CVDK × Revolution: Grand Planetarium Eccentric Si14

The Grand Planetarium Eccentric represents the most expansive mechanical Planetarium created by Christiaan van der Klaauw. Its mechanism reproduces the real-time orbits of all eight planets in our Solar System, from Mercury completing its orbit in 87.97 days to Neptune requiring 164.8 years.

For the CVDK × Revolution Grand Planetarium Eccentric Si14, Revolution and CVDK approached that mechanism from a different material perspective.

The dial is constructed from nine separate pieces of oxidised silicon. Controlled oxidation creates an iridescent surface that shifts between blue, violet and darker tones depending on the light.

Across it, the planets are individually rendered in Super-LumiNova. Selected sections of their orbital paths are luminous as well, allowing the architecture of the Solar System to remain visible after dark.

The 44 mm case is machined from 316L stainless steel and treated through low-temperature carbon diffusion, increasing its surface hardness to approximately 1,200 Vickers. Its bead-blasted finish provides a subdued contrast to the reflective silicon dial.

The mechanism behind the Grand Planetarium has its origins in drawings made by Christiaan van der Klaauw himself. The planetary ratios and wheel positions were originally worked out with pencil, compass and arithmetic before being transferred into modern CAD development.

The completed Planetarium mechanism contains a gear train with 3,338 teeth, translating the radically different orbital periods of eight planets into one continuously moving mechanical display.

Beneath it sits CVDK’s automatic manufacture movement, running at 3 Hz with a 60-hour power reserve and recognisable through its star-shaped architecture and CVDK Sun rotor.

Pim Koeslag and Revolution discuss the ideas, materials and mechanical development behind the Grand Planetarium Eccentric Si14.