Backes & Strauss Piccadilly John Bull 40

Playfully patriotic, the Piccadilly John Bull marks the passing of two centuries since Backes & Strauss established its first London office in the heart of the Hatton Garden diamond district. Named after the famously busy West End junction designed by 19th century architect John Nash, the Piccadilly watches feature simple, round cases in a wide range of different diamond settings. Our new John Bull version, inspired by the famous symbol of unshakeable Englishness, is surely among the most distinctive yet produced. Its dial is set with 182 Ideal Cut diamonds, 186 rubies and 40 sapphires to create the instantly recognisable pattern of the Union Jack flag, behind which lies a self-winding, mechanical movement. The 18k white gold case, meanwhile, is set with 106 further diamonds around the bezel with a single, Ideal Cut diamond nestling in the crown. The watch is completed with the addition of a blue, alligator leather strap fitted with a white gold diamond set buckle.