ORION STEEL

Featuring a miniature rotating starry sky, the Orion Steel watch by Christiaan van der Klaauw is a harmonious blend of astronomy and horology. Housed within an elegant setting, the watch offers the wearer an astonishing, precise view of the stars and constellations just as one would see them in the skies of the northern hemisphere, enabled by a sophisticated proprietary Planisphere complication. Presented in a stainless steel casing, this endlessly fascinating watch perfectly expresses the devotion to the creation of hand-made astronomical timepieces for which this prestigious independent watchmaking company are renowned.

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. An excellent find for enthusiasts of watchmaking and astrology, the Christiaan van der Klaauw Orion watch gives the wearer an intimate glimpse of our universe through its visually alluring Planisphere complication.

Set within an exquisite textured silvery dial, the Planisphere is showcased on the lower portion of the dial. Engineered to rotate over every 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4,0916 seconds, a sidereal day, it provides a magnificent view of the stars and constellations in the skies of the northern hemisphere from most positions. Incredibly detailed and remarkably accurate, this miniature celestial map is accompanied by a zodiac indication set within an aperture just beneath it, and is framed by a beautifully executed ring.

Allowing the Planisphere to dominate, the applied blued indices are positioned only ‘above the horizon’, a signature feature of Christiaan van der Klaauw astronomical watches, while poised at the centre, the Breguet-style hands for the hours and minutes are complemented by a slender seconds hand with a small teardrop overhang. Finishing the visually pleasureful arrangement, the distinctive golden sun motif displaying 12 claws is at the 12 o’clock, with ‘Klaauw’ meaning ‘claw’ in Dutch,

The watch resides in a polished stainless steel case, sized at 40mm and fitted with an onion-style crown. Classically rounded in style, it has prominent squared-off lugs which extend and curve beautifully to ensure a comfortable wear.

On turning the piece over, once can view the meticulous Haute Horlogerie refinement of the CVDK1072 automatic calibre through the sapphire crystal caseback. Flawless in its execution, the movement is equipped with a power reserve of 42 hours, and the arrangement of the calibre is enhanced by a resplendent rotor based on the form of the company’s ‘Sun with 12 Claws’ logo.

A timepiece of supreme composition and finesse, the Orion Steel watch by Christiaan van der Klaauw is presented on a blue alligator leather strap, secured with an engraved folding clasp in steel.