In his hands, Pim Koeslag holds what might be the most awe-inspiring watch I’ve ever seen in person. I mean, it quite literally compresses the cosmos into something that fits on your wrist. From Mercury’s 88-day dash around the sun to Neptune’s leisurely 164-year orbit, the solar system is meticulously represented in miniature, set against a hand-painted backdrop inspired by images from the James Webb Telescope.

The Grand Planetarium Eccentric Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition is, as its name entails, a watch commemorating Sincere’s 70th anniversary and Christian van der Klaauw’s 50th anniversary. Given that Sincere was one of Koeslag’s first customers after he acquired Christiaan Van Der Klaauw (CVDK), it seems only fitting to celebrate this enduring partnership.

“I get a little emotional seeing this beautiful piece,” Koeslag reveals, sitting across from me.

As a master watchmaker turned CEO, he acknowledges the tug-of-war between his passion for watchmaking and the demands of running a company. This tension feels particularly truthful for someone whose genuine love for the craft feels so pure that it’s palpable even in a brief conversation. In just 24 minutes, we delve into this dynamic, the future of the company, and what might very well be the magnum opus of Christian van der Klaauw.

Can you explain the new Grand Planetarium Eccentric Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition watch? What was the creative vision and inspiration behind it?

This watch is based on our 50th-anniversary celebration. Christian van der Klaauw established the company in 1974, initially specialising in astronomical world clocks. By 1996, he had created his first wristwatch, miniaturising astronomical mechanisms to fit within a wristwatch. In 1999, he made the world’s smallest mechanical planetarium in a wristwatch.

For this 50th anniversary, we developed the Grand Planetarium Eccentric, a highly sophisticated planetarium watch featuring all eight planets of the solar system orbiting the sun. For example, Mercury’s sphere will orbit once every 88 days, Venus in 224 days, Earth in a year, and Neptune, the slowest, takes 164 years to complete one orbit on the watch.

What makes this model extraordinary is that the planetary orbits are eccentric — just like in reality, they don’t follow perfect circles, reflecting real-life orbital mechanics. The dial was hand-painted by a Geneva-based miniature painter, inspired by an early prototype of Christian’s, which was itself influenced by imagery from the James Webb Telescope.

The painting process involves nine separate components assembled after painting. The planets are hand-painted as well, making this not just a technical marvel but also an artistic masterpiece.

The moons on the watch are fascinating. Could you tell us more?

We included moons for Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn. While Saturn has 92 moons and Jupiter has 145, we could only include a select few due to space constraints.

As CEO and a master watchmaker, how personally involved were you in the creation of the Grand Planetarium Eccentric Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition?

Very much involved. I was deeply engaged in every aspect of the creative process, from prototyping to final assembly. I wish I could only do that. But unfortunately, after making a watch, you have to sell it as well and run the company.

Christian sketched initial designs by hand, which we digitised into 3D CAD models. I personally built the prototypes and collaborated with Sincere’s management to refine the design, ensuring it honoured Christian’s vision while incorporating our craftsmanship.

What’s next for the brand? Any upcoming projects?

This watch was a major milestone, but we’re continuously innovating. Our focus remains on becoming the world leader in astronomical watches. We really want to do scientific research and make a watch as perfect and as close to the real thing as possible, essentially blending scientific research with high craftsmanship. Future models will push the boundaries of what’s possible in astronomical watchmaking.

How do you see the future of astronomical watchmaking evolving, and how does the Grand Planetarium Eccentric contribute to that vision?

I think this watch is already that next evolution. It’s the most accurate depiction of the solar system in a wristwatch, complete with eccentric orbits and all planets. The more in-depth you get in astronomy, the more questions you’ll have and the more ideas pop up for new models. If we write them all down, we’ll have new ideas for the next 50 years.

Was it difficult adjusting from being a watchmaker to a CEO?

It happened gradually. My journey began as a watchmaker in Geneva, then as a technical director, and eventually CEO. Becoming an entrepreneur was a bigger shift — it meant taking complete responsibility for the company.

But I think I love this combination because sometimes your head is so full of emails, questions, financial stuff, or press discussions. You just want to sit behind the bench and build something. Watchmaking is really peaceful, it’s therapeutic.

What excites you most about this release?

This watch symbolises our partnership with Sincere and our commitment to excellence. Sincere was one of my first customers when I acquired the company, and they believed in the company right away.

It’s the most complicated and refined piece we’ve ever made, blending artistry, technique, and emotion. It’s very, very special. I even get a little emotional seeing this beautiful piece.

Would you classify this piece as the magnum opus of Christian Van De Klaauw?

Yeah, definitely. It’s as complicated as it gets; from the craftsmanship to the technique, it’s everything.

This article was first seen on Esquire Singapore.

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