barcelona.

This special edition Backes & Strauss watch collection pays tribute to Dani Alves. This series is made up of 42 timepieces, marking the soccer star’s journey from humble beginnings to global superstar. Starting with his first major trophy with Esporte Clube Bahia in Brazil and the Copa del Rey with Sevilla, the collection travels all the way through his multiple Champions League victories with Barcelona and Brazil’s victory at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

These unique watches have three distinct features commemorating each individual achievement. The timepiece is in brushed Titanium with a bespoke skeleton tourbillon movement made up of 176 parts with a power reserve of 72 hours.

The hour markers and the tourbillon cage reflect the colours of club/country and visible from the open case back is a 3D version of the trophy and on the case back the year of each victory.

The Backes & Strauss Alves Trophy collection will also aim to bring attention to the under-acknowledged fact that his 42 major trophies make Alves the most decorated footballer of all time, an actuality often obscured by the debate surrounding the talents of Cristiano Ronaldo and Alves’s long-term teammate Lionel Messi.

Technical details

Size: 45 mm
Movement: Bespoke Manual-Winding Skeleton Tourbillon. Tourbillon wheel with Backes & Strauss signature enamelled arrow motif. Set on the back of the movement is the laser cut silhouette of the Trophies. The tourbillon bridge set with 1 diamond cut in a diamond shape 0.05cts, and enamelled indexes
Case: Brushed Titanium
Crown: 1 diamond, 0.12cts

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.

This exquisite luxury watch collection is the result of a promising partnership between luxury Swiss watchmaker Backes & Strauss and London based bespoke watch specialist Splendore Unique.

The Regent Arqaam Collection offers re-imagined versions of the iconic oval-shaped Regent Backes & Strauss timepiece in a limited series, featuring the Arabic-Hindi numerals on the dial. The numerals representing the hour-markers from one to twelve are hand-painted on the dial using ‘decalque’ technique.

This stainless steel watch is available in the 40 x 47 mm size and comes with a choice of 5 coloured dials – British Racing Green, Backes Blue, Red, Burgundy and Black – each limited to 10 pieces.

The case back will have the numbers 1/10 engraved in the Arabic-Hindi numerals. The timepiece will have an automatic movement with a platinum rotor and will come with assorted colours of alligator strap.

Technical details

Model: Regent Arqaam 4047
Reference: RE4047MA.ST.GWH.ARQAAM

• Size: 40×47 mm
• Movement: Automatic, Platinum Rotor
• Case: Stainless Steel
• Dial: British Racing Green, Backes Blue, Red, Burgundy or Black dial with white Arabic-Hindi numerals hand-painted on the dial using ‘decalque’ technique
• Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
• Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.09 cts
• Display: Hours, Minutes, Seconds & Date
• Total Carats: 1 diamond, 0.09 cts

In light of the UK’s official departure from the European Union on the 31st of January 2020, Backes & Strauss has decided to rechristen its John Bull collection. To commemorate this historic occasion, the British luxury watch brand’s playfully patriotic series of timepieces will – from now on – be known as the Brexit collection.

Renowned for bearing a gem-set Union Jack in its dial, Backes & Strauss’ Brexit collection is available in 18kt white gold or steel and comes in all three of Backes & Strauss’ classic designs; the square-shaped Berkeley, the round Piccadilly and the oval-shaped Regent.

The dial of the Brexit watch features white Ideal Cut diamonds, rubies and sapphires to create the instantly recognisable pattern of the Union Jack flag, behind which lies a self winding, automatic movement.

Finally, as Backes & Strauss tradition dictates, each Brexit timepiece is masterfully completed with the brand’s trademark Ideal Cut diamond nestled into the crown, also known as the Jewel in the Crown.

Technical details

Model: Backes & Strauss Piccadilly Brexit 40

Size: 40 mm
Movement: Automatic, Platinum Rotor
Case: 18kt White Gold case, 106 diamonds, 3.55cts
Dial: Union Jack dial, 182 diamonds, 0.80cts, 40 sapphires, 0.37cts, and 186 rubies, 1.14cts
Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
Buckle: 30 diamonds, 0.30cts
Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.12cts
Display: Hours, Minutes & Seconds
Total Carats: 545 gemstones, 6.28cts

Model: Backes & Strauss Regent Brexit 4047

Size: 40×47 mm
Movement: Automatic, Platinum Rotor
Case: Stainless Steel case, 320 diamonds, 6.89cts
Dial: Union Jack dial, 208 diamonds, 0.98cts, 104 sapphires, 0.55cts, and 212 rubies, 1.67cts
Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
Buckle: Stainless Steel
Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.09cts
Display: Hours, Minutes & Seconds
Total Carats: 845 gemstones, 10.18cts

