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History & Heritage
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The Collections Regent - Berkeley - Piccadilly - Baguette Collection - Royal Collection
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History & Heritage As Masters of diamonds since 1789, Backes & Strauss the world’s oldest diamond company launched an exclusive luxury watch brand, creating masterpieces in the world famous work shops of Franck Muller Watchland, Switzerland. Marriage with such an expert watchmaker produces the most elegant timepieces featuring diamonds of the finest quality custom cut into unique shapes, polished and then hand set to perfection. Reflecting Backes & Strauss’ London provenance, there are three unique watch collections: The Berkeley, The Piccadilly and The Regent. Crafted
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in either 18 carat white or rose gold and elegantly set with diamonds, these watches are inspired by London’s Regency architecture, notably the classical proportions and bold symmetry of John Nash’s work for the Prince Regent in 1811 and the 18th century Palladian master and landscape architect William Kent. Drawing on our history & heritage with the outstanding skill of our craftsmen and master polishers, Backes & Strauss are able to offer endless possibilities in creating the ultimate diamond watch.
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Perfect Symmetry The most beautiful objects in art and nature are often symmetrical, and so it is with diamonds.
Masters of diamonds With over two hundred years of experience, Backes & Strauss know diamonds better than anyone else having perfected the art of “ideal cut». Such a cut shapes a diamond for perfect symmetry and proportions, where all the light that enters the stone refracts internally from 57 precisely placed facets and disperses through the top of the diamond, resulting in maximum fire and brilliance. This is why all the diamonds that are hand set on a Backes & Strauss timepiece are ideal cut. Backes & Strauss are known for quality and craftsmanship and as their long heritage demands only the best diamonds are used. The clean clarity of the diamonds used here are the extremely rare Flawless / V V S + with the near perfect colour collection F+.
Hearts and Arrows: The proof of Backes & Strauss’s expertise in diamond cutting is the Hearts and Arrows pattern shown by each Backes & Strauss diamond when viewed with a special instrument called ‘Hearts and Arrows viewer’. The pattern is a series of eight arrowheads when viewed from above the crown with one eye and eight heart shapes when viewed from below the pavilion. The Hearts & Arrows viewer (included in each Backes & Strauss watch box) is merciless when it comes to detecting any deviation from perfection.
Hearts and Arrows diamonds are the ultimate, most magnificent and brilliant Ideal Cut diamonds. The team of expert diamond cutters and polishers at Backes & Strauss takes extensive care to manually polish each diamond to perfection, a skill they have refined in over 200 years of the company existence. Each natural diamond is planned, cut and polished in an effort that requires hundreds of hours of meticulous work. Almost 50% of the rough diamond is lost in the achievement of the perfectly polished symmetrical Backes & Strauss diamond.
*Arrows pattern viewed from top
*Hearts pattern viewed from bottom
*Patterns visible through a "Hearts and Arrows viewer" 8
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Meeting of Masters There are many satisfying parallels between the master diamond cutter and the master watch maker, Backes & Strauss and The Franck Muller Group. Both are supreme craftsmen. Both share the same mathematical precision, the same combination of art and science, the same almost elemental understanding: one work s with light, the other with time. These parallels are apparent in our watches. On the outside, the face and case evoke the geometric symmetry of the ideal cut. On the inside, thehandcrafted movements are often described as jewellike. The simile is perfect. Not only do our movements have a jewel’s brilliance and complex perfection, but the intricate workings and the interplay of one piece on the next are suggestive of the way light moves within our diamonds. It is this meeting of masters of diamonds and watch making, this elemental genius for light and time that makes a Backes & Strauss watch unique. It is a masterpiece inside and out.
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Piccadilly Rose Dial Set with 144 round Ideal cut brilliant diamonds and 12 baguettes Ruby ( 1.89 cts ), white mother-of-pearl Case Set with 114 Ideal cut brilliant diamonds ( 5.65 cts )
The making of a Masterpiece Unique among watchmakers, Backes & Strauss combines a genius for horology with a passion for diamonds. For us, the two go hand in hand.
Crown Set with1 Ideal cut brilliant diamonds ( 0.12 cts ) Color Collection ( D/E ) Clarity Clean ( Flawless/VVS1 )
Our diamonds are not mere added sparkle, they are fundamental to our designs. Every Backes & Strauss diamond is selected, cut and polished to perfection by us, then hand set in a watch expressly designed to maximise its fire. Every Backes & Strauss watch is entirely crafted in the Geneva work shops of Franck Muller Watchland, a house renowned for its innovative spirit and technical brilliance – and one of the few in Switzerland that still produces all its components in-house. Our watches are a showcase for our diamonds, while the brilliance of our diamonds draws attention to the bold, graceful designs of our watches. Each complements the other. It is this remarkable combination of the crafts of watchmaking and diamond-cutting that makes Backes & Strauss the ultimate diamond watch company.
