Master Horologer 2025 - Backes & Strauss x About Timepieces W1 Anthracite
In collaboration with About Timepieces, Backes & Strauss released the new W1 Anthracite edition from the W1 collection.
The W1 Anthracite series marks the first official collaboration between Backes & Strauss and About Timepieces. The revised index layout (replacing the traditional “XII” and “VI” with “II” and “I” respectively) of this About Timepieces exclusive challenges the conventions of dial design while maintaining symmetry and balance.
The anthracite dial colour was also chosen for its understated classic finish and quiet depth under changing light. That base is paired with polished, applied indices, the About Timepieces icon at 6 o’clock and sword-shaped hands with lumed centres.
Inside, the W1 houses a hand-wound Franck Muller movement, hand-engraved and visible through a sapphire exhibition caseback.
Only 10 individually numbered watches will be produced: five in polished stainless steel (Numbered X/5), four in black PVD-coated steel (Numbered X/4) and one in stainless steel with a diamond-set bezel (Unique Piece).
Assembled and finished in Switzerland, these watches are exclusively available through About Timepieces.
Backes & Strauss x About Timepieces W1 Anthracite
Price (including VAT)
Steel & PVD models – £6,500
Diamond bezel model – £16,500
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
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 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
