The universe has never seemed closer than with Frederique Constant‘s captivating partnership with Christiaan van der Klaauw in the magnificent creation of the Frederique Constant X Christiaan van der Klaauw Tourbillon Planetarium Only Watch 2023. This exceptional timepiece, a symbol of two and a half decades of flourishing friendship and craftsmanship, marries high horology and the mysteries of our solar system in an exquisite blend of talent and ingenuity.
The magic begins with the unison of Frederique Constant’s tourbillon and Christiaan van der Klaauw’s miniature planetarium, making a stunning debut on an aventurine dial. A testament to the unwavering pursuit of excellence, the dial is cradled by a 42 mm platinum case that, just like its captivating contents, was born of human endeavor and supreme watchmaking expertise.
Christiaan van der Klaauw, a celebrated Dutch watchmaker, has made a name for himself with his iconic Astronomical Watches. Renowned as the mastermind behind the world’s smallest planetarium for wristwatches, van der Klaauw’s journey in horology started over four decades ago. His first planetarium model emerged in 1982 for a clock before it was miniaturized for a wristwatch in 1999.
The intriguing planetarium from Christiaan van der Klaauw is an exquisite homage to the universe. This intriguing mechanism comprises six moving discs, each representing a planet orbiting the sun in real-time. The methodical movement of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, underpinned by a 700-hand-milled teeth mechanism, captures the celestial harmony of our solar system in the palm of your hand.
This collaboration between Frederique Constant and Christiaan van der Klaauw reveals not just the timeless craftsmanship of Swiss watchmaking but also the groundbreaking strides achieved by these trailblazing companies. From Frederique Constant’s first Manufacture caliber in 2004 to Christiaan van der Klaauw’s iconic planetarium, each has brought their unique flair to the horological world.
Frederique Constant’s mantra, “traditional, luxury Swiss Made watchmaking at a fair price,” established the company as an influential powerhouse in the industry. With the likes of Niels Eggerding and Pim Koeslag, two giants of the industry, at the helm of the organization, Frederique Constant has seen a meteoric rise in its reputation and status.
The Tourbillon Planetarium ONLY Watch 2023 is a brilliant testament to this friendship. The timepiece, one of a kind, was born out of the successful collaboration between the two houses to aid the noble cause of ONLY Watch, a charity devoted to muscular dystrophy research.
Every aspect of the Tourbillon Planetarium Only Watch 2023 is a first in the annals of timekeeping. It’s the first Frederique Constant watch with a planetarium, and the first Christiaan van der Klaauw piece to feature a tourbillon. This timepiece is also the first Manufacture Frederique Constant watch with an aventurine dial and a 42-millimeter platinum case. Indeed, this watch, with five firsts, signifies a groundbreaking chapter in Frederique Constant’s history.
The majestic Manufacture Tourbillon, positioned at six o’clock, has been meticulously crafted by Frederique Constant’s experts in Geneva. Each component, hand-finished using traditional tools, stands as a testament to the artistry and dedication involved in the creation of this watch.
This magnificent piece encapsulates the timeless charm of the cosmos and the enduring elegance of horological artistry. Its celestial theme is complemented by artistic engravings of the sun, shooting stars, and planets on the caseback, creating an intricate cosmic tableau. This captivating timepiece, with its blend of astronomical and horological sophistication, is more than just a collector’s item. It is a testament to human imagination, skill, and the undying allure of the stars above.
© Photos: Frederique Constant
Click on this link to read this article in French version