Model: Backes & Strauss Berkeley Brexit 40

Size: 40 mm
Movement: Automatic, Platinum Rotor
Case: 18kt White Gold case, 124 diamonds, 5.00cts
Dial: Union Jack dial, 202 diamonds, 0.69cts, 92 sapphires, 0.63cts, and 198 rubies, 1.48cts
Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
Buckle: 30 diamonds, 0.49cts
Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.12cts
Display: Hours, Minutes & Seconds
Total Carats: 647 gemstones, 8.41cts

Backes & Strauss announces the launch of its new and playful Mystery collection. Reminiscent of lenticular printing, the Mystery series consists of a special pavé setting, which allows the discerning eye to perceive two different images in the dial depending on the angle of observance.

This Chinese New Year, Backes & Strauss welcomes good fortune with the Piccadilly Lucky Mystery, a one-of-a-kind timepiece of which the dial, when looked at from one angle, is fully set with Backes & Strauss’ signature white Ideal Cut diamonds, whilst from the other angle, it reveals the Chinese character “福” (Fu) illustrated with red rubies; in Chinese culture, both the character and the red colour itself symbolise “good fortune” or “blessing”. In its totality, the dial of the Piccadilly Lucky Mystery is set with 653 white Ideal Cut diamonds (2.13 cts) and 244 red rubies (0.91 cts).

With 106 white Ideal Cut diamonds (3.55 cts) set on its 18kt white gold case, and a further 30 (0.30 cts) on its buckle, this automatic watch is masterfully completed with Backes & Strauss’ trademark Ideal Cut diamond (0.12 cts) set into the crown, also known as the Jewel in the Crown.

Finally, it is also worth noting “福倒” (Fu Dao). Whilst “倒” (Dao) means “to pour” or to “turn upside down” it also sounds a lot like “到” (Dao) meaning “to arrive” or “to come”. Therefore, the character “福” (Fu) is often used upside down to express that “Good Fortune Has Arrived”.

Technical details

Size: 40 mm
Movement: Automatic, Platinum Rotor
Case: 18kt white gold set with 106 white diamonds, 3.55cts
Dial: 653 white diamonds, 2.13cts and 244 red rubies, 0.91cts
Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
Buckle: 30 diamonds, 0.30cts
Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.12cts
Display: Hours, Minutes & Seconds
Total carats: 1034 gemstones, 7.01cts

* All brilliant cut diamonds set on Backes & Strauss are Ideal Cut diamonds unless stated otherwise.

Following the launch of the popular Black Knight collection in 2008, now Backes & Strauss is presenting the Regent Royal Black Knight; a pièce unique and timepiece like no other.

Mysterious and discreet with a hint of luxury, the Regent Royal Black Knight is a steel masterpiece set with 2,106 black diamonds on its case and bracelet (26.27 cts) using the sertineige technique, where different sized diamonds are set side by side, playing on variations in diameter; a skill requiring the experience of only the best craftsmen. This time-telling jewel is elegantly completed with Backes & Strauss’ signature white Ideal Cut diamond in the crown (0.12), known as the Jewel in the Crown.

Flawlessly blurring the lines between jewellery and watchmaking, Backes & Strauss’ Regent Royal Black Knight serves as an ode to the brand’s heritage as the oldest diamond company in the world as well as its jewellery know-how.

Technical details

Regent Royal Black Knight
Reference: RE4452MA.RoyalBK.STPVD.BR

Size: 44×52 mm
Case: Steel with black PVD set with 458 black diamonds, 5.69 cts
Dial: Black dial with rose gold Roman hand-polished numerals
Hands: Sword-shaped hands with superwhite luminova
Crown: 1 white Ideal Cut diamond, 0.12 cts
Movement: Automatic movement with date at 4 o’clock
Display: Hours, Minutes & Seconds
Bracelet: Steel with black PVD set with 1,648 black diamonds 20.58 cts
Total carats: 26.39 cts

Backes & Strauss, the oldest diamond company in the world, launches the second generation of its sophisticated and dandy Earl of Strauss collection; the Earl of Strauss Brilliant. In a dazzling synergy, this snow-white masterpiece marries together the unrivalled heritage and know-how of Backes Strauss, Masters of Diamonds with Franck Muller, Master of Complications.

This horological masterpiece boasts 535 round brilliant Ideal Cut diamonds (2.42 cts) and a bespoke movement of which the bridge in the back has been set with 167 white Ideal Cut diamonds (0.75 cts).

