ERUDITE AND COMPOSED, Pim Koeslag is just the kind of man you would expect to lead Christiaan Van Der Klaauw, the independent Dutch luxury watch manufacturer known for incorporating cosmic elements into its designs.
The brand bears the name of its founder, Christiaan van der Klaauw. Born in 1944 in Leiden, Netherlands, he was deeply influenced by the city’s rich history of scientific discovery, particularly the work of his namesake, Christiaan Huygens, a renowned astronomer and physicist.
Van der Klaauw’s passion for horology and astronomy led him to establish his atelier in 1974. It specialises in mechanical watches displaying celestial phenomena like moon phases, planetary orbits, and even zodiac constellations. As these intricate complications are housed in elegant, classically inspired designs, Christiaan Van Der Klaauw watches are not just functional instruments but wearable art as well.
In 2022, Koeslag took over as CEO, the culmination of a lifelong love for the brand. During his recent visit to Singapore, he presented his partners at Sincere Fine Watches with the Christiaan Van Der Klaauw Grand Planetarium Eccentric Sincere Platinum Jubilee. This haute horology masterpiece commemorates Sincere Fine Watches’s 70th anniversary, and the brand’s 50th this year. It was a pleasure to speak with him.
What were your early years in the watch industry like?
I went to a watchmaking school in Amsterdam. After that, I had internships at Quality Watch Service in the Netherlands and then at Patek Philippe the following year. It was at Frederique Constant that I got my first job. It was a mid-range watchmaker with big plans that moved quickly at the time. The company had only 10 people working there, and I was the first watchmaker. After becoming the Head Watchmaker, I moved up to Technical Director. In 2008, I co-founded and became CEO of Ateliers de Monaco.
Esta historia es de la edición Issue 208 (December 2024) de August Man SG.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición Issue 208 (December 2024) de August Man SG.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
OPEN HEART, OPEN MIND
Rado continues to make exceptional classics. This time, it puts a unique spin on the popular True Square Open Heart range.
How To Make A Hit, According To Messrs Yu And Waititi
The Asian-led action-comedy Interior Chinatown is a fan favourite and critical darling. We speak to the brains behind the new Hulu and Disney+ hit.
How To Impress Your (Potential) Father-In-Law
My only credential is that I am the first born and only daughter of a very loving man.
A Painless Way To Say Goodbye
'TIS THE SEASON FOR REFLECTION, RESOLUTIONS, AND THE UNRELENTING TIDE OF SHORT-SIGHTED NOSTALGIA. HERE'S HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU DON'T LOOK BACK IN ANGER.
MADE FOR THE OUTDOORS
LUMINOX CELEBRATES ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY WITH TWO LIMITED-EDITION TIMEPIECES.
WISH YOU WERE HERE
As 2024 becomes a memory and 2025 a future to be made present, it's worthwhile to consider what truly makes a year \"new\".
BOYHOOD HERO
INTRODUCING THE MERCEDES-BENZ CLE200, A CLASSIC COUPÉ FOR THE MODERN AGE.
ZEEKR-ING ITS WAY INTO OUR HEARTS
ONE OF 2024'S MOST UNEXPECTED GEMS IN THE EV MARKET, THE ZEEKR X DID NOT SET OUT TO WIN THE SPECS RACE, BUT IT CERTAINLY APPEALED TO SOMETHING DEEPER IN US.
A Spring In The Desert
Singaporean investor Mohamed Nazir, who recently opened his real estate company in Dubai, shares his perspectives on entering the Emirati market.
Morning Routine, Upgraded
Leon Foo wants you to enjoy a better morning with his Morning Machine.
