Born in 1944 in Leiden, Netherlands, Christiaan van der Klaauw trained as an instrument maker, drawing inspiration from the historic Leidse Sterrewacht, the world’s oldest functioning observatory. This fusion of craftsmanship and astronomy shaped his career. In 1974, he moved to Joure, a hub for clockmakers known as “little Switzerland,” where he pioneered astronomical complications in clocks. His 1980 creation—featuring a 3D moon phase and solar declination—marked a turning point.
As traditional clocks waned in popularity, van der Klaauw pivoted to wristwatches. In 1996, he unveiled his first timepiece, leveraging his toolmaking ingenuity to miniaturize celestial mechanics. His 1999 “Planetarium” watch, housing the world’s smallest mechanical planetarium, cemented his reputation.
A Celestial Succession
The same year, van der Klaauw encountered Daniël and Maria Reintjes, designers seeking to create their own watch. Their collaboration blossomed over a decade, blending his technical mastery with their creative vision. By 2009, with the brand firmly established, van der Klaauw entrusted the Reintjes to lead, ensuring continuity.
Under their stewardship, Christiaan van der Klaauw refined its identity: astronomical complications, minimalist dials, and avant-garde materials like aventurine glass and meteorite. The 2021 GPHG-winning “Planetarium Franeker”—a tribute to an 18th-century Dutch planetarium—showcased their artistry.
Fortifying the Future
In 2023, the brand relocated to Naarden’s historic “Het Arsenaal,” symbolizing its fortified niche in haute horology. Limited to 250 watches annually, its exclusivity attracted collaborations like Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Midnight Planetarium.”
June 2022 marked another transition: Pim Koeslag, former Frederique Constant Technical Director, joined as majority shareholder. Partnering with the Reintjes, Koeslag aims to propel the brand’s 50th-anniversary innovations.
A Constellation of Innovation
Christiaan van der Klaauw’s journey—from Leiden’s observatories to Geneva’s awards—reflects a relentless pursuit of celestial precision. As it enters its next chapter, the brand remains a beacon of independent watchmaking, charting its own course through the cosmos of horology.
