Collector’s Collection – The Christiaan Van der Klaauw Planetarium 2000

Watch collectors are kinda loopy, in fact, however it’s a pleasant type of loopy’ says Mr. Alias, a forty five years previous entrepreneur from the Netherlands. His assortment is eclectic and at any time when he not wears a watch it’s mercilessly discarded. His love for the method, craftsmanship, and the painstaking devotion high-end watchmakers show, nonetheless, retains him eternally intrigued by the world of watchmaking. One in all his most attention-grabbing complication watches is the Christiaan Van der Klaauw Planetarium 2000 he purchased in 2012. “This infatuation won’t ever move,” he mentioned to me…

Be aware: Mr. Alias is just not at the moment in possession of his Planetarium, as a result of I’m carrying it. In a brotherly whim of belief, we have now exchanged our Christiaan Van der Klaauw watches so we will put on one another’s look ahead to a few weeks.

Frank Geelen, MONOCHROME – Didn’t you’re feeling a bit reluctant if you gave me the watch?

Watch Nut Mr. Alias – You’ll be able to solely make such a take care of a fellow collector and buddy. Then you definately may be sure that he’ll deal with your watch with the identical reverence and care as you’d your self. And as I coincidentally have had a watch on the Christiaan Van der Klaauw Eclipse myself for years it has been an ideal pleasure with the ability to put on your Eclipse for some time. However I have to say that I’d prefer to have the Planetarium again fairly quickly as a result of I’m beginning to miss it!

Do you’re feeling that connected to all of your watches?

Not all of them, no. Typically the love fades, generally it will get stronger. However I have to say that I can promote a watch fairly simply if it not serves its function. That’s, after I get tired of it. If a watch turns right into a “safe-queen” it has to go. There are a number of exceptions, in fact. My classic Pie-Pan Constellation, a heritage piece, won’t ever go away the gathering. Though I don’t put on it fairly often. And I don’t assume I’ll ever half with my Rolex Milgauss GV both. I’ve had that one for over 10 years, an eternity so far as I’m involved. However , you grow old, your tastes change… So by no means say by no means.

When did you purchase this stunning Planetarium 2000?

I purchased it in 2012 at Amsterdam Watch Firm, one of many first approved sellers of Christiaan van der Klaauw. A strongly appreciated little store within the historic middle stuffed with classic watches and attention-grabbing small watch manufacturers. There have been solely a few months between the second I first noticed the watch, I believe it was in one of many devoted watch magazines I learn on the time, and the precise buy. Throughout Google searches, I bumped into the PuristsPro neighborhood. There I learn in-depth about Christiaan van der Klaauw (articles written by homeowners/collectors) and his Planetarium and I simply needed to have it.

Why that?

Effectively, some patriotism I assume, since it’s made in Friesland, the Netherlands. But additionally the truth that that is the smallest mechanical planetarium on the planet and that it was one of many final ‘pièces de résistance’ of the founding father of the model, mister Christiaan van der Klaauw himself. It’s a very attention-grabbing watch; traditionally, mechanically and design-wise. The sunburst guilloche dial is smashing (Benzinger). And let’s be trustworthy, Van der Klaauw is the one Dutch watchmaker to be a member of the AHCI, the Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants. I even assume it’s a must to be invited to change into a member and all of them are or have been essential figures within the watch neighborhood. So, that’s fairly one thing. Furthermore, they gained the Calendar and Astronomy Watch Prize on the GPHG final yr for his or her Planetarium Eise Eisinga. So the planetarium complication invented by Christiaan continues to be distinctive and related 22 years after presentation. I just like the philosophical element as nicely. Haven’t all of us at one level or one other stared on the evening sky questioning ‘What’s on the market?’ 

