history & heritage

CREATION OF BACKES & STRAUSS

In the year of the French Revolution, Georg carl Backes, the founding father of the company, was first registered as a goldsmith in Hanau, Germany.

BACKES & STRAUSS IN LONDON

Johann Franz, Georges Backes' son, opened a branch office in London at 10 Hatton Garden - London. Even though the building no longer exists, the Backes and Strauss group still has offices in London on Jermyn Street - Mayfair.

BACKES & STRAUSS JEWELLERY MANUFACTURERS

Jewellery manufacturing operations set up in London UK, Hanau Germany and Paris, France.

MAX STRAUSS JOINS THE COMPANY

Max Strauss, the second founding father, entered the London office in 1856. Fifteen years later he was managing JF Backes & Co and two years later the company started trading as Backes and Strauss.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION OF THE BACKES & STRAUSS HALLMARK

The Backes & Strauss hallmark was officially registered in London’s Goldsmiths’ Hall in 1878.

BACKES & STRAUSS WORLDWIDE EXPANSION

Towards the turn of the century, Mr. Ben and Mr. Frank Strauss travel extensively establishing business relationships and promoting Backes & Strauss in Alexandria, Vienna, Rome, Bucharest, Paris, Japan, Singapore and India.

CREATION OF THE ANTWERP OFFICE

Antwerp office is founded by Gerald Stroud under the direction of Robert Lee and Gustave Ponet.

BACKES & STRAUSS SETS UP AN OFFICE IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Backes & Strauss carries on expanding rapidly, opening a new office in Melbourne, Australia.

VARTKESS KNADJIAN JOINS BACKES & STRAUSS

Vartkess Knadjian joined the company and took over the reins of the Antwerp office by 1982 after Robert Lee retired

VARTKESS KNADJIAN BECOMES THE GROUP CEO

Robert Lee, the former Managing Director, retires and Vartkess Knadjian takes over the reigns of the Antwerp office.

THE MEETING OF MASTERS

Backes & Strauss gets into strategic tie-up with the Franck Muller Group and launches its flagship collection of Regent, Berkeley & Piccadilly watches in November 2006.

BACKES & STRAUSS TIMEPIECES FIRST SHOWCASE

Backes & Strauss showcases its watch collection for the first time at WPHH. Retail launches in Harrods, Asprey and Theo Fennel in London. Subsequent launches in USA, Japan, Italy, Canada and France.

BACKES & STRAUSS UNVEILS ITS NEW JEWELLERY COLLECTION

Backes & Strauss showcases its luxury jewellery collection for the first time at WPHH 2010 (World Presentation of Haute Horlogerie in Monaco).

LAUNCH OF THE REGENT DIAMOND JUBILEE WATCH AT HARRODS, LONDON

The Diamond Jubilee Collection is aptly a Regent, designed, crafted and inspired by our Diamond Queen, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 1952 – 2012, in celebration of her 60 year reign.

THE RELEASE OF THE PRINCESS ROYAL COLLECTION

The Princess Royal Collection presents high jewellery watches set with white, pink and yellow diamonds, rubies and emeralds, combining rare gemstones, intricate diamond cuts and refined Swiss craftsmanship.

BRAND BOUTIQUE OPENING IN LONDON, MAYFAIR

Backes & Strauss opened a brand boutique in the heart of Mayfair, London, showcasing its intricate timepieces inspired by British heritage and architecture.

LEVON KNADJIAN JOINS THE COMPANY

The son of the CEO Vartkess Knadjian joins the family business. He continues a legacy rooted in craftsmanship and heritage and brings a fresh perspective to the brand.