REAL MOON JOURE ZODIAC SIGN SCORPIO

Presenting an opportunity to acquire a Pièce Unique of unparalleled prestige, the Real Moon Joure Zodiac Sign Scorpio Pièce Unique watch by Christiaan van der Klaauw is a symbiosis of technical acumen and mètiers d’art craftsmanship. Featuring the most accurate 3D moon phase ever displayed within the confines of a wristwatch, for this edition, the complication is showcased to spectacular effect within a hand-engraved artwork by master engraver Kees Engelbarts. Aesthetically stunning, and endlessly fascinating, only one example representing each sign of the zodiac will ever be made giving the assurance of exclusivity to the wearer.

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. Named for the village where the van der Klaauw atelier is located, the Real Moon Joure expresses the affinity for astronomy which is at the heart of this independent watchmaking company, and their panache for sophisticated mechanical innovations.

Exhibiting an extraordinary level of artisanship, the dial of the watch has been hand-crafted by Kees Engelbarts, the acclaimed master engraver, and rendered using a specialised technique known as ‘Mokume-gane’. Dating back to 17th century Japan, this is a decoration featured on samurai swords, and is crafted using a mixed-metal laminate with unique layered patterns giving it the appearance of natural wood grain. Incredibly intricate and detailed, each model in this 12 piece series will be painstakingly created using this traditional method, giving the dial of each model unparalleled uniqueness.

Accompanying the artwork, and positioned at the 6 o’clock, the three-dimensional moon phase is set deep within an aperture. Featuring a textured hand-crafted surface, it has a wonderful illusory aspect enhanced by its darkened concave background. The most accurate three-dimensional moon phase ever in a wristwatch, it is astoundingly precise, deviating by only one day in 11,000 years.

Marking the 12 o’clock position, a golden sun motif displaying 12 claws is a signature CVDK feature, with ‘Klaauw’ meaning ‘claw’ in Dutch. The golden hour and minutes hands are of a graceful Breguet-style and, allowing the artwork and the moon phase to dominate the dial is bereft of numerals.

The watch resides in a resplendent polished 18ct rose gold case, sized at 40mm and fitted with an onion-style crown. The prominent squared-off lugs extend and curve beautifully to ensure a comfortable wear.

On turning the piece over, one can view the meticulous Haute Horlogerie refinement of the CVDK7382 automatic calibre through the sapphire crystal caseback. Flawless in its execution, it incorporates the acclaimed in-house CVDK Real Moon Joure moonphase complication module. Featuring superlative attention to detail, the movement is enhanced by resplendent hand-engraving on the rotor of the company’s ‘Sun with 12 Claws’ surrounded by planets and stars, Enabled via twin barrels, the calibre boasts a generous 96 hour reserve of power.

A watch which has the advantage of a significant level of complexity and métiers d’art craftsmanship, and one which enjoys Pièce Unique prestige, the Real Moon Joure Zodiac Sign watch by Christiaan van der Klaauw comes presented on a black alligator strap secured with an engraved 18ct rose gold folding clasp.