Independents

Just in: Christian van der Klaauw Satellite du Monde

I just opened a FedEx box from Bonhams auction house containing this lovely watch. Its my first AHCI piece. I am a sucker for a world timer! It was the first Klaauw complication back in 1996 though this one is from a later reissue series.

The case is incredibly heavy even compared to my other 18k watches. But it is quite comfortable to wear thanks to the scroll lugs and the strap is in perfect condition. The case reminds me quite a lot of a Speake-Marin: I wonder if Klaauw sourced it from the same supplier!

This unusual complication shows the position of the moon as well as day and night. As you would expect, the sun rotates once every 24 hours, but the moon “chases” the sun around the dial, moving relative to its position in the sky! It appears that it was even calibrated to my time zone (US East Coast).

I’m going to have to send it off for service soon, since I don’t know the last time it was looked at. Also, you can see that one of the screws is missing from the back which makes me wonder about that last service! And I think that there is supposed to be some kind of quickset for the moon position since second crown position doesn’t appear to do anything. I am planning to send it to RGM since I trust their work.

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Congratulations, a beautiful work of art as your first indie, and of course one of the most fascinating complications! Enjoy thoroughly once it's back from the spa!🥂

By: FabR : January 13th, 2021-11:22

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Thank you! Love Klaauw’s work!

By: Grail-Watch : January 13th, 2021-11:41

The second model of the 'Satellite du Monde'

By: Geo : January 13th, 2021-11:37

Fantastic watch by such a great watch maker. His ideas were absolutely amazing. George

Second series then?

By: Grail-Watch : January 13th, 2021-11:42

I know early ones had hinged lugs and many photos show a plate over the sun/moon track. I wasn’t aware of the order of creation.

The first model was slightly larger and had a date, different caliber and another dial.

By: Geo : January 13th, 2021-12:12

Your version looks much better I think. ...

Thank you!

By: Grail-Watch : January 13th, 2021-13:15

I found that same image in Europa Star's archives but yours is a better image. There are also later models that look quite different. Here's a look at a later model. This scroll lug case appears around 2000 from the looks of it. I wish there was paperwork...

Yes, but these later models are made by the new owners

By: Geo : January 13th, 2021-23:18

of the Christiaan van der Klaauw brand. Yours and the other one we discussed are pure Christiaan's own creations. I am not saying anything negative about the new ones, I think the brand does extremely well, when it comes to new models. George

Huge Congrats, great catch .

By: Watchonthewrists : January 13th, 2021-12:26

CvdK is where my independent journey started 18 years ago . I have met him many times (also the previous owners) and i am a fan of the brand . If there is anything you want to know or need help just let me know 🤗. My CvdKs says hi ...

I wish I could find the manual!

By: Grail-Watch : January 13th, 2021-13:17

I have no idea how to set the moon correctly. I do see that if I advance the time (a lot!) the moon changes position relative to the sun. Is there supposed to be a quickset in position 1? If you're in the USA, is there a watchmaker who knows these watches...

I especially appreciate the globe!

By: Grail-Watch : January 14th, 2021-09:12

Its beautiful my friend , better contact them by mail and ask for a manual.

By: Watchonthewrists : January 14th, 2021-12:19

Also a service isn’t a problem , you can easily sent the watch straight to them and they will take good care of it

Congratulations! Where is the official..

By: Ronald Held : January 13th, 2021-12:29

Service site in the US?

I don't know

By: Grail-Watch : January 13th, 2021-13:17

If there is an official service center. I would love to know! I have used Universal in Michigan before but as I said I felt that RGM might be a better choice for an AHCI model...

I got curious about this point, as I understand having a service center handy might be an obvious concern. As far as I can see, the official CvdK site doesn't mention any service centers...

By: FabR : January 13th, 2021-16:56

However, you might be very lucky since their only authorized dealer in all of North America seems quite close to you, in Perrysburg: If you give them a call or even drop by, I would guess (without knowing them) that they'll be happy to assist you, as the...

