Christiaan van der Klaauw Unveils Openworked Planetarium Skeleton
Christiaan van der Klaauw’s new Planetarium Skeleton Platinum is a limited‑edition, open‑worked timepiece that combines haute horology with astronomical engineering. Housed in a 40 mm platinum case with sapphire crystal on both sides, the watch features a transparent dial that reveals the intricate planetary module, displaying real‑time orbits of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn around a central Sun. The movement, CKM‑01, operates at 21 600 vibrations per hour, offers a 60‑hour power reserve, and is adorned with rhodium‑plated star‑shaped bridges, perlage, and a skeletonised rose‑gold rotor shaped like the brand’s logo. Only six individually numbered pieces are produced, each priced at EUR 86 000 excluding VAT. The design emphasizes both aesthetic and technical mastery: blued Roman numerals mark the upper dial, blue‑accented planetary rings illustrate decreasing sunlight intensity, and the custom bridges echo the CVDK logo while serving functional roles. Water resistance is rated to 50 m, and the watch is paired with an FKM sailcloth strap secured by a stainless‑steel folding clasp bearing a platinum logo. This model reinforces Christiaan van der Klaauw’s legacy in mechanical planetarium complications while pushing the boundaries of open‑work watchmaking.
Buying Time Analysis: This story highlights Christiaan van der Klaauw’s innovative blend of haute horology and astronomical engineering, showcasing a limited‑edition skeleton watch that pushes technical boundaries while celebrating the brand’s legacy in mechanical planetarium complications.