Regent Blue Velvet Dial Set with 224 round Ideal cut brilliant diamonds and 12 baguettes Sapphire ( 2.11 cts ), white mother-of-pearl Case Set with 140 Ideal cut brilliant diamonds ( 5.50 cts ) Crown Set with1 Ideal cut brilliant diamonds ( 0.12 cts ) Color Collection ( D/E ) Clarity Clean ( Flawless/VVS1 )
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The Jewel in the Crown Every watch has at least one diamond, set into the crown by hand; it is the Backes & Strauss signature “The Jewel in the Crown� which is designed to look like the pavilion of a diamond. The pavilion is the lower portion of the diamond, below the girdle, sometimes referred to as the base.
Perfection is in the detail Backes & Strauss developed a unique dial design, as Masters of Diamonds the dial is therefore diamond stamped. Each numeral and index is polished and set by hand, as are the diamonds on each Backes & Strauss timepiece. The pyramids which are placed on the dial's inner circle mark the seconds (five by five). They are a pyramid shape in homage to a polished diamond. Perfect reasons for perfected details.
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The Collections
PC40MAD1R.WG.DEXT.BER
BY40MABAG.RG.WRR 16
The Regent Collection The Regent draws on the architecture of John Nash who was commissioned by the Prince Regent in 1811 to develop a huge swathe of London, then known as Marylebone park. The classical proportions of nash’s work – Regent Street, Regent’s park, St james’s park – can be seen in the sweeping curves and bold symmetry of the Regent Collection.
RE4047MAD2RFULL.ST.WWA 18
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The Regent Collection
Ø 28x33mm Quartz movement. Available in rose gold and white gold with 1 row and 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial. Available in steel with 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial.
Ø 40x47mm Automatic movement. Available in rose gold and white gold with 1 row, 2 rows and 3 rows of diamonds and diamond dial. Available in steel with 2 rows and 3 rows of diamonds and diamond dial.
Ø 32x38mm Automatic movement. Available in rose gold and white gold with 1 row and 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial. Available in steel with 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial. Ø 44x52mm Automatic movement. Available in rose gold and white gold with 1 row, 2 rows and 3 rows of diamonds and diamond dial. Available in steel with 2 rows and 3 rows of diamonds and diamond dial.
Ø 36x43mm Automatic movement. Available in rose gold and white gold with 1 row, 2 rows and 3 rows of diamonds and diamond dial. Available in steel with 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial.
RE2833QZD2R.RG.WRR Ø 28x33mm Rose gold 2 rows of diamonds White dial
RE3238MAD2R.WG.WWR Ø 32x38mm White gold 2 rows of diamonds White dial
RE3643MAD2R.RG.WRR Ø 36x43mm Rose gold 3 rows of diamonds White dial
RE4047MAD1R.WG.WWA Ø 40x47mm White gold 1 row of diamonds White dial
RE4452MAD1R.RG.WRA Ø 44x52mm Rose gold 1 row of diamonds White dial
RE4452MAD1R.RG.CHRR 20
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1609 AD Regent Limited Edition
Diamond Time
Beau Brummel
Regent Limited Edition
Regent Limited Edition
Only available in size 4047 with no diamond on the case, 2 rows or 3 rows of diamonds Diamond Dial Case in rose gold Automatic movement with date between 4 and 5 o’clock
Only available in size 4047 with no diamond on the case or 2 rows of diamonds Diamond Dial Case in titanium Automatic movement with date between 4 and 5 o’clock
On photo: with 3 rows of diamonds on the case
On photo: with 2 rows of diamonds on the case
Cut: Round Brillant, Ideal Cut – Hearts & Arrows Color: Collection ( D/E ) Clarity: Clean ( Flawless VVS1 )
Cut: Round Brillant, Ideal Cut – Hearts & Arrows Color: Collection ( D/E ) Clarity: Clean ( Flawless VVS1 )
Only available in size 4047 and 4452 with no diamonds on the case, 1 row, 2 rows and 3 rows of diamonds and Baguette diamonds. Automatic movement with big date at 12 o’clock and Moon phase. ON PHOTO: size 4452 Total of 298 diamonds weighing 3.69 carats CUT: Round Brillant, Ideal Cut – Hearts & Arrows COLOR: Collection (D/E) CLARITY: Clean ( Flawless/VVS1)
RE4452MAD3R1609AD.RG.WRA 22
RE4047MAD3RDT.RG.DDR
RE4047MAD2RBB.TIT.DDR 23
The Berkeley Collection The Berkeley is inspired by one of the most charming of London’s great squares – a graceful garden in the heart of elegant, bustling Mayfair. Originally laid out in the 18th centura by Palladian master and landscape architect William Kent, Berkeley square has particular resonance for Backes & Strauss; its great plane trees, among the oldest in London, were planted in 1789, the year the company started trading. It has since become a famously romantic spot, known for the song, « A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square ».