It actually appeals to my creativeness to have the planets of our photo voltaic system mechanically (!) displayed in real-time on the wrist. How cool is that? Though, I have to admit that in some unspecified time in the future in time I forgot to exchange the batteries of the CvdK’s (KubiK) watch winder and as outcome, the alignment of the planets fell again a yr or so. It needs to be despatched in for calibration or set on my own to get the planets again in a real-time place. That’s fairly a problem as a result of it can in all probability take me over 10,000 turns of the crown to get them again to stay solar orbiting place. So I’m going to depart the planets for what they’re till the following service interval.  

Do you ship in your watches usually for service?

Solely once they don’t run accurately anymore. Why ship a watch in for service when it runs nice? Fashionable oils have a really lengthy lifespan. I do service the classic and neo-vintage watches when acquired. 

Is it solely indies that make your coronary heart beat sooner?

No. Earlier than I purchased the Planetarium my assortment consisted of a 1962 Pie Pan Connie, a PAM 359 and a Milgauss. So I ‘wanted’ one thing dressy to finish (lol) my assortment. Discovering the CvdK Planetarium made me really feel that this completely totally different and non-mainstream complication in a gown watch can be the last word addition. By the best way, I used to be satisfied that the Planetarium can be my final acquisition ever…

However it wasn’t…

No, it even elevated my starvation! Earlier than the Planetarium, I felt a slight discomfort spending a lot cash on a watch, however I truly bought considerably unleashed. Because of discovering the PuristsPro discussion board – now WatchProSite –, I bought in contact with different WIS (Watch Fool Savants) and a brand new world opened. This worldwide neighborhood contains folks which can be far more down the rabbit gap than I’m, so now I felt it was socially acceptable so as to add some extra items. A 16570 Polar, an ALS 1815 anniversary, a Nautilus and a Royal Oak – however the AP has left the nest 3 years in the past. I could have offered it too early, however I used to be via with it so it needed to go. And though I as soon as mentioned I’d by no means purchase a Rolex, I added some extra. And of which I solely saved a number of, too. A Tudor BB58 bought added, which I really like, and the Omega Trinity Field, however that’ has been flipped as nicely as a result of I developed an irritation in the direction of faux-patina. Sadly I don’t have an infinite watch finances and generally I simply should free some cash for brand spanking new acquisitions.  

Since when had been you interested by watches?

Ever since I used to be a toddler. I used to be solely 4 or 5 years previous, and already opening my father’s bedside desk drawer to take a look at his watch. We lived throughout from a jeweler, and at a really younger age, I already went there usually to observe what he put in his store home windows. And to be trustworthy, I believe this pastime will curiosity me for the remainder of my life!

Do you put on the Planetarium quite a bit?

No, not that always, totally on a dressy event. Though I have to say that I went ice skating with it final yr. 

Oops!

Yeah, I figured it being Frisian, and Frisians are ice skaters, haha! No actually, that was not the wisest factor to do. I’m glad nothing unhealthy occurred to it. However I do prefer to put on all my watches. It doesn’t actually matter what the day has in retailer. Once more; I don’t like having many ‘secure queens’. 

Do you ever get any reactions to this watch? 

Effectively, I like to not bore my family and friends an excessive amount of by speaking watches on a regular basis. However collectors will spot this mannequin straight away. WIS at all times take a look at one another’s wrists first, after which the speaking begins. Particularly relating to the indies. Individuals ‘within the know’ will begin a dialog as a result of they’ve the identical ardour. These manufacturers make watches for folks that don’t must boast with an enormous model title, it’s extra of a non-public pleasure. what you’re carrying and that’s sufficient. And , it’s safer too. Nowadays everybody with a Rolex or AP on their wrist is honest sport. Some years in the past I wore my Nautilus each day, went swimming with it, sat in dodgy pubs till daylight, however I wouldn’t dream of doing that lately. It’s a pity that we will’t put on our watch of selection that freely anymore.

Are you aware the present market worth of your Planetarium 2000?

No, however undoubtedly it can exceed the listing worth by quite a bit. And that’s what I paid for it (listing). Anyway, I’m afraid there aren’t many on sale so it’s laborious setting a worth. And I’m not more likely to half with it, as a result of as soon as gone it gained’t be simply resourced in case a horrible sellers regret would present itself. Nonetheless, in case you make me a suggestion I can’t refuse….

