The Berkeley Emperor Brilliant Tourbillon is the first Backes & Strauss wristwatch crafted with a special bespoke hand-winding skeleton tourbillon movement

The tourbillon is set in a bespoke frame decorated by Backes & Strauss’ signature arrows motif, inspired by the arrows pattern visible when viewing an Ideal Cut diamond from above the crown. The frame housing the tourbillon does a complete rotation every 60 seconds. The bespoke hand-winding tourbillon movement is housed in a frame that is attached to the case at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 o’ clock, set with specially-cut tapered diamonds.

The central inner frame which resembles the same shape as the case has been set with Baguette-Cut diamonds. A polished diamond in profile is set at twelve o’ clock. The movement has a power reserve of 72 hours.

The Berkeley Emperor Brilliant Tourbillon is limited to one piece rose gold and one piece in white gold. Later in 2016, two additional unique pieces will be unveiled, both invisibly set with Baguette diamonds on the case. The first will be fitted with a bespoke diamond-set bracelet and the latter with an alligator leather strap.

The first venture of Backes & Strauss into a tourbillon wristwatch is truly a meeting of the masters, where the master diamond setter and polisher, and the master watchmaker combine their shared passion for mathematical precision to create a collection of veritable masterpieces both inside and out.

As the world’s oldest diamond company (est. 1789), Backes & Strauss has constantly looked forward, pioneering new diamond cutting techniques and enthralling connoisseurs with its compelling designs.

Today, Backes & Strauss is part of the Franck Muller group. Backes & Strauss and the Franck Muller Group are masters of the art and science of their respective crafts. While Backes & Strauss is occupied with light and Franck Muller is concerned with time, both share a devotion to mathematical precision.

The result of this meeting of masters is a collection of timepieces so intricate, they are veritable masterpieces both inside and out.

Berkeley Emperor Brilliant Tourbillon technical details:

  • Size: 45 mm
  • Case: 18k rose or white gold case set with 2 rows of white diamonds
  • Dial: Skeleton dial, bridges set with Baguette-cut diamonds at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 o’ Clock.
  • Crown: One Ideal Cut diamond “The Jewel in the Crown” – 0.12 cts
  • Hands: Sword-shaped hands with superwhite luminova
  • Movement: bespoke hand-winding skeleton tourbillon movement
  • Display: Hours & minutes
  • Strap: Alligator leather strap
  • Total Carats: 602 diamonds – 10.46 cts