The Week 2020 - Four of the best new luxury watches

A dose of retail therapy might help chase away the lockdown blues. Nicole Garcia Merida has some ideas

A bespoke masterpiece

If you’re looking to stay away from mass-produced timepieces and instead want something unique, you’re not alone. The demand for customisable luxury watches is on the rise and, “when it comes to understanding the true meaning of luxury”, the world’s oldest diamond company is “a master”, says Tracey Llewellyn in The Daily Telegraph.

For watch and jewellery maker Backes & Strauss, founded in 1789, commissions from private clients are nothing new, but CEO Vartkess Knadjian has noticed an increase in demand for bespoke pieces. The client has the option to select the case material and gemstones, as well as their cuts and setting, and whether the dial is gem-set, enamelled or hand-painted. Prices range from £50,000 to well over £1m, backesandstrauss.com