Are you able to describe your assortment up to now?

It’s eclectic, to say the least. I just like the out-of-the-box considering of the independents, it’s one thing you gained’t discover that simply with the mainstream manufacturers. It isn’t solely the design, or solely the mechanics that make me enthusiastic. It’s one thing undefinable. I have to like each the design and the motion. This Montblanc monopusher I’ve, with its stunning Minerva motion, has a splendid design. But, I don’t put on it. It’s in my secure, so it has to go. However then I’ve a Seiko Pressage, as an example, a gown watch with an enameled dial. I actually prefer it. 4 years after it got here into my assortment I nonetheless put on it usually. The enameled dial is gorgeous! And all made in-house for less than 1000 euros. If you would like that in a German or Swiss model you’ll have to pay at the very least 10K. I simply love the distinctive enameling craftsmanship that went into it. The extra about watches, the extra alert you’re to actually distinctive choices. 

Are there some other watches in your wishlist?

Sure! The Speedmaster Snoopy III, for instance. And a few inconceivable ones just like the VC Everest Twin Time and a yellow or pink dial Rolex OP 36 mm for the missus. One of many uncommon occasions my spouse fancies a watch it must be an inconceivable one…

And if that every one doesn’t work out, I’ve one other listing:

• ALS 1815 Chronograph (WG black dial) 
• A Grönefeld 
• One thing by Rexhep Rexhepi  
• Hajime Asaoka Tsunami
• Urwerk Spacetime in yellow gold

Fairly an inventory…

Sure, however an individual wants targets proper? Hajime Asaoka, as an example. I found the Tsunami years in the past, which appeared tremendous cool. He’s a self-taught watchmaker who produces nearly the whole lot in-house, Tokyo-based. Easy and clear, however with particular traits just like the design of the arms and the dial and subdial finishings. And that enormously cool 16 mm titanium stability wheel in fact! I assumed it was each esthetically and mechanically a really attention-grabbing piece.
His web site again then was solely in Japanese, too. So I attempted, however I couldn’t get a response to the emails I despatched. And to only pay 25.000 {dollars} with out having had any actual contact… So I forgot about it. However now, his watches are value twice as a lot. Discovering items of (mechanical) artwork earlier than the artists change into actually observed is barely doable within the indie scene. 

What’s your recommendation to individuals who need to begin amassing watches?

Take heed to your intestine feeling, attempt to filter out all of the noise. Attempt to dive into the product, by researching the way it (actually) was made and by whom. A Restricted Version is nearly at all times advertising and marketing BS. Take a look at Hublot, they solely appear to make Restricted Editions. Don’t go to the industrial boards. Take your time. Purchase along with your coronary heart! And don’t take heed to your spouse. 

What communities are you a member of?

Effectively, I was lively on the PuristsPro discussion board, however in the previous few years, I largely had direct contact with different collectors via Whatsapp teams and real-life conferences. These moments are actually essential to me as a result of they allow me to alternate concepts with different WIS. It’s good to be in a bubble collectively each infrequently ;-). A few of these contacts have developed into actual friendships over time which is greater than I ever hoped earlier than coming into this pastime. Or is it an habit?

As soon as we made an indie tour via Switzerland with 16 PuristsPro discussion board members from all around the world. Due to the direct contact the discussion board members had with the watchmakers we had been in a position to go to Voutilainen, Dufour, Gauthier, Halter and De Bethune in 3 days. That was a splendid horological expertise. We had been obtained with open arms by the masters themselves so it was like being in a sweet store. We noticed the previous turning machines stay at work over at Voutilainen’s home. We witnessed the blueing of a DeBethune moon and we inhaled the smoke coming from Mr Dufour’s well-known pipe whereas standing in his workshop. That was a really particular journey! These experiences whereas ending up with actual pals is the icing on the cake of an exquisite pastime!