In our new interview series spotlighting forward-thinking figures in independent watchmaking, Pim Koeslag, CEO of Christaan van der Klaauw, discusses the technical complexities of the Venus Zodiac and Venus Annual Calendar
Not traditionally viewed as a watchmaking nation, the Netherlands has, since 1974, been in the spotlight through founder Christiaan van der Klaauw, a master clockmaker known for creating astronomical clocks with indications such as moon phases, planetariums and other celestial complications.
Fast forward to today, CVDK is widely described as the world’s only fully astronomical watch brand, known for small-series, handmade Dutch watches that miniaturise the cosmos on the wrist. This year, the brand introduces two new 38mm models: the Venus Zodiac and the Venus Annual Calendar, both built around the CKM 01 automatic movement with a highly complex Venus planetarium module.
The Venus Zodiac is an astronomical masterpiece, dressed in a striking blue aventurine dial that draws you into a night-sky display of the zodiac sign the Sun is currently in. It is a fitting companion for those who make their decisions based on the auspicious positions of the planets. Markers between the zodiac symbols indicate when each new sign begins, typically around the 21st of each month. It also displays the time, zodiac sign and moon phases, using animated discs to show the alignment of the Sun, Earth and Moon, from new moon to full moon.
In contrast, the Venus Annual Calendar takes a more technical, data-rich approach with a refined sunray dial. An outer ring shows the days and months, accounting for the correct length of each month and requiring adjustment only once every four years. The moving discs also display the orbital periods and speeds of Earth and Venus, along with moon phase and its orbital information.
“The astronomical complication stands apart because of its technical complexity,” says Pim Koeslag, CEO of Christaan van der Klaauw. “Three discs carry Venus, the Earth and the Moon around the Sun, creating a beautiful animation of these celestial bodies.”
How do the new Venus timepieces express where your brand stands in 2026?
CVDK affirms its position as the reference in astronomical complications, as the only watchmaking brand in the world dedicated exclusively to astronomy.
What elements of these watches could only have been realised by an independent watch brand?
One particularly compelling detail is that the Earth, Venus and the Moon are all painted by hand. The level of detail is remarkable, from the Earth’s north pole to its oceans and continents. Such craftsmanship is rarely encountered, even in fine watchmaking.
What risks were required to create the novelty?
Developing a mechanism of this complexity requires significant investment. While scale can offer efficiencies, being independent allows for greater creative freedom. It is through this spirit of innovation that CVDK is able to offer something genuinely distinctive.
When these watches are looked back on years from now, what role do you hope they will play in the long-term story of your brand?
In years to come, the Venus Zodiac and the Venus Annual Calendar are expected to be regarded as defining pieces for CVDK. Christiaan van der Klaauw created the first Venus model in 2006, nearly twenty years ago, with only a small number produced. Today, the system has been completely reengineered, making it smaller, slimmer and easier to set, while preserving its beauty as a planetarium complication that will endure for decades.
