Backes & Strauss is considered one of the oldest watch brands in the world, founded in 1789 in London. Models are assembled at the legendary Frank Muller manufactory. Thanks to rare movements, Backes & Strauss watches have occupied a unique niche in the segment of complex mechanical works of watchmaking.
In addition to producing watches, Backes & Strauss is primarily known as the oldest jewelry company working with first-class diamonds. Is it true that you sacrifice a lot for the creation of perfectly shaped stones?
Wartkess: We not only use the world's best certified diamonds, but also process them using unique techniques. They work on diamonds for a very long time, so that every corner, every facet is perfectly symmetrical to everyone else. If you look at them from above, you can see the arrows, and from below the hearts are visible. After such processing, diamonds can lose one carat of weight, but they acquire incomparable radiance and brilliance.
What Backes & Strauss watch models do you present in Dubai?
Wartkess: We present several models, each of which uses diamonds of exceptional quality, round cut, color F and almost perfect clarity FL / VVS1. So, the Royal Berkley model repeats the main motives of one of the oldest squares in London - Berkley Square. Each diamond is perfectly polished, both on the dial and in the jewelry component of the design - a bracelet-strap. There are 6 models of such watches in the world, and it takes 6-9 months to make each.
Watches Piccadilly Princess Royal Colorus will be the unconditional choice for those women who value uniqueness: two identical watches of this model do not exist. The case is made of 18-carat white gold. The combination of 10 different types of cut and 66 different colors creates the impression that the clock was created by chance, by nature itself. The total number of precious stones used to create the new item is 225 with a total weight of 38.69 carats. Three masters worked on the model for three months.
What details can be used to pinpoint the style of Backes & Strauss?
Wartkess: In all our watches, the crown is made with one diamond. This is our iconic element. Typically, a diamond is placed in the pavilion from top to bottom, so the crown is flat. In our watches, the opposite is true. Another feature is the design of the dial: the numbers on it are not drawn, not folded and are not part of the relief. These are individual components of the mechanism. The creation of such a dial goes through 120 different stages.
How did your collaboration with Frank Müller start?
Wartkess: Once upon a time, I supplied the best diamonds in the market for various watch companies, including Frank Muller. But at the beginning of my career I dreamed of creating luxury jewelry watches under my own brand. Frank Muller is a special manufactory, I like their style, quality of work and knowledge. Their technique gave us the opportunity to make watches to order, embodying the most incredible ideas in the watch world.
Your company creates watches for royal families. Tell a little about it.
Wartkess: A few years ago, we were honored to design a Regent watch for Queen Elizabeth’s anniversary on the throne. The model is placed in a case of 18 ct white gold with handmade inlaid diamonds. The years of the reign of Her Majesty - 1952-2012 are engraved on the case. At the “6 o’clock” mark, the dial is decorated with an element thanks to which the model undoubtedly awaits the fate of a collection masterpiece: we are talking about the Queen’s monogram, the use of which our company received official permission from the Lord Hoffmeister of Buckingham Palace. All models are made in "royal purple" color, and alligator straps in the same color are complemented by a clasp in 18 ct white gold with diamonds. We presented the Regent model 1952 to the Queen herself, left one model for the archive, and the remaining 58 models were sold out instantly!
