Backes & Strauss Regent 1609 AD Watch

Backes & Strauss, a watch company of the Franck Muller Watchland Group, has shown a new timepiece which will be officially launched in October 2008.  The Backes & Strauss 1609 AD watch is offered in two sizes, in an edition of 219 pieces each.  To feature cases in various colors of 18K gold and set with varying combination of diamonds, the Backes & Strauss 1609 AD watch showcases an original and luxurious moon phase indicator, which presents a representation of a 17-star constellation, depicted in round brilliant diamonds.  The name of the timepiece pays tribute to English astronomer Thomas Harriett, whose drawings of the moon preceded those of Galileo Galilei.

Established in 1789, Backes & Strauss is famed for being the world's oldest diamond company.  Jewelry by the company was featured at the Great Exhibition of 1851, and in 1878, the Backes & Strauss hallmark was registered in London's Goldsmiths Hall.  The year 2006 saw the first Backes & Strauss timepieces debuted.  Each collection offered by the brand draws some inspiration from Regency architecture, and every model is characterized by a diamond set into the winding crown.  The manufacture and assembly of each watch is undertaken in the workshops of Franck Muller's Watchland, ensuring an extremely high standard of watchmaking expertise and exclusive mechanical design.