Paying homage to the company’s co-founding father the Earl of Strauss Brilliant reflects the confidence and engaging nature of Max Strauss. With ‘strauss’ appropriately being the German word for ostrich, Max Strauss set out to become a precursor and a reference within the diamond industry, taking the company across the Globe within no time at all.

The ostrich trademark present on the balance wheel not only highlights Max Strauss’ unique vision but also serves as a reminder of the rich heritage and pioneering essence of the world’s oldest diamond company. With each part of this exquisite bejewelled timepiece, from the round case and dial through the bridge and buckle to the Backes & Strauss signature Jewel in the Crown, we discover a myriad of meticulously-set round brilliant Ideal Cut diamonds, distinctive and awe-inspiring in their design and composition; just like John Nash’s architectural masterpieces. In a meeting between the beauty of the design and the inner workings of this watch, the movement of the Earl of Strauss Brilliant is partly skeletonised. Not only does this expose the alluring architectural inspiration behind the timepiece, but also the beauty in the precision of time.

Technical details

Model: EARL OF STRAUSS BRILLIANT
Reference PC.45MM.TIT.EarlDiamonds

Size: 45mm
Case: Titanium
Dial: Fully set with 367 white Ideal Cut diamonds, 1.61 cts
Hands: Sword-shaped hands with super white luminova
Crown: 1 white Ideal Cut diamond, 0.06 cts
Movement: Mechanical movement with date and power reserve 120h; bridge on the back set with 167 white Ideal Cut diamonds, 0.75 cts
Display: Hours, minutes and seconds
Bracelet: Alligator leather
Total carats: 2.42 cts

HRH Prince Michael of Kent is the Royal Brand Ambassador of Backes & Strauss. As part of Prince Michael’s collaboration, Backes & Strauss has created the Royal Kent Collection, a collection of timepieces for both men and women.

This series of timepieces is based on the iconic oval-shaped Regent collection, which is also Prince Michael’s favourite amongst the brand’s array of designs.

For the men’s collection, Backes & Strauss took the most powerful elements from HRH’s Coat of Arms and set them in a dark blue dial. For the ladies’ collection, the mother-of-pearl dial will be set with diamonds and feature Prince Michael’s wife’s, Princess Michael of Kent, Coat of Arms.

Technical details

Model: Royal Kent 2833

RE2833QZ.D1R Royal Kent Collection
Size: 28x33m
Case: 18kt White Gold set with 48 Ideal Cut diamonds, 2.75cts
Dial: White Mother-of-pearl dial set with 85 Ideal Cut diamonds, 0.29cts and Royal Crown index at 6 o’clock
Movement: Quartz
Bracelet: Alligator Leather
Buckle: 30 Ideal Cut diamonds, 0.20cts
Crown: 1 Ideal Cut diamond, 0.07cts
Total carats: 3.31cts

Model: Royal Kent 4047

RE4047MA.D1R.Royal Kent Collection
Size: 40x47mm
Case: 18kt White Gold set with 54 Ideal Cut diamonds, 7.50cts
Dial: Blue dial with diamond-set numerals, 78 Ideal Cut diamonds, 0.24cts and HRH’s Coat of Arms at 6 o’clock
Movement: Automatic
Bracelet: Alligator Leather
Buckle: 30 Ideal Cut diamonds, 0.30cts
Crown: 1 Ideal Cut diamond, 0.09cts
Total carats: 8.03cts

At WPHH 2018, Backes & Strauss presented new vibrant additions to the Earl of Strauss Collection. These playful timepieces are rich in colour boasting blue and green dials and a titanium case.

In homage to Max Strauss, the Earl of Strauss pieces reflect the company’s co-founding fathers confidence and engaging nature. Max Strauss set out to become a precursor and a reference within the diamond industry, taking the company across the globe within no time at all. With the Ostrich trademark present on the balance wheel of this playfully sophisticated timepiece, not only do we remember the unique vision Max Strauss had, but it also serves as a reminder of the rich heritage and pioneering essence of Backes & Strauss.

From the enamelling of the colourful dial through the Ideal-cut diamonds delicately set on the bridge, to the Backes & Strauss signature Jewel in the Crown, these new Earl of Strauss timepieces are striking in their pioneering design. Set in titanium, these pieces represent a departure for the Backes & Strauss collection.

In a burst of creativity, both in design and horological mastery, the movement of The Earl of Strauss is partly skeletonised. Not only does this expose the alluring architectural inspiration behind the timepiece but also the beauty in the precision of time.

