Watchatlas

Christiaan Van Der Klaauw

Naarden, Netherlands · Est. 1974

Founded by Christiaan van der Klaauw

Christiaan van der Klaauw is a Dutch watchmaker and astronomical complication specialist, founding his atelier in the Netherlands in 1974. His watches feature some of the most accurate and visually spectacular astronomical displays found in any wristwatch, including real-time planet positions and celestial mechanics.

Founded
1974
Headquarters
Naarden, Netherlands
Group
Independent
Price Segment
Mid
Status
Active

Key Collections

  • Planetarium (2014) — Christiaan van der Klaauw’s Planetarium is the brand’s signature astronomical watch family, centered on a mechanical display of planetary orbits and positioned as one of the atelier’s most technically distinctive creations. The collection sits within the broader astronomical masterpieces group and is repeatedly highlighted as a hallmark complication of the maison. Key references: CVDK Planetarium, CVDK Planetarium Eise Eisinga, CVDK Grand Planetarium Eccentric Manufacture.
  • Real Moon — Christiaan van der Klaauw Real Moon is the Dutch atelier's three-dimensional moon-phase family, using hand-made miniature moons and astronomical displays across Joure, 1980 and Tides variants. Key references: Real Moon Joure, Real Moon 1980, Real Moon Tides.

Timeline

  • 1974 — Christiaan van der Klaauw, a Dutch watchmaker, establishes his workshop in Leiden, the Netherlands.
  • 1985 — Creates his first astronomical clock, establishing his niche in celestial complications.
  • 2007 — The CVDK Planetarium wristwatch debuts, the most compact planetarium complication ever fitted in a wristwatch.
  • 2015 — Launches the Real Moon module with 3D lunar surface representation, patented and exclusive to CVDK.

Frequently Asked Questions about Christiaan Van Der Klaauw

What makes Christiaan van der Klaauw special?
CVDK is one of very few watchmakers specialising in astronomical complications. Their Planetarium is the world's smallest wrist-worn planetarium, showing real planetary orbits.
Is CVDK a Dutch brand?
Yes. Based in Leiden, Netherlands, it is one of the few high-end independent watchmakers outside Switzerland, bringing a distinctly Dutch approach to horology.
What astronomical complications does CVDK offer?
CVDK specialises in astronomical complications including planetariums (showing the orbits of planets in the solar system), moon phase displays with realistic 3D moons, real-time celestial charts, and sunrise/sunset indicators. The Real Moon collection even features a miniature moon crafted from actual meteorite material.

Visit Website ↗Instagram ↗

Other independent Netherlands watch brands

enfrdeiteshizhjaar