Grail-Watch
76
I wish I could find the manual!
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?
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 incr...
The second model of the 'Satellite du Monde'
Fantastic watch by such a great watch maker. His ideas were absolutely amazing. George
Second series then?
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.
Your version looks much better I think. ...
Thank you!
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
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 .
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!
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...
Its beautiful my friend , better contact them by mail and ask for a manual.
Also a service isn’t a problem , you can easily sent the watch straight to them and they will take good care of it
I don't know
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...
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
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.
Have you visited their website for a manual and service?
I tried to post a link but it doesn't seem to work. They have PDF manuals on the website.
Lovely watch!
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!
39-40 mm
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
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
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...
Congratulations.....
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
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.
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...