Technical details
The Earl of Strauss Collection
Size: Ø45 mm
Case: Titanium
Crown: One Ideal Cut diamond “The Jewel in the Crown” 0.09 cts
Dial: Blue and Green with power reserve and data indicator. The Backes & Strauss ‘Ostrich’ incorporated in the balance wheel.
Hands: Sword-shaped hands
Movement: Mechanical hand winding movement with 120 hours power reserve and date – set in the back with 167 Ideal Cut diamonds 0.75cts
Strap: Alligator leather strap
Buckle:Steel Buckle
Total Carats: 168Ideal Cut diamonds 0.84 carats

 

The Backes & Strauss ‘Royal Jester’ is a bespoke watch series.

The Jester (court jester, or fool) was an important appointment in many royal courts during the medieval and Renaissance eras. His role was considered vital to the smooth running of the royal court, his humorous antics were often seen as the fruit of divine inspiration and his position was one of privilege.

The watch is so named because of its circular theme, in the centre of which a sparkling routine is performed by its very own version of the jester in the form of a single, round, Brilliant diamond weighing above 1.01 carats in either the finest colourless or natural coloured diamonds.

But the magnificent ‘jester’ diamond is not the only amusing aspect of this small and very special line of watches, each of which will be a bespoke piece with a different central stone – choose from the afore mentioned diamond, or indulge in courtly colours with a central stone of intense blue, intense pink or fancy vivid yellow. Around the outside of the case, there are a further 80 diamonds weighing 10.50 carats, with the dial being masterfully invisibly set with two rows of baguettes weighing 2.4 carats. Each distinctive timepiece has a single diamond hand set in the crown, the Backes & Strauss signature “Jewel in the Crown”.

A further 40 baguettes (0.85 carat) can be seen between the discreet, crimson hour and minute markers, which are ingeniously mounted on crystal discs to create the impression that they are simply floating, unconnected to any mechanism, in the great tradition of the mystery timekeeper.
These timepieces are driven by a superb mechanical movement with 36 hours of power reserve.

Technical details

Case
18-carat white gold case set with 80 diamonds – 10.50cts
Size: 40 mm
Crown: One ideal-cut diamond “the Jewel in the Crown” – 0.06 carat

Dial
– Centre stone: Ideal-Cut Hearts & Arrows Diamond 1.01 carats
Colour: D
Clarity: Internally Flawless
Grading report: GIA (Gemmological Institute of America)
– Cluster of 40 Baguettes set in 2 rows all individually polished and set invisibly, total 2.41 carats surrounding the centre stone
– Hour marker: Red hour markers covered with crystal glass
– 40 Baguettes diamonds set – 0.85 carat set between the Minute and hour marker
– 40 Baguettes diamonds set – 0.95 carat surrounding the Minute marker

Movement
Mechanical movement with 36 hours of power reserve

Display
Hours and minutes

Bracelet
Alligator leather strap
Buckle: 18-carat white gold deployant buckle or ardillon buckle set with 30 Ideal-cut diamonds
Water resistant to 30 meters

Diamonds
Ideal-Cut Round brilliant diamonds: 2 1.07 carats
Baguette diamonds: 200 14.71carats
Total Carats: 202 diamonds 15.78 carats

Majestic and dazzling, the Monarch Collection from Backes & Strauss offers high jewelry wrist watches crafted in 18kt gold and hand set with the most luminous Ideal-Cut diamonds, polished and set to reign with perfection.

Available in Berkeley, Regent and Piccadilly editions, the Monarch Collection offers both rose gold and white gold versions of the diamond studded timepieces. Each model from this watch collection is adorned with more than 1000 diamonds.

The Berkeley Monarch

Size: 43 mm (37mm and 40mm are also available)
Movement: Automatic movement
Display: Hours, minutes and central seconds
Case: 18 kt Rose Gold hand set with 501 Ideal-Cut diamonds weighing 6.41 carats
Crown: One Ideal-Cut diamond “The Jewel in the Crown” weighing 0.12 carats
Dial: Hand set with 524 Ideal-Cut diamonds weighing 2.87 carats
Buckle: Backes & Strauss Alligator skin strap with 18kt rose gold ardillon buckle

Diamonds
Cut: Ideal-Cut Round Brilliant
Colour: Collection (F+)
Clarity: Clean (Flawless/VVS+)
Total Carats: 1,026 diamonds, 9.40 carats

Versions
Also available in White Gold

The Regent Monarch

Size: 44X52mm (36X43 and 40X47 are also be available)
Movement: Mechanical movement with automatic winding
Display: Hours, minutes and central seconds
Case: 18 kt Rose or White Gold hand set with 507 Ideal-Cut diamonds weighing 5.08 carats
Crown: One Ideal-Cut diamond “The Jewel in the Crown” weighing 0.12 carats
Dial: Hand set with 584 Ideal-Cut diamonds weighing 3.28 carats
Buckle: Backes & Strauss Alligator skin strap with 18kt rose gold ardillon buckle

