The Regent 1609 AD is the first Backes & Strauss limited edition timepiece. The name of the luxury watch pays tribute to English astronomer Thomas Harriett who made the first drawings of the moon, before Galileo.

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.

Produced in collaboration with Geneva’s Franck Muller Watchland, which manufactures the movements and completes assembly, Backes & Strauss watches sparkle with diamonds set in 18k gold cases shaped to accentuate the multifaceted gems’ play of light.

Established in 1789, Backes & Strauss is famed for being the world’s oldest diamond company and every Backes & Strauss watch has at least one diamond, set by hand into the crown.

The Regent 1609 AD is currently on display in the Harrods Fine Jewellery in London until it is officially launched in October 2008. The model will be limited to 219 pieces (in two sizes) and available in different diamond combinations, from £17,000 ($34,000).