Introduction

Renowned Dutch watchmaker Christiaan van der Klaauw has once again pushed the boundaries of horological craftsmanship with the introduction of the Grand Planetarium Eccentric. Celebrating his illustrious 50-year career, this innovative timepiece is the only mechanical planetarium watch that accurately displays the orbits of all eight planets in our solar system, marking a monumental achievement in the world of watchmaking.

Since founding his brand in 1974, van der Klaauw has carved a niche in astronomical watches—pieces that not only tell time but also reflect the artistry of the cosmos. His dedication to creating intricate and beautiful timepieces has earned him international acclaim and made his works a hallmark for collectors and enthusiasts alike. The Grand Planetarium Eccentric is the pinnacle of his work, merging sophisticated engineering with stunning aesthetics.

The inspiration behind this remarkable creation stems from a rich legacy of Dutch astronomy. Van der Klaauw honors the great astronomers of the 17th century, such as Christiaan Huygens, who made significant contributions to the understanding of our solar system, and Eise Eisinga, who built the oldest functioning planetarium in the world in his own home.

What Exactly is a Mechanical Planetarium?

A planetarium is typically a large device used to simulate the motions of celestial objects. Van der Klaauw has ingeniously miniaturized this concept into a wristwatch, making it possible to enjoy a representation of the solar system on your wrist. His earlier creations depicted six planets, but the Grand Planetarium Eccentric goes beyond that, incorporating Uranus and Neptune, thus completing the celestial showcase.

This watch is a feat of engineering that sees three generations of the CVDK team come together—those who laid the groundwork, and those who brought this vision into reality. The design and functionalities reflect over 15 years of meticulous development, showcasing not only the technical prowess but also an artistic touch that defines CVDK timepieces.

A True Marvel of Engineering

The Grand Planetarium Eccentric demonstrates the precision and artistry one expects from a high-end timepiece. It features real-time motion representations of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, all revolving around a central sun. This representation of planetary motion is highly complex, involving sophisticated calculations and gears meticulously engineered by van der Klaauw himself.

The intricate mechanics incorporate a whopping 3,338 teeth, marking it as the most complicated watch ever produced by CVDK. This remarkable mechanism is not only technical wizardry but also provides calendar functions and zodiac indicators, further enriching the wearer’s experience.

Crafted with a custom movement developed in collaboration with UhrTeil AG since 2017, the Eccentric is equipped with innovative watchmaking features, such as a variable-inertia balance wheel and a power reserve of 60 hours. Every aspect of its design—right down to the star-shaped bridges—represents the union of aesthetics and functionality.

Size Matters: The Perfect Fit for Cosmic Exploration

Housing this astronomical marvel is a stunning 44mm case available in either 950 platinum or 18k rose gold. Despite its size, the watch maintains a sleek profile at 14.3mm thickness, which is impressive given its complex inner workings. The stunning blue leather strap complements the watch's celestial theme, while the Aventurine glass dial creates the illusion of a night sky, enhancing the overall celestial experience.

At its heart, the Grand Planetarium Eccentric isn’t just a watch—it’s a celebration of Christiaan van der Klaauw's half-century legacy and a dream brought to life for watch aficionados and space enthusiasts alike.

As we delve into the cosmos with this exquisite timepiece on our wrist, we can only wonder: who wouldn't want a piece of the universe to accompany them through life’s journey?