Luxurious Magazine 2025 - An Insight into Backes & Strauss and About Timepieces W1 Anthracite

Backes & Strauss, recognised as the world’s oldest diamond company, has announced a collaborative venture with About Timepieces, one of the leading collector-focused curators in contemporary horology. Together, they have introduced the limited edition W1 Anthracite timepieces, which are a refined reinterpretation of the original W1 watch design, featuring a new dial colour and subtle updates to its aesthetic. Design Led by Collectors The newly formed partnership represents an uncommon approach, with the design being shaped by collector insight from the outset. The revised dial layout eschews the traditional “XII” and “VI” in favour of “II” and “I”, a move spearheaded by About Timepieces to challenge conventional thinking while retaining visual harmony. The anthracite dial—previously unavailable—was specifically chosen for its understated elegance and how it varies in appeal under different lighting conditions. High-polished indices, the About Timepieces emblem at the six o’clock position, and sword-shaped hands with luminous centres round out the finish. These elements maintain the piece’s refined style but provide just enough detail to command attention without overstatement.

Precision and Craftsmanship Underneath the dial, the W1 houses a manually wound Franck Muller movement, complete with hand-engraved detailing and viewable via a sapphire exhibition caseback—a technical flourish not often found at this price point. The series is highly limited, with just ten watches being produced: Five in polished stainless steel (numbered X/5) Four in black PVD-coated steel (numbered X/4) One in stainless steel with a diamond-set bezel (unique piece) Each model is individually assembled and finished in Switzerland, blending Backes & Strauss’s long-standing expertise in diamond-setting with About Timepieces’ keen eye for collector preferences.

W1 Anthracite AM

Size: 40 mm Movement: Mechanical, case back open, decorated movement Case: Stainless Steel brushed case, 0.8 mm with polished steel lugs Dial: Anthracite dial with the Roman hand-polished hour markers Bracelet: Brushed Stainless Steel bracelet with polished steel links Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.06cts Display: Hours & Minutes Total Carats: 1 diamond, 0.06cts

W1 Anthracite PM

Size: 40 mm Movement: Mechanical, case back open, decorated movement Case: Stainless Steel brushed case, coated with black PVD, 0.8 mm with polished steel lugs Dial: Anthracite dial with the Roman hand-polished hour markers Bracelet: Brushed Stainless Steel bracelet with polished steel links, coated with black PVD Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.06cts Display: Hours & Minutes Total Carats: 1 diamond, 0.06cts

W1 Anthracite D2R

Size: 40 mm Movement: Mechanical, case back open, decorated movement Case: Stainless Steel brushed case, 0.8 mm with polished steel lugs, 128 diamonds, 2.92cts Dial: Anthracite dial with the Roman hand-polished hour markers Bracelet: Brushed Stainless Steel bracelet with polished steel links Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.06cts Display: Hours & Minutes Total Carats: 129 diamonds, 2.98cts

Pricing and Availability Prices start at £6,500 for the steel and PVD variants, with the diamond bezel version available for £16,500 (including VAT). This launch marks the first official collaboration between Backes & Strauss and About Timepieces, and purchases are available exclusively via About Timepieces. This understated release is likely to appeal to horology enthusiasts and collectors seeking exclusivity, craft heritage, and a quietly distinctive design.

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