Christiaan van der Klaauw Satellite du Monde Complication

Key Points from the Discussion

• The Satellite du Monde is much rarer than initially thought, with perhaps only a few dozen made before Christiaan van der Klaauw's retirement in 2009. The prototype debuted at BASEL 95, with production models switching from an ETA 2892 to a 2824 movement and evolving lug designs from 'hinged' to conventional, and later to scrolled/screwed lugs.
• Christiaan van der Klaauw (CvdK) watches, particularly the Satellite du Monde, are considered pure creations of the original watchmaker, distinct from later models produced after his retirement. The brand has evolved successfully with new models, but the early pieces hold a special significance for collectors.
• For setting the moon phase and general servicing, contacting the brand directly in the Netherlands is recommended, especially given the complexity of the lunar calendar module. While RGM is a capable watchmaker, the original manufacturer possesses specialized knowledge for such intricate complications.
• The North American authorized dealer for Christiaan van der Klaauw, located in Perrysburg, can be a valuable resource for owners seeking assistance, manuals, or service information for their CvdK timepieces.
• The Satellite du Monde's unique complication displays the moon's position and day/night, with the moon 'chasing' the sun around the dial relative to its celestial position. The original author noted the watch was calibrated to their US East Coast time zone.
• The case design, particularly the scroll lugs, is a notable feature, with the original author observing a resemblance to Speake-Marin cases, raising questions about potential shared suppliers for independent watchmakers.