PLANETARIUM AVENTURINE STEEL

Featuring the smallest heliocentric mechanical Planetarium in the world, the Planetarium Aventurine watch by Christiaan van der Klaauw is an astounding Haute Horlogerie timepiece. Equipped with a fascinating real time display of the orbit of our planets around the sun, enabled by an innovative in-house CVDK module, this exquisite edition is a perfect synthesis of beauty and technical mastery. Presented in a stainless steel casing and boasting an exquisite Aventurine glass dial in deep blue, this extraordinary wristwatch promises endless fascination.

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.

Visually compelling in the highest degree, the dial surface of this Planetarium edition is of Aventurine glass in a deep blue tone. Shimmering with an abundance of sparkles, it sets an elegant scene for the planetary display and the date and time indications, and it perfectly expresses the depth and wonder of a starry night sky.

Located at the 6 o’clock, the Planetarium is beautifully detailed and immediately engaging. Positioned at the centre, the sun is replicated by a petite golden orb, 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.

Marking the 12 o’clock position, a golden sun motif displaying 12 claws is a signature CVDK feature, with ‘Klaauw’ meaning ‘claw’ in Dutch, while just beneath, the annual calendar indicates the days and months upon concentric discs. The applied indices are positioned only on the upper half of the dial to ensure that nothing detracts from the magnificence of the miniature orrery and the indices, the Breguet-style hour and minutes hand together with the Planetarium have each been rhodium plated giving them pristine definition against the blue Aventurine surface.

The watch resides in a polished stainless steel 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 CVDK7386 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 the resplendent hand-engraving on the rotor featuring the company’s ‘Sun with 12 Claws’ surrounded by planets and stars. Enabled via twin barrels, the movement has a generous 96 hour reserve of power.

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