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Will Overdraft Fees Increase Under Trump? Here’s What 7 Banks Told Us

Filed Under: Money.com, SUCCESS

Many Americans celebrated last year when government officials announced a restriction on $35 bank overdraft fees for checking accounts. But with the change in leadership in D.C., it’s now unclear whether this will happen.

President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk want to dramatically reduce — if not kill — the regulatory authority of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the 14-year-old agency behind the rule limiting overdraft fees. This could mean that high overdraft fees, which can be a significant financial burden for folks tight on funds, are here to stay after all.

Some banks, like Citi and Capital One, have fully eliminated overdraft fees and told Money they’re committed to their policies — no matter what happens at the federal level.

However, other major banks have yet to offer the same relief to customers. Banks including JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank and PNC still charge overdraft fees of $34 to $36, collecting hundreds of millions per year off them. These banks are likely hoping that the Trump administration and the GOP-controlled Congress can reverse the Biden-era regulations.

Trump admin looks to undo ‘midnight’ rule on overdraft fees

In December, the CFPB announced a final rule that would end “excessive” overdraft fees effective Oct. 1, 2025, capping the charges — which typically run around $35 — at $5. Alternatively, banks could charge an overdraft amount just high enough to cover their costs or losses. Or they could offer overdraft loans (if the terms and interest rates for these credit lines were disclosed).

While many consumers were excited about this change, the regulation is now in jeopardy. An effort in Congress spearheaded by Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., aims to repeal the CFPB rule before it takes effect this fall.

Meanwhile, the banking industry hasn’t given up fighting it in court.

A spokesperson for the Consumer Bankers Association, a group that represents retail banks, tells Money that the rule “is an illegal and harmful overreach that threatens millions of Americans’ access to liquidity.” Banks also argue that overdraft fees support their ability to let customers pay for some transactions with negative balances, which can help people access necessities like food and utilities — just at a very high cost.

What the CFPB shakeup means for overdraft fees

CFPB Interim Director Russell Vought said in a post on X that he is “grateful” for the legislation aimed at rolling back the Biden administration’s “midnight rule” limiting overdraft fees, adding that the repeal attempt aligns with Trump’s “deregulatory agenda.”

Earlier this month, the president picked Vought to lead the bureau after firing Rohit Chopra, the agency’s director under former President Joe Biden. Chopra’s CFPB had estimated the overdraft rule would save Americans a collective $5 billion per year.

The Trump administration appears to be still determining exactly what it wants to do with the CFPB — an agency that figures including Musk have indicated they want to “delete.” Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has already fired dozens of CFPB staffers.

But as the Trump administration eases back on bank regulation and halts CFPB activity, consumer advocates say bank customers are the ones who will suffer.

Lauren Saunders, associate director of the National Consumer Law Center, argued in a Feb. 13 news release that “Republican leadership is siding with Wells Fargo and other big banks over working families hurt by abusive overdraft fee practices.” (The NCLC is part of a group that has filed a lawsuit trying to stop the Trump administration’s efforts to “dismantle” the CFPB.)

Right now, the fate of the rule is still up in the air, and there’s also uncertainty around what would happen to overdraft fees if it were to go into effect. But while the situation unfolds, here’s what seven banks are saying about their policies:

Wells Fargo

  • Overdraft fee: $35
  • Overdraft fee revenue: $937 million

In 2022, the CFPB took action against Wells Fargo over certain overdraft charges, ordering the bank to pay $205 million in redress. The bank still took $937 million in overdraft/non-sufficient funds fee revenue in 2023, according to an April CFPB report. When contacted by Money, a spokesperson for the bank said they did not wish to comment on future plans for overdraft fees.

JPMorgan Chase

  • Overdraft fee: $34
  • Overdraft fee revenue: $1.1 billion

Chase customers can be charged a $34 fee if their account is overdrawn by more than $50. The bank did not respond to Money’s request for comment about any possible plans to lower that fee.

Bank of America

  • Overdraft fee: $10
  • Overdraft fee revenue: $140 million

Bank of America reduced its overdraft fee from $35 to $10 in 2022 and also eliminated its non-sufficient funds fee, which applied when certain transactions were denied. A spokesperson for the bank declined to comment on future plans.

