PLANETARIUM ZODIAC SIGN SAGITTARIUS

Presenting an opportunity to acquire a Pièce Unique of unparalleled prestige, the Planetarium Zodiac Sign Sagittarius Pièce Unique watch by Christiaan van der Klaauw is a symbiosis of technical acumen and mètiers d’art craftsmanship. Featuring the smallest heliocentric mechanical Planetarium in the world, displayed upon a dial which has been hand-engraved by master engraver Kees Engelbarts, this extraordinary edition provides a real time display of the orbit of our planets around the sun, enabled by an innovative in-house CVDK module. An endlessly fascinating wristwatch, which has the added appeal of reassuring exclusivity, only one piece representing each sign of the Zodiac will ever be made.

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. First presented in 1999, the Christiaan van der Klaauw masterpiece Planetarium wristwatch is equipped with the smallest mechanical planetarium in the world, and is outstanding in its execution and arrangement.

Exhibiting craftsmanship of the highest degree, the dial of each model in this 12 piece series features a miniature artwork of a different zodiac sign hand-engraved by Kees Engelbarts, who is widely acclaimed as a master in the genre. Incredibly intricate, and outstanding in its execution, the engraving complements the planetary display on the lower dial, and the date and month indication at the 12 o’clock, resulting in a wonderful blend of artisanship and technical horological expertise.

A beautifully detailed and immediately engaging feature, the Planetarium which is finished with rhodium plating, has a tiny golden orb at its centre to replicate the sun, while orbiting around it in a real time replication are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, with each portrayed in their relative size. 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 these planets around the sun, with Mercury orbiting 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.

At the 12 o’clock location, the date and month indication has a silver rhodium-plated centre, with a tiny example of the signature Christian van der Klaauw golden sun motif displaying 12 claws, with ‘Klaauw’ meaning ‘claw’ in Dutch, with the months rendered in black. Poised at the centre, and displaying slender refinement, the hands for the hours, minutes and conform with the artwork of the engraving.

The watch resides in a polished 18ct rose gold case, sized at 40mm and fitted with an onion-style crown. Classic 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 CVDK1196 automatic calibre through the sapphire crystal caseback. Flawless in its execution, it is equipped with the world’s smallest mechanical Planetarium. The arrangement of the calibre is enhanced by a resplendent hand-engraving rendered on the gold rotor by renowned craftsman, Jochen Benzinger and the movement achieves a power reserve of 96 hours.

A extraordinary timepiece characterised by technical sophistication and supreme craftsmanship, the Christiaan van der Klaauw Planetarium Zodiac Sign Sagittarius Pièce Unique watch comes presented on a black leather strap secured with an engraved 18ct rose gold buckle. Only one example of each sign of the zodiac will be made, giving each model in the series Pièce Unique status.