BY40MAD1R.WG.WWR
BY29QZD2R.WG.WWR 25
The Berkeley Collection
Ø 29 Quartz movement Available in rose gold and white gold with 1 row and 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial. Available in steel with 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial.
Ø 40 Automatic movement Available in rose gold and white gold with 1 row and 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial. Available in steel with 2 rows and 3 rows of diamonds and diamond dial.
Ø 33 Automatic movement Available in rose gold and white gold with 1 row and 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial.
Ø 37 Automatic movement Available in rose gold and white gold with 1 row, 2 rows and 3 rows of diamonds and diamond dial. Available in steel with 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial.
Ø 43 Automatic movement Available in rose gold and white gold with 1 row and 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial. Available in steel with 2 rows and 3 rows of diamonds and diamond dial.
BY29QZD1R.WG.WWA Ø 29 White gold 1 row of diamonds White dial
BY33MAD2R.RG.BRR Ø 33 Rose gold 2 rows of diamonds black dial
BY37MAD2RDK.STPVD.BWA Ø 37 Steel with black PVD 2 rows of diamonds Black dial
BY40MAD2R.RG.WRR Ø 40 Rose gold 2 rows of diamonds White dial
BY43MAD2R.ST.WWR Ø 43 Steel 2 rows of diamonds White dial
BY40MAD2R.RG.DEXT.BLR 26
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The Piccadilly Collection The Piccadilly is shaped by John Nash’s great circular junction, the epicentre of London ever since it was built in 1819. Originally known as Regent Circus South, Piccadily Circus was conceived as one of the two link s joining the tree parts of Nash’s sweeping Regent Street – Oxford Circus, or Regent Circus North, being the oder. It also connected Nash’s dramatic vision, the height of modern fashion, with Piccadilly itself, the bastion of traditional style. This concept of an elegant connection between new and old lies at the heart of the Backes & Strauss Piccadilly Collection.
PC45MAD1R.RG.WRR 28
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The Piccadilly Collection
Ø 33 Quartz movement, Available in rose gold and white gold with 1 row and 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial. Available in steel with 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial.
Ø 37 Automatic movement Available in rose gold and white gold with 1 row and 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial. Available in steel with 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial.
Ø 45 Automatic movement Available in rose gold and white gold with 1 row and 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial. Available in steel with 2 rows and 3 rows of diamonds and diamond dial.
Ø 40 Automatic movement Available in rose gold and white gold with 1 row and 2 rows of diamonds and diamond dial. Available in steel with 2 rows and 3 rows of diamonds and diamond dial.
PC33QZD1R.RG.BRA Ø 33 Rose gold 1 row of diamonds Black dial
PC37MAD1R.RG.WRR Ø 37 Rose gold 1 row of diamonds White dial
PC40MAD2R.WG.DINT.BLR Ø 40 White gold 2 rows of diamonds Diamond dial with white mother-of-pearl
PC45MAD2R.ST.WWA Ø 45 White gold 2 rows of diamonds White dial
PC40MAD2R.RG.DEXT.BLR 30
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RE4452MABAG.RG.CHRR
The Baguette Collection
RE4452MABAG.RG.WRA
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The Regent
The Berkeley
Baguette
Baguette
Available in size 3643, 4047 and 4452 in white gold and rose gold. Automatic movement with open sapphire back with hand engraved decorated movement
Available in size 33 and 40 in white gold and rose gold. Automatic movement with open sapphire back with hand engraved decorated movement
On photo: size 4452
On photo: size 40
Total of 66 diamonds weighing 11.25 carats
Total of 58 diamonds weighing 10.79 carats
Cut: Baguette cut diamonds Color: Collection (F+) Clarity: Clean ( Flawless/VVS+)
Cut: Baguette cut diamonds Color: Collection (F+) Clarity: Clean ( Flawless/VVS+)
RE4452MABAG.WG.WWR 34
BY40MABAG.RG.WRR 35
The Piccadilly
The Regent 1609.AD
Baguette
Baguette Limited Edition
Available in size 40 and 45 in white gold and rose gold. Automatic movement with open sapphire back with hand engraved decorated movement
Available in size 4047 and 4452 in white gold and rose gold. Automatic movement with open sapphire back with hand engraved decorated movement.
