Instantly compelling, the dial surface of the Grand Planetarium Eccentric Platinum watch is of Aventurine glass in a deep blue tone. Shimmering with an abundance of sparkles, it sets an elegant scene for the unique planetary display, and it perfectly expresses the depth and wonder of a starry night sky.

Placed atop the central hours and minutes hands, a golden sun provides a reference for both the seconds, and the eccentric motion of all 8 planets; Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, with the path of each replicated as close as possible to their real time passage. A triumph for the Christiaan van der Klaauw Manufacture, the display is enabled by an incredibly complex system of gears comprising of 3338 tiny teeth, and is the most complex mechanism ever created by the atelier.

An astonishing work of genius, and one which is incredibly accurate, the display comprises of tiny rotating discs synchronised to allow for an intimate view of the motions of the planets around the sun. As close as is possible in real time, the planets complete their orbit with Mercury at 87.97 days; Venus at 224.70 days; Earth at 365.24 days; Mars at 686.98 days; Jupiter at 11.86 years and Saturn at 29.46 years, Uranus at 84.02 years and Neptune at 164.80 years, thus for the first time ever, the wearer can follow the cycle of all 8 planets using a mechanical Planetarium wristwatch. The central sun motif which is elevated above the hours and minutes hands, provides a reference point for the spectacle, and a peripheral display of the month and zodiac sign, which are referenced using the Earth orb at the outer, completes this exceptional dial.  

The watch debuts a new case featuring ‘klaauw-shaped’ lugs, that is manufactured from Platinum and sized at 44mm, with a height of 14.3mm. Fitted with an onion-style crown, it has a domed sapphire crystal that adds to the visual allurement of the dial display.

On turning the piece over, once can view the meticulous Haute Horlogerie refinement of the Manufacture automatic calibre through the sapphire crystal caseback. Conceived in collaboration with Andreas Strehler, it is ebullient in its execution, and features wonderful star-shaped bridges, tiny frosted star detailing and a resplendent skeletonised rose gold-plated rotor. Considering the complexities of the indications, the power reserve of 60 hours is impressive, and the calibre beats at a rate of 21’600 vib/h.

A extraordinary timepiece characterised by sophistication and prestige, the  Christiaan van der Klaauw Grand Planetarium Eccentric Platinum watch comes presented on a black leather strap secured with a steel pin buckle.

Inspired by a love of astronomy and horology, in 1974 Christiaan van der Klaauw, established his eponymous atelier, entirely devoted to the creation and manufacture of hand-made astronomical timepieces. An honorary member of the AHCI, his astronomical complications have received acclaim throughout the world. On his retirement in 2009, the company was placed into the safe hands of Daniël and Maria Reintjes, who have continued to develop this prestigious atelier with the focus solely on astronomical watches. Notably the company has been on the official ‘Haute Horlogerie’ White Paper list since 2016, distinguishing CVDK as an independent watch brand that can lay claim to the significant term of ‘Haute Horlogerie’, the ultimate mark of respect within the industry.