Pim Koeslag, Christiaan Van Der Klaauw’s “Reluctant” CEO
- Elliot Tan
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 29
The CEO of CDVK discusses watchmaking, leadership, and his most recent creation.
Pim Koeslag possesses what may be the most remarkable watch I have ever encountered in person. It literally condenses the universe into a form that fits on your wrist. The solar system is precisely depicted in tiny, featuring Mercury's 88-day orbit and Neptune's extended 164-year revolution, all against a hand-painted backdrop inspired by photos from the James Webb Telescope.
The Grand Planetarium Eccentric Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition is a timepiece celebrating Sincere's 70th anniversary and Christian van der Klaauw's 50th anniversary. Considering that Sincere was among Koeslag’s initial clients following his acquisition of Christiaan Van Der Klaauw (CVDK), it is appropriate to commemorate their lasting collaboration.
Koeslag expresses, "I become somewhat emotional upon viewing this exquisite piece," while seated beside me.
As a master watchmaker who has transitioned to CEO, he recognizes the conflict between his passion for horology and the responsibilities of corporate leadership. This tension is especially authentic for an individual whose sincere passion for the craft is so evident that it is perceptible even in a fleeting dialogue. In under 24 minutes, we explore this dynamic, the company's future, and what may potentially be the greatest achievement of Christian van der Klaauw.
Could you elucidate the features of the new Grand Planetarium Eccentric Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition watch? What was the artistic vision and motivation behind it?
This timepiece is inspired by our 50th-anniversary commemoration. Christian van der Klaauw founded the company in 1974, originally focusing on astronomical world clocks. By 1996, he had developed his first wristwatch, miniaturizing astronomical mechanisms to accommodate the wristwatch's dimensions. In 1999, he created the world's tiniest mechanical planetarium within a wristwatch.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary, we created the Grand Planetarium Eccentric, an advanced planetarium timepiece that showcases all eight planets of the solar system in orbit around the sun. For instance, Mercury completes an orbit every 88 days, Venus every 224 days, Earth annually, and Neptune, the slowest, requires 164 years for a single circle.
This model is extraordinary due to its eccentric planetary orbits, which, akin to reality, do not adhere to perfect circles, so mirroring authentic orbital mechanics. The dial was meticulously hand-painted by a miniature artist from Geneva, drawing inspiration from an early prototype of Christian’s, which was in turn influenced by visuals from the James Webb Telescope.
The painting process comprises nine distinct components that are integrated post-application. The planets are meticulously hand-painted, rendering this a technological miracle and an artistic beauty.
The lunar motifs on the timepiece are captivating. Could you provide additional information?
We incorporated moons for Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn. Although Saturn possesses 92 moons and Jupiter has 145, we could only incorporate a limited number due to spatial limitations.
As CEO and an expert watchmaker, to what extent were you personally engaged in the development of the Grand Planetarium Eccentric Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition?
Highly engaged. I was thoroughly involved in all facets of the creative process, from prototyping to final assembly. I desire to be able to accomplish that exclusively. Regrettably, after producing a watch, one must also market it and manage the enterprise.
Christian created preliminary designs manually, which we subsequently converted into 3D CAD models. I personally constructed the prototypes and cooperated with Sincere’s management to enhance the design, ensuring it respected Christian’s vision while integrating our workmanship.
What are the forthcoming developments for the brand? Are there any forthcoming projects?
This watch was a significant achievement, although we remain committed to ongoing innovation. We aim to establish ourselves as the global leader in astronomical timepieces. We aspire to conduct scientific study to create a watch that is as flawless and authentic as possible, effectively merging scientific inquiry with exceptional craftsmanship. Upcoming models will expand the limits of what is achievable in astronomical horology.
What is your perspective on the evolution of astronomical watchmaking, and in what manner does the Grand Planetarium Eccentric enhance that vision?
I believe this watch represents the next step. It is the most precise representation of the solar system on a wristwatch, featuring eccentric orbits and all celestial bodies. The deeper your exploration of astronomy, the more inquiries you will generate and the more concepts will arise for novel models. Documenting them will yield innovative concepts for the next five decades.
Was the transition from watchmaker to CEO challenging?
It occurred incrementally. My career commenced as a watchmaker in Geneva, progressed to the role of technical director, and culminated in the position of CEO. Transitioning to entrepreneurship represented a significant change, as it entailed assuming full accountability for the enterprise.
I appreciate this combo because one's mind can become overwhelmed with emails, inquiries, money matters, or media conversations. You simply desire to remain seated behind the bench and construct anything. Watchmaking is profoundly tranquil; it serves as a therapeutic endeavor.
What aspect of this release excites you the most?
This timepiece represents our collaboration with Sincere and our dedication to quality. Sincere was among my initial clients upon acquiring the company, and they immediately placed their trust in it.
It is the most intricate and sophisticated work we have ever created, merging artistry, craft, and emotion. It is exceptionally unique. This exquisite painting evokes a sense of emotion in me.
Would you categorize this work as the magnum opus of Christian Van De Klaauw?
Indeed, certainly. It is exceedingly intricate; encompassing both the artistry and the methodology, it constitutes the entirety.
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