Bespoke Dials
The Art of the Dial: Métiers d'Art Craftsmanship in Backes & Strauss masterpieces
Every Backes & Strauss dial is a canvas for Métiers d'Art artisan craftsmanship, from the hand-painted cheetahs of the Vitesse Collection to the Grand Feu enamelled portrait of Princess Elizabeth II and the storytelling Tears of The African Elephant dials. Some are hand-engraved in gold, others rendered on natural mother-of-pearl or green jade and set with responsibly sourced Zambian emeralds, each finished with Backes & Strauss signature Ideal Cut diamonds. Whether telling the tale of a Persian Shaheen falcon or a Kabuki dancer in diamonds and rubies, every dial is finely hand-crafted by master artisans in the Métiers d'Art tradition, making each luxury Swiss watch a rare, treasured piece of fine haute horlogerie.
Vitesse Collection
This dial is a masterwork of Grand Feu enamelling, the rare artisan technique. A hand-engraved gold portrait of Princess Elizabeth II, marked XC at 12 o'clock, is enamelled in historic English Blythe enamel, fired over many layers at 900 degrees Celsius to achieve a rich, regal purple hue. This exceptional timepiece stands as a truly prized collector's piece in the world of fine horology.
Regent Eagle
This artisanal dial tells Africa's story in two crafts. Warm reds and gold-orange hues set the scene: gold leaf forms the sky over hand-painted trees, while its companion is hand-engraved in the historic Grand Feu enamel technique, a hallmark of fine jewellery watchmaking. Both feature an enamelled tusk, Backes & Strauss Ideal Cut diamonds, and an emerald eye releasing a golden teardrop.
Tears of African Elephant
The Vitesse Collection is a showcase of Métiers d'Art watchmaking. Each hand-decorated dial brings a different technique to life — hand-painted cheetahs on the fine enamel and golden glitter, silk and green jade, alongside a hand-engraved mother-of-pearl dial finished in striking 3D relief. These Swiss watches embody the artistry, rarity and craftsmanship of haute horlogerie.
Green African Elephant
This Métiers d'Art dial is a masterwork of hand-painted artistry on natural green mother-of-pearl, its African elephant meticulously rendered as the emblem of Space for Giants' wildlife conservation mission. Each fine brushstroke reflects master artisan skills. Framed by a diamond-set case and rare Zambian emeralds, this dial remains a rare, treasured piece of fine jewellery watchmaking.
Princess Elizabeth
This Regent Renaissance dial is a Métiers d'Art masterpiece: the Persian Shaheen falcon is hand-painted by a master miniature artist, then finished using the historic 'grand feu' enamelling technique, with different colour hues carefully layered around the noble falcons. Set in 18kt rose gold, this rare piece unique stands as a treasured masterwork of fine jewellery watchmaking artistry.
Regent Kabuki
Kabuki is illustrated on the dial in a special diamond setting of white and black diamonds and rubies, 502 stones, 10.29cts. Dating back to the 17th century, Kabuki is ancient Japanese theatre arts whose name translates as 'out of the ordinary' — now the most celebrated of all traditional Japanese drama performance styles, beautifully captured here in fine jewellery watchmaking artistry.