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.
This story is from the Issue 208 (December 2024) edition of August Man SG.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 208 (December 2024) edition of August Man SG.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE BACHA COFFEE RENAISSANCE
AUGUSTMAN speaks to Bacha Coffee's chief commercial officer, Maranda Barnes, who shares some insights into the brand's impressive expansion plans.
Sports Democracy
STARHUB HAS DONE MUCH TO BRIDGE EVERYDAY SINGAPOREANS WITH THE BEST IN SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT WITH ITS SPORTS+ PASS. CHIEF OF CONSUMER BUSINESS JOHAN BUSE TELLS US MORE ABOUT THEIR EFFORTS IN BRINGING FOOTBALL TO ALL.
Titanium Second Skin
Combining ergonomics, horology, and materials, the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Monobalancier Titanium becomes an extension of the wearer.
AFTER THE PARTY
This new year, I reject the new and embrace the old.
OH, WHAT A NIGHT!
The party to fete AUGUSTMAN Malaysia's Men of the Year 2024 was one to remember.
Metal To Pedestal
Kia's much-vaunted EV9 is a sleek, powerful electric vehicle stealing attention from Chinese upstarts and European giants. Will it keep our gaze or will the hype sputter?
IT IS NOT A WRAP
THIS YEAR, I REJECT THE FLAWED FINDINGS OF MY 2024 SPOTIFY WRAPPED ROUNDUP AND VOW TO BE, DO, AND LISTEN BETTER. THE WORK STARTS NOW.
When Nature Called
...I ANSWERED IT AT EVERY BREAK OF DAWN.
THE ONE WHO MOVES THE NEEDLE
Opera Gallery may be the world's most famous purveyor of fine art. AUGUSTMAN traces its Singapore roots with Gilles Dyan, its founder and chairman.
RAY OF LIGHT
Mark Foster, founder and frontman for the multi-platinum-selling, somewhat-eponymous band Foster The People on creating the most vital music of his existence.