Funny thing about that dealer

By: Grail-Watch : January 14th, 2021-09:13

That's not a watch dealer, it's a men's clothing company and not very impressive. They don't list Klaauw on their site even. I am not too hopeful about them but perhaps will drive out there at some point once the pandemic is under control.

Ouch, that IS funny! Not sure how to interpret this choice by CvdK (I bet many jewelers would have been happy to sell their watches)...though this way you might become the first person I've heard of to get a free suit with his next watch purchase! ;-))

By: FabR : January 14th, 2021-09:58

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RGM is relatively close to me, so..

By: Ronald Held : January 14th, 2021-11:07

I would try them.

World Timer

By: artp1085 : January 13th, 2021-12:50

Most beautiful world timer I have ever seen. Good luck

Appreciated!

By: Grail-Watch : January 13th, 2021-13:18

Have you visited their website for a manual and service?

By: mpg13 : January 13th, 2021-14:52

I tried to post a link but it doesn't seem to work. They have PDF manuals on the website.

Yes they have manuals

By: Grail-Watch : January 13th, 2021-16:14

But not for this watch. I’m going to email them and ask.

Lovely watch!

By: sham1 : January 13th, 2021-15:18

I follow many auctions but did not add Bonhams to my list or else we would have been bidding against each other! I shall add this watch to my hit list for the future. Well done on your superb acquisition!

I’m glad you didn’t bid against me

By: Grail-Watch : January 13th, 2021-16:13

I picked it up at the minimum bid!

Well done once again!

By: sham1 : January 13th, 2021-20:31

What is the diameter of the watch?

39-40 mm

By: Grail-Watch : January 14th, 2021-09:15

This is around 40 mm according to my ruler. It's quite thick at about 10 mm, and the rounded edges make it sit quite high. Not quite as bulky as my Montblanc Rieussec but still it's a pretty big and heavy watch.

10mm is perfectly balanced

By: sham1 : January 14th, 2021-17:47

for a 40mm watch. But the weight is less good even though I know many purists like their watches to have some heft. I like mine super light!

Auction fun

By: LiftAngle51 : January 13th, 2021-16:23

You got your CvdK. For manuals it is maybe a good idea to call CvdK himself. For my Longines set i call the designer of my watch. After a few days the missing booklet arrive at my doormat. Have a chat with the designer of my watch was short, but special t...

I will call CvdK soon!

By: Grail-Watch : January 14th, 2021-09:16

Absolutely stunning

By: Passionata_george : January 14th, 2021-01:08

Another watch I didn't know. Excellent combination of complications. I wish the service won't be too long and costly... Bravo, my friend, bravo.

By: amanico : January 14th, 2021-01:29

Thank you my friend!

By: Grail-Watch : January 14th, 2021-09:16

There is nothing like a funky independent to spice things up!

A very cool watch and love the little center dial.

By: Blansky : January 14th, 2021-05:56

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Gorgeous piece.

By: Cozmopak : January 14th, 2021-10:21

Congratulations.....

By: darmatgre-1 : January 14th, 2021-10:47

I really like the model you selected, more than the original one with the date. Amazing watch and cool complication. RGM is probably a good choice to service it, as they can generally handle anything. Look forward to seeing more scans of this one. Darren

More information

By: Grail-Watch : January 14th, 2021-11:00

Thanks to the kindness of another member, I have received more information! I will be documenting this particular watch on my blog, as I have also done for some other oddballs in my collection (the Büren Calibre 82 and Junghans Mega 1) for others to learn...

Alas, it needs service.

By: Grail-Watch : January 19th, 2021-17:51

I have been in contact with the company in the Netherlands and plan to send it to them instead of RGM as originally planned. It seems that the lunar calendar in module is more complex and troublesome than I expected, so I think it’s best to trust it to th...