The Backes & Strauss Berkeley is pure Regency decadence, harking back to the golden age of London’s history. However, their latest interpretation pushes things back a few years – all the way back to swordplay and chivalry.
The Berkeley Black Knight Chrono sports a 43mm armoured case with a dramatic geometric shape. This stopwatch-equipped piece is a sleeker, sportier take on Backes & Strauss’ classic Regency style, contrasting the usual luxurious gold we’ve come to expect and the stealthy black we’ve certainly not had.
In this case, however, the black isn’t just a dark aesthetic twist. After all, what’s a knight without his armour? The use of PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) involves vapour bonding a thin layer of metal to the exterior of the watch. It’s this layer that gives it its stealthy, intimidating look, but there are some substantial practical benefits as well.
PVD ensures that the watch is virtually invulnerable to damage. It takes a lot of force to even scratch it, let alone properly damage the case. It won’t necessarily preserve what’s inside, so don’t be tempted to throw it away, but it does mean a more practical consideration of a quality watch that you don’t have to worry about. It should look the same in ten years as it did when it left the watchmaker’s bench.
As a final flourish, the crown of the Berkeley Black Knight Chronograph is set with an ideal-cut diamond. A specialty of Backes & Strauss, the ideal cut is exactly what it sounds like: designed to fully showcase the beauty and fire of a diamond.
It’s a bright chink in the impenetrable black armor of the latest version of the Backes & Strauss flagship, and serves to highlight the seriousness of this watch.
Pricing and Specifications:
Model Name: Backes & Strauss Berkeley Black Knight Chronograph 43
Ref: BY43CC. STEEL.BRA
Case/Dial: 43mm, stainless steel, black PVD
Movement: Chronograph, automatic
Functions: Chronograph, hours, minutes, seconds and date
Strap: Alligator leather strap, black PVD buckle
Price: £6,000
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