Diamonds
Cut: Ideal-Cut Round Brilliant
Colour: Collection (F+)
Clarity: Clean (Flawless/VVS+)
Total Carats: 1 092 diamonds, 8.48 carats
RE4047 1,060 diamonds, 7.04 carats.
RE3643 749 diamonds, 6.57

Other versions
Also available in White Gold

Also available on Piccadilly Ø 40 mm, 45 mm

Proudly wearing the British colours on its diamond studded dial, the Berkeley John Bull watch marks the passing of over two centuries since Backes & Strauss established its first London office in the heart of the Hatton Garden diamond district. Named after the iconic and exquisitely manicured square whose trees were planted in the founding year of Backes & Strauss, the new John Bull timepiece is inspired by the honoured and most celebrated symbol and personification of unshakeable Britishness: John Bull.

Its dial is set with 202 Ideal Cut diamonds, 198 rubies and 92 sapphires to create the instantly recognisable pattern of the Union Jack flag, behind which lies a self-winding, mechanical movement. The 18 carat white gold case, meanwhile, is set with 124 further diamonds around the bezel, with a single, Ideal Cut diamond nestling in the crown.

The watch is completed with the addition of an alligator leather strap fitted with a white gold diamond set buckle.

Technical details
Model: The Berkeley John Bull
Size: 40mm
Case: 18k white goldcase set with 44 diamonds – 8.50 cts
Dial: Union jack dial set with 92 Sapphires (0.63 cts), 198 Rubies (1.48 cts) and 202 Ideal-cut diamonds (0.69 cts).
Crown: One Ideal Cut diamond “The Jewel in the Crown” – 0.12cts
Hands: Sword-shaped hands
Movement: Automatic movement
Display: Hours, minutes & seconds
Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
Buckle: 30 Ideal cut diamonds form a heart buckle – 0.48 cts.
Total Carats: Ideal Cut diamonds (2.20 carats)

In 2017, Backes & Strauss presented two unique masterpiece watches in support of the Tears of the African Elephant, a Japanese NGO founded by two Japanese ladies with an objective to make awareness in their country regarding the protection of African elephants. Japan is a major market for illegally sourced ivories from Africa. These watches were created with the official support and endorsement of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Cambridge.

Both watches boast the iconic oval-shaped case adorned with two rows of diamonds. The hand-crafted and hand painted dial of each timepiece poetically transports us into the epicenter of the NGO’s campaign. Whilst one timepiece places the African Elephant amidst the trees, the other shows the African Elephant sheltered by the ominous trees.

Backes & Strauss “Tears of the African Elephant” (RE.32.38.MM.D2R.RG)
With its rich red and gold-orange hues, this timepiece boasts a warm colour palette in a visual allusion to Africa. The sky is made of gold leaf deposited on a gold dial. The intricate and detailed sketch of the trees is hand painted by master craftsman. The bottom section of this storytelling dial is enamelled, as is the tusk of the elephant, whilst the rest is set with Backes & Strauss signature ideal cut diamonds. The eye of the elephant is a round brilliant cut emerald from which appears a teardrop made of gold.

Technical details
Size: 32mm x 38mm
Case: 144 round ideal cut diamonds, 1.59 carats
Dial: 109 round ideal cut diamonds, 0.33 carats
Crown: 1 round ideal cut diamond, 0.06 carat
Movement: Manual Winding
Bracelet: Alligator leather
Total: 254 round Ideal Cut diamonds, 1.98 carats

Backes & Strauss “Tears of the African Elephant” (RE.40.47.MM.D2R.RG)
The dial of this timepiece is in gold. The iconographic leaves have been hand- engraved and enameled by the ‘Grand Feu’ technique. Similarly to its counterpart, the tusk is enamelled and the rest of the dial is set with Backes & Strauss signature ideal cut diamonds. The eye of the elephant is a round brilliant cut emerald from which appears a teardrop made of gold.

Technical details
Size: 40mm x 47mm
Case: 136 round ideal cut diamonds, 2.93 carats
Dial: 215 round ideal cut diamonds, 0.82 carats
Crown: 1 round ideal cut diamond, 0.06 carat
Movement: Manual Winding
Bracelet: Alligator leather
Total: 352 round Ideal Cut diamonds, 3.81 carat ABOUT BACKES & STRAUSS