Celestial vs Planetarium

[jon_jon]

The Celestial, currently available as 6102P and 6102R, and the previously discontinued 5102G, is a watch like no other in the Patek Philippe line up. It shows the evening sky visible from Geneva, along with the orbit of the moon and the stars, including Sirius the brightest star system visible from earth. The 6102 adds the date function and is available in 44mm diameter. On the wrist, the watch is not too overbearing in size.

A respected TRF member and Patek "mega-collector", Conkers (Roger), describes and shares his experience with the 5102G in the following thread:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=492432

I recently was able to try on another "poetic" watch from the jewelry company, Van Cleef & Arpels. Christian Van der Klaauw helped design the planetarium for VCA and is a marvel to look at also very wearable at 44mm. The RG and WG versions are both very nice. The Midnight in Paris watch in WG has a very different look from the Celestial and does not look as nice aesthetically in my eyes.

Here is a video of the Van Cleef & Arpels Midnight Planetarium and a review by A Blog to Watch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqFM2xRz3i8
http://www.ablogtowatch.com/van-clee...m-watch-hands/

We do not discuss these specialty watches very often here on the forum. What are your thoughts on theses "poetic" watches?

[Marciano490]

I tried the VCA watch on in NYC. It's nice and a good size but the planets are designed and actualized in such a way that the effect is like gum balls in a machine.

[KarlS]

I find the 44 mm too big for me although love the idea. I think the Terra Luna is interesting but way too thick! I think setting could be a pain unless it's fully wound all the time. Is there a difference in setting depending on what hemisphere you are in?

[jon_jon]

I have heard that for the Celestial, you want to keep it in a winder once it is set to the correct view of the sky. I believe it can be set for other cities in the Northern Hemisphere, but not sure if you can set it for the Southern hemisphere as the sky looks quite different at night from down under.

[fungo]

First thing that came to mind: if the watch ever stop, goodluck trying to find the exact position of planets and stars

[incontrol]

The size is not a problem for me, but these are not everyday watches. I would be very nervous about setting it if it ever stopped running, particularly when you are in a hurry to get out.

That said, I would love to own one but don't think I would ever buy one. They are all stunning and would make for interesting conversation when worn.

[Tolypop]

Karls based on your collection you would have to sell every watch you own plus your kidney to afford thus watch. Try the seiko more your troll level


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[enjoythemusic]

The Patek is really nice, basic timekeeping plus a few additions for moon and stars. The Van Cleef & Arpels Midnight Planetarium is a work of art and truly enjoy how they have crafted each planets movement. As another said, setting these once may be ok, yet keeping them set (or re-setting each time you wear it) could get a bit tiring.

[conkers]

May I confess to simply never setting the celestial function. I just enjoy the beauty of the dial in different lighting and the magnificent case of the engraved 5102. The 6102 eschews the latter and messes up the dial with a date function.

[martinr]

Totally agree with Roger, the 5102 is perfect and the 6102 date is a distraction.

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by Tolypop

Karls based on your collection you would have to sell every watch you own plus your kidney to afford thus watch. Try the seiko more your troll level


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I was under the impression this was a forum for interchange between watch lovers - this sort of response belongs elsewhere.


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[KarlS]

Originally Posted by Russell996

I was under the impression this was a forum for interchange between watch lovers - this sort of response belongs elsewhere.


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Oops he seems a bit upset, guess I hit a nerve!! As he is on my ignore list I don't tend to bother about what he says but I am surprised the moderators allow personal attack a which I thought were against TRF rules!

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by KarlS

Oops he seems a bit upset, guess I hit a nerve!! As he is on my ignore list I don't tend to bother about what he says but I am surprised the moderators allow personal attack a which I thought were against TRF rules!

He was banned yesterday.

[lapince]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

He was banned yesterday.

[texex91]

Originally Posted by conkers

May I confess to simply never setting the celestial function. I just enjoy the beauty of the dial in different lighting and the magnificent case of the engraved 5102. The 6102 eschews the latter and messes up the dial with a date function.

Your 5102 is fantastic

[incontrol]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

He was banned yesterday.

I was waiting for this!

[Marciano490]

Originally Posted by Russell996

I was under the impression this was a forum for interchange between watch lovers - this sort of response belongs elsewhere.


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Agreed. He really placed a low value on Karl's Kidney.

[bdex75]

Originally Posted by Marciano490

Agreed. He really placed a low value on Karl's Kidney.

Ha. I really love the look of these and since I need one kidney I will likely never own one. But this is a piece here that truly justifies a winder.

I find a lot of the VCA pieces very stunning. Especially the daisy and the bird. Just magnificent artistry. But given the choice here the PP for me. Just for the resale if need be.


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[conkers]

Lots of bans coming through recently. A shame.

[goog53]

Originally Posted by conkers

Lots of bans coming through recently. A shame.

Yep but lots of jackasses popping up as of late. Paul stopped posting for a bit. You were questioned about what you paid for a 5204. It is out of control. Not sure where these guys get the nerve. Paul-Karl-Roger-Arnaud-BJ-Kevin-Martin-Dave-Jorge and many others I am sure I have missed, It is a real pleasure reading your posts and thanks for your valuable contributions to this forum. I have said this for years....The only thing better than the watches are the people behind them.

[KarlS]

Originally Posted by Marciano490

Agreed. He really placed a low value on Karl's Kidney.

And I don't think it's that small!!!

[KarlS]

Originally Posted by KarlS

And I don't think it's that small!!!

I dont mean my kidney either!!

[conkers]

Originally Posted by goog53

Yep but lots of jackasses popping up as of late. Paul stopped posting for a bit. You were questioned about what you paid for a 5204. It is out of control. Not sure where these guys get the nerve. Paul-Karl-Roger-Arnaud-BJ-Kevin-Martin-Dave-Jorge and many others I am sure I have missed, It is a real pleasure reading your posts and thanks for your valuable contributions to this forum. I have said this for years....The only thing better than the watches are the people behind them.

Nice post Mike, thanks!

[LitzDoc]

Beautiful watches. Love the pics. I can't help you decide but I like reading about these pieces. To me they are functional artwork at its best.
Good luck.


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[brettpaul]

Originally Posted by lapince

Here here!!

[texex91]

Originally Posted by goog53

Yep but lots of jackasses popping up as of late. Paul stopped posting for a bit. You were questioned about what you paid for a 5204. It is out of control. Not sure where these guys get the nerve. Paul-Karl-Roger-Arnaud-BJ-Kevin-Martin-Dave-Jorge and many others I am sure I have missed, It is a real pleasure reading your posts and thanks for your valuable contributions to this forum. I have said this for years....The only thing better than the watches are the people behind them.

[bharat]

Spectacular, to say the least!!

[brettpaul]

Originally Posted by goog53

Yep but lots of jackasses popping up as of late. Paul stopped posting for a bit. You were questioned about what you paid for a 5204. It is out of control. Not sure where these guys get the nerve. Paul-Karl-Roger-Arnaud-BJ-Kevin-Martin-Dave-Jorge and many others I am sure I have missed, It is a real pleasure reading your posts and thanks for your valuable contributions to this forum. I have said this for years....The only thing better than the watches are the people behind them.

I couldn't agree more - it's really a privilege to have these gents, among others, on the forum who are willing to share their knowledge and wonderful collections....insights you can't normally have without ownership and pieces you may not actually see outside of catalogues. Thank you all for sharing as openly as you do - we all appreciate it!