On photo : size 40
On photo: size 4452
Total of 50 diamonds weighing 11.26 carats
Total of 82 diamonds weighing 11.25 carats
Cut: Baguette cut diamonds Color: Collection (F+) Clarity: Clean ( Flawless/VVS+)
Cut: Baguette cut diamonds Dial: Round Brilliant, Ideal Cut – Hearts & Arrows Color: Collection (F+) Clarity: Clean ( Flawless/VVS+)
PC40MABAG.RG.BRA 36
RE4047MABAG1609AD.WG.WWA 37
The Royal Collection
The Berkeley Imperial Piece Unique 38
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The Prince Regent
The Berkeley Prince
Limited edition of 25 pieces in each sizes
Limited edition of 5 pieces
Available in size 4047 and 4452 in white gold. Automatic movement with open sapphire back with hand engraved decorated movement
Available in size 40 in white gold. Automatic movement with open sapphire back with hand engraved decorated movement
On photo: size 4452
Total of 265 diamonds weighing 18.44 carats
Total of 505 diamonds weighing 20.93 carats
Cut: Baguette cut diamonds Color: Collection (F+) Clarity: Clean ( Flawless/VVS+)
Cut: Baguette cut diamonds Color: Collection (F+) Clarity: Clean ( Flawless/VVS+)
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The Piccadilly Prince
The Royal Berkeley
Limited edition of 5 pieces
Limited edition of 5 pieces in each size
Available in size 40 in white gold. Automatic movement with open sapphire back with hand engraved decorated movement
Available in size 37, 40 and 43 in white gold. Automatic movement with open sapphire back with hand engraved decorated movement.
Total of 249 diamonds weighing 18.16 carats
On photo: size 40
Cut: Baguette cut diamonds Color: Collection (F+) Clarity: Clean ( Flawless/VVS+)
Total of 330 diamonds weighing 87.45 carats Cut: custom cut diamonds Color: Collection (F+) Clarity: Clean ( Flawless/VVS+)
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The Royal Regent
The Royal Prince Regent
Limited Edition to 5 pieces
Limited Edition to 5 pieces
Available in size 4047 in white gold. Automatic movement
Available in size 4047 in white gold. Automatic movement.
Total of 229 diamonds weighing 67.56 carats
Total of 672 diamonds weighing 66.17 carats
Cut: Case and Jewellery bracelet set with Perfectly cut oval shaped diamonds ( + 6 round Ideal cut diamonds for the Jewellery bracelet ). Dial with blue mother-of-pearl set with Perfectly cut oval shaped diamonds crown set with Ideal cut round brilliant diamond. Color: Collection (F+)
Cut: Case and Jewellery bracelet set with Perfectly cut oval shaped diamonds ( + 6 round Ideal cut diamonds for the Jewellery bracelet ). Dial and crown set with Ideal cut round brilliant diamonds. Color: Collection (F+) Clarity: Clean ( Flawless/VVS+)
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The Piccadilly Princess
The Regent Princess
Available in size 37 in white and rose gold. Automatic movement.
Available in size 3238 in white and rose gold Automatic movement
Total of 327 diamonds weighing 23.34 carats
Total of 326 diamonds weighing 22.91 carats
Cut: Ideal Cut round brilliant Color: Collection ( F+) Clarity: Clean ( Flawless/VVS+)
Cut: ideal Cut brilliant Color: Collectino ( F+ ) Clarity: Clean ( Flawless/VVS+ )
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London : Backes & Strauss London 113A Jermyn Street - Mayfair London SW1Y 6HJ -United Kingdom Tel. : +44 (0) 20 7839 8709 Fax : +44 (0) 20 7839 1831
Geneva : Backes & Strauss 46 Chemin des Troiselles 1294 Genthod - Switzerland Tel. : +41 (0) 22 959 89 66 Fax : +41 (0) 22 959.89.68
www.backesandstrauss.com
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Regent Fancy Canary
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