Backes & Strauss Announces ‘The Vitesse Collection’ in Collaboration with HRH Princess Michael Of Kent
Backes & Strauss is delighted to announce the upcoming release of The Vitesse Collection of watches in collaboration with Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Michael of Kent.
Inspired by HRH’s lifelong passion and knowledge for the plight of Cheetah’s across the African continent, these exclusive watches show Backes & Strauss at its creative best while supporting vital efforts to preserve this extraordinary species.
“Time is of the essence to protect what remains of the worldwide Cheetah population, which currently sits at around 7,000 and continues to decline, I am especially passionate about this collaboration as it will raise awareness of the situation and benefit the Endangered Species Centre in South Africa and the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia.”
HRH’s interest in Cheetah dates back to her childhood in Mozambique, where she raised an orphaned cheetah cub named Vitesse, whom she hand-reared and later released into the wild after teaching her to survive on her own.
These experiences were the subject of 2017 autobiographical book A Cheetah’s Tale, which also explored the incredible bonds between animals and humans. The Princess also currently serves as the Royal Patron for both the benefitting organizations.
“This collaboration with HRH is the latest extremely exciting project for Backes & Strauss, as well as giving us the opportunity to produce stunning and unique timepieces, it will also help raise urgently needed funds to support conservation projects aimed at saving these beautiful cats from extinction.”
The launch Vitesse Collection showcases several ‘Métiers d'art’ dials with hand painted cheetahs on enamel, mother-of-pearl, silk and green jade. There is also a dial with hand engraved cheetahs on a mother of pearl background. In addition there is an creative bezel set with Natural vivid yellow and black diamonds mimicking the skin pattern of the Cheetah.
The Vitesse Collection
VITESSE 40
REN-PC40MMD2R.RG.CH.BKENA
Size: 40 mm
Movement: Mechanical
Case: 18kt Rose Gold set with 135 yellow diamonds, 1.35cts & 84 black diamonds, 0.69cts, case back open, decorated movement
Dial: Enamelled black dial featuring the hand-painted cheetah with the Gold glitter at the back
Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.06cts
Display: Hours & Minutes
Total Carats: 220 diamond, 2.10 cts
VITESSE 33
REN-PC33MMD2R.RG.CH.SILK
Size: 33 mm
Movement: Mechanical
Case: 18kt Rose gold, 136 diamonds, 1.16cts, case back open, decorated movement
Dial: Silk dial featuring the hand-painted cheetahs
Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.06cts
Display: Hours & Minutes
Total Carats: 137 diamonds, 1.22cts
VITESSE 33
REN-PC33MMD2R.RG.CH.JADE
Size: 33 mm
Movement: Mechanical
Case: 18kt Rose gold, 136 diamonds, 1.16cts, case back open, decorated movement
Dial: Green jade gemstone dial featuring the hand-painted cheetahs
Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.06cts
Display: Hours & Minutes
Total Carats: 137 diamonds, 1.22cts
Vitesse 40
REN-PC40MMD2R.RG.CH.MOPBL
Size: 40 mm
Movement: Mechanical
Case: 18kt Rose gold, 136 diamonds, 2.39cts, case back open, decorated movement
Dial: Blue mother-of-pearl dial featuring the hand-engraved cheetahs with 3D effect
Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.06cts
Display: Hours & Minutes
Total Carats: 137 diamonds, 2.45cts
Tesse 33
REN-PC33MMD2R.RG.CH.MOPBL
Size: 33 mm
Movement: Mechanical
Case: 18kt Rose gold, 136 diamonds, 1.16cts, case back open, decorated movement
Dial: Blue mother-of-pearl dial featuring the hand-painted cheetah
Bracelet: Alligator leather strap
Crown: The Jewel in the Crown, 0.06cts
Display: Hours & Minutes
Total Carats: 137 diamonds, 1.22cts
ABOUT THE HOEDSPRUIT ENDANGERED SPECIES CENTRE
The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre strives to support conservation within a sustainable ecosystem by focusing on the survival of endangered species through the maintenance of diverse bloodlines of cheetahs, rehabilitation of rhinos, education of both local and international communities about the necessity of conservation, and focussed research for long-term sustainability of endangered species.
Email: info@hesc.co.za | Tel: +27 (0)63 624 4498 | www.hesc.co.za
ABOUT THE CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND
In the last 100 years, the world has lost 90% of the wild cheetah population. Today, one-third of wild cheetahs live in southern Africa. CCF is working across Africa to save the species throughout its range. CCF’s mission is to be the internationally recognized center of excellence in the conservation of cheetahs and their ecosystems. CCF will work with all stakeholders to develop best practices in research, education, and land use to benefit all species, including people.
Email: info@cheetah.org | Tel: 1 (866) 909-3399 | www.cheetah.org
ABOUT BACKES & STRAUSS
Backes & Strauss is the world’s oldest diamond company founded in 1789. Today, as part of the Franck Muller group, it creates luxurious, bejewelled timepieces, which are inspired by the elegance of 19th Century London.