U.S. Bank

  • Overdraft fee: $36
  • Overdraft fee revenue: $214 million

The overdraft fee charged by U.S. Bank is among the highest. The bank did not respond to Money’s request for comment about any possible plans to change that fee.

Citi

  • Overdraft fee: None
  • Overdraft fee revenue: N/A

Citi became the largest major bank to remove overdraft fees in 2022. “The recent overdraft fee rule had no bearing on our decision one way or another,” spokesperson Colin Wright tells Money.

PNC

  • Overdraft fee: $36
  • Overdraft fee revenue: $258 million

PNC charges a high overdraft fee but touts that customers can only be charged once a day. PNC did not respond to Money’s request for comment about any possible plans to change the fee.

Capital One

  • Overdraft fee: None
  • Overdraft fee revenue: N/A

A spokesperson tells Money that Capital One “proactively” decided to fully eliminate overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees in 2021.

“We will not be making any changes to our policy regardless of how the effort to roll-back the overdraft rule unfolds. No-Fee Overdraft has been a centerpiece of our mission to provide best-in-class, no fee and no minimum products and services to our millions of customers,” the spokesperson adds.

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10 Powerful Steps to Define and Solve Any Hard Problem Effectively

Filed Under: Addicted2Success, SUCCESS

The Power of Asking the Right Questions

Defining the right problem requires asking the right questions. If the problem is framed too narrowly, it could limit an effective solution — much less an innovative one. Indeed, if you can move beyond stated needs and dig into what really excites and motivates an individual, group, or company, then you can begin to propose solutions that are functional, wonderful, and cost-effective.

For example, in the 1960s, IBM was seeking the answer to a key question: “If a more reliable, cheaper, and faster process for photocopying were available, how many more copies would people make in a given year?”

The problem was framed too narrowly as “copies from originals” rather than considering a potentially much larger market that included “copies of copies of copies.” There was a big, missed opportunity that might have been anticipated if the right questions had been asked.

Challenging the Problem Statement

Never accept problems at face value. Always challenge them to either affirm their validity or recast them after further investigation. While we want to be very sensitive to what stakeholders, clients, consumers, or patients, tell us, we must be cautious about accepting their highly biased reports and their conclusions about what it all means and what they think is the best response.

The real problem may be masked for a variety of reasons: it is easy to be misled by a less serious problem or a symptom. Take time to periodically review and reflect on all the information gathered from interviews and conversations with stakeholders, all aspects of the context, precedent searches, and any other relevant sources. A main goal is to develop a deep, objective, evidence-based understanding of the issues, constraints, challenges, and possibilities surrounding the problem along with its root causes.

Avoiding the status quo and business as usual even in asking initial questions about the problem is an important part of a design thinking mindset. Analyze, organize, visualize, and quantify the information collected in a way that helps to clearly articulate the essence of the problem, or at least build a working definition of the problem as it evolves.

10 Key Steps to Solving Hard Problems

Consider the following 10 steps to look a problem in the eye and start the process of idea generation:

1. Document

Document specific and frequently expressed points or noteworthy comments from interviews with stakeholders, emphasizing different sides of the problem or illuminating some aspect of the problem.

2. Identify

Identify areas for further research to complement the interviews. Because stakeholders often have difficulty articulating needs and problems, there is an opportunity to be creative in identifying what’s truly relevant.

3. Develop

Develop lists, diagrams, and images highlighting key context observations. Graphics can render lots of complex material in a way that is far more readily understood and interpreted. Information that is translated into diagrams can inspire creativity and help think about possibilities for solutions.

4. Formulate

Formulate new questions related to the validity of the initial problem statement. Immerse yourself in another person’s environment and circumstances to gain insight. Be genuinely curious to keep learning about the situation.

5. Note

Note any novel or unexpected patterns, relationships, or insights that may be evident in order to go beyond a superficial understanding of the problem.

6. Eliminate

Eliminate the mass of extraneous material (carefully). Give gentle direction to stakeholders to help stay focused on the issue at hand. At the same time, remain alert to valuable bits of information that may spontaneously emerge as something unexpected. They could be clues to a possible solution.

7. Uncover

Uncover the fundamental causes of the problem or basis for the project. Possibilities become evident when you sincerely empathize—spend time, keenly observe, and engage—with stakeholders.

8. Collapse

Collapse a seemingly overwhelming problem into smaller, more manageable components (but keep the big picture in mind).

9. Filter

Filter the relevant information into two categories for complex problems: general and specific. This will facilitate initial idea generation by not overloading that phase of the process with too much information at one time.

10. Set Forth

Set forth the scope of the problem including constraints, concerns, and challenges. Also include the ultimate objectives, hopes, and dreams (and their rationale). These could be considered the design criteria on which proposed solutions are evaluated.

The Path to Innovation

Conducting this analysis is essential to set the stage for the most meaningful idea generation session. Then you’ll have the multidimensional and coherent understanding of the problem and its context from different points of view which is what you need to start brainstorming and solving the problem as you now fully understand it.

Ultimately, this knowledge will help you transcend the initial problem in a way that could lead to a highly responsive, even magical solution one not previously imagined by the client or stakeholders.

The post 10 Powerful Steps to Define and Solve Any Hard Problem Effectively appeared first on Addicted 2 Success.

The Value of Doing Nothing in a Hyperproductive World

Filed Under: SUCCESS, Tiny Buddha

“Allow yourself to be bored a little. In our world full of distractions, create some space for nothingness.” ~Unknown

My roommate sat in the kitchen, eating his late home-cooked dinner, and commented with a half-mocking smile, “Ah, you’re still living.”

The words hung in the air, awkwardly playful but sharp enough to sting. They echoed something larger: the subtle judgment that creeps into our culture of relentless productivity.

Confusion bubbled up inside me, followed quickly by shame. My cheeks turned red. I had spent most of this sunny Saturday alone in my room—reading books, listening to music, writing a little, and, to be honest, staring out the window, feeling restless.

“What do you do all day?” he asked, genuinely curious.

Yes, what I felt was definitely shame. In a world that glorifies busyness, I often feel like a criminal for spending an entire day at home, or for strolling through the city without real plans. The implicit expectation to do something, to make the day “count,” feels suffocating.

“Reading and writing,” I replied, suppressing the urge to explain myself.

He looked puzzled. “You can’t fill a whole day with writing, can you? Isn’t that boring?”

Here it was: the quintessential clash between introversion and extroversion. He didn’t understand me, though, in fairness, I think he wanted to. I was tempted to agree, to downplay my day and say, “Yes, it’s boring sometimes.” But I stopped myself.

Because recently, I’ve realized something important: I need that stillness.

The Shame of “Doing Nothing”

His confusion wasn’t just personal; it felt like a question society constantly asks people like me: What are you doing with your time? In a culture that glorifies constant productivity, the idea of having unstructured time is almost heretical. If you’re not ticking off items on a to-do list or working toward a measurable goal, then what exactly are you contributing?

This shame runs deeper than personal insecurity—it’s rooted in a culture that values productivity above all else. The industrial revolution reinforced the belief that time is money, a resource to be maximized. Today, even our leisure activities are judged: hobbies are monetized, vacations become opportunities for curated Instagram posts, and relaxation feels like something we must earn.

For me, this shame shows up in subtle ways. If I spend an afternoon reading or writing without a clear goal, I catch myself justifying it: It’s practice for my craft. When a friend asks how my weekend went, I feel compelled to list the “productive” things I did—chores, errands, something quantifiable—before admitting that I spent hours simply being. It’s as though I need permission to slow down, even from myself.

But this obsession with busyness comes at a cost. It fuels burnout, anxiety, and a relentless sense of inadequacy. It leaves us disconnected from ourselves and the quiet, unstructured moments that bring clarity and peace. What happens when we’re always striving to prove our worth through what we achieve? We lose the ability to simply be.

Stillness as a Portal to Creativity

What I’ve come to understand is that restlessness isn’t the enemy. It’s the hum beneath the surface where creativity brews. When I sit still or let myself feel bored, something unexpected arises: a fleeting thought, a fresh perspective, or a spark of an idea. Those unhurried moments, I’ve learned, are where the magic happens.

Our culture teaches us to fear downtime, to see it as wasted hours. However, it’s often in those “empty” moments that our most meaningful insights emerge. I’ve had some of my best ideas while folding laundry or lying on the couch doing nothing in particular.

As Julia Cameron writes in The Artist’s Way, creativity requires spaciousness. She even prescribes a full week of media deprivation—no social media, no podcasts, no books—to help artists reconnect with their inner world. By removing distractions, she argues, we create the room to truly sit with our feelings and thoughts.

In my own life, I’ve noticed this truth. Some of my favorite moments are not grand or planned—they’re the small, unexpected joys that arise during quiet days. When I’m doing dishes, I’ll start humming, then singing, and maybe even dancing. What felt like a mundane chore transforms into a moment of aliveness.

Why We Need Unstructured Days

The irony is that the days I spend without clear plans often end up being the most productive—not in a traditional sense, but in the way they nurture my inner world. These are the days when my thoughts settle, untangle, and expand. They’re not lazy days; they’re spacious ones.

In fact, I’ve started to see quiet time as a quiet rebellion against a world that demands constant output. When I allow myself to slow down, to let go of the need to perform or produce, I’m pushing back against a culture that equates worth with busyness.

But this isn’t easy. Society tells us to fear idleness, to run from it with endless distractions: a scroll through Instagram, a new TV series, a side hustle. Slowing down feels countercultural, even indulgent. But I believe it’s necessary.

The next time someone questions how you spend your time—or when you catch yourself feeling guilty for slowing down—try reframing the question. What if restlessness isn’t wasted time, but the soil where creativity and self-discovery take root?

A New Definition of Productivity

So, was my roommate right? Is it boring? Sure, sometimes. But that quietness isn’t a problem; it’s a gift. It’s the pause between notes in a symphony, the blank page before a story. It’s not laziness; it’s space where something always stirs.

What if we saw stillness differently—not as something to avoid, but as a doorway to clarity, creativity, and reflection?

Maybe it’s time for your own experiment. Turn off the noise, let yourself stare out the window, and see what stirs in the quiet. You might be surprised at what emerges.

What about you? How do you feel about unstructured time? Is it something you avoid, or have you discovered its unexpected value? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

See more posts

About Maria Kleine

Maria Kleine is a psychologist (M.Sc.) with a deep curiosity for personal development, creativity, and interpersonal relationships. On her blog, mariakleine.com, she blends psychological insights with a holistic approach to self-growth. Through practical advice on creativity and well-being, Maria encourages self-reflection and transformation, offering readers a space to grow alongside her. Her unique perspective bridges professional expertise and personal experience, making her blog an inspiring journey of self-discovery.

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Answer These 6 Questions to Find the Right Debt Payoff Plan

Filed Under: Money.com, SUCCESS

If you feel overwhelmed thinking about debt, you’re not alone. Nearly four in 10 Americans say they don’t feel very confident in their ability to create a plan to get out of debt, according to the Pew Research Center.

Crafting a solid plan to leave your debt in the rearview mirror takes some planning, but it doesn’t need to be particularly complicated. Like most things in life, it’s about finding the best “fit” for you.

Answer these six questions to figure out which debt plan aligns with your goals.

1. How did you end up in debt?

Before you can find a good solution, you first have to identify the problem. In this case, that means you can’t properly consider the options to get out of debt until you’ve figured out how and why you ended up there.

Maybe your debt is a result of falling behind on payments after overextending your credit, leaving you with a mountain of residual interest. Or you could have struggled to keep up with your bills after an unexpected medical emergency. The important thing is to identify the cause.

“The most common mistakes are ignoring the problem and continuing the same habits that got you into debt in the first place,” says Raenna Jefferson, an associate planner with Zenith Wealth Partners. “Creating the plan is a one-time act, but changing your habits takes a lot more time.”

And the only way to break out of old patterns is to acknowledge and talk about them, according to Tara Unverzagt, president of South Bay Financial Planners. She says that the underlying beliefs we have about money — about how we should spend, save and invest — can lead us back into the same unstable financial situations we are trying to escape from.

Two examples of this behavior are avoiding talking about financial topics altogether and compulsively saving money. Identifying the root cause of your financial woes should allow you to isolate and correct the behaviors that left you in debt. It can also help you rule out payoff strategies that don’t make sense for you.

2. How much and what types of debt do you have?

A clear picture of how much you owe and to whom will allow you to choose a plan that focuses on the debts that are causing greater stress on your finances. For instance, high-interest credit card debt should almost always take precedence over low-interest student loans.

Knowing the types of debt you carry can also help you explore specific relief options. Loans secured by property like a house or vehicle, for instance, may have more limited options than unsecured loans.

Jefferson recommends you put all of your debts on a single sheet of paper and only then decide which debt payment avenue you want to take. You can categorize your debts by type, such as:

  • Credit card debt: High-interest and typically unsecured.
  • Student loans: May have flexible repayment options or be eligible for forgiveness programs.
  • Medical bills: Often negotiable, with options for reduced payment plans.
  • Auto loans or mortgages: Secured debts tied to assets you might risk losing if payments are missed.

If you have multiple high-interest debts, a debt consolidation loan can simplify payments and reduce interest. The average rate of a credit card is currently 23%, while Jefferson says rates on a consolidation loan are often under 10%.

Plus, “with a fixed payment schedule, you understand when your loan will be paid off and instead of paying multiple creditors, you are only paying one,” she says.

For medical bills, negotiating directly with healthcare providers or exploring hospital assistance programs may help. And if student loans are a large piece of your debt pie, you might want to look into income-driven repayment plans, which set your monthly payments based on what you’re earning, or refinancing options, which may help you lower your monthly bill through a lower interest rate or longer repayment term.

3. What are the interest rates on your debts?

The interest rate you already have (and what sort of new interest rate you can qualify for) will determine what sort of options are available to you.

Debts with high-interest rates accrue additional charges faster, making them more expensive to maintain. Credit cards are the best example of this. “Just understanding how a credit card works is huge,” Unverzagt says.

If you don’t pay off the balance on your card each month, that means you’re paying more than you might think for any purchases you make: A $100 pair of jeans only costs that amount if you pay it off before the interest kicks in.

Getting a balance transfer credit card to temporarily reduce interest and accelerate payments on high-interest credit card debt is one option. But Jefferson cautions against this. “Many will continue using the credit card and get back in credit card debt, while still paying off the balance transfer … putting you in a worse position than you started,” she says.

A debt consolidation loan might be a better solution for lower-interest debt — for example, debts with rates under 10% — but only if you can qualify for a rate that’s low enough to actually result in savings after you factor in any applicable fees. Otherwise, you may want to consider a self-directed payoff strategy like the debt avalanche and snowball methods.

The former prioritizes paying off the highest-interest debt first, saving money over time. On the other hand, if you need quick psychological wins to stay motivated, you might prefer the latter method, which focuses on repaying the smallest balances first.

4. Can you afford to make your payments on time?

Consistently making on-time payments is crucial to avoiding penalties and damaging your credit score.

If you’re struggling to keep up with payments, a debt management plan (DMP) offered by a nonprofit credit counseling agency is another option. These plans come with a small monthly fee. In exchange, you’ll work with a credit counselor to create a payment plan that usually includes reduced interest rates.

This is likely a better option if you need a little more hand-holding to get on the right track, Jefferson says. When you enroll in a DMP, you have to close out all your credit cards, so you don’t have the option of spending more. Plus, credit counselors keep “your other monthly expenses in mind when calculating your monthly minimum payment,” she says.

If you’re already behind on your payments and you’ve had a financial hardship (like a job loss or divorce), you could also try to settle your debts for less than you owe. You can do this yourself via negotiating or by working with a debt relief company.

While you’re focusing on how to get out of debt, don’t forget about savings. While it’s hard to accomplish both, try to build up at least a small emergency fund as you pay down your debt. Without a financial safety net, unexpected costs could easily disrupt your payment plan and send you spiraling further into the hole.

5. Do you have a strong credit score?

Your credit score is one of the main criteria that affects your eligibility for certain debt payoff options. Naturally, consumers with a better credit score will have access to a wider variety of choices and better terms overall.

With good to excellent credit (670 and above) you may qualify for balance transfer credit cards, low-interest personal loans or refinancing options that lower your rates. With fair to poor credit (below 670), your access to favorable terms will be limited, but other ways to get out of debt, like secured loans or credit counseling, can still provide relief.

6. Is your income low relative to your debt?

If your income is insufficient to cover your debts, you may need to explore alternative strategies. Ask yourself:

  • Can I increase my income? Side gigs, part-time work and freelance opportunities can boost your regular earnings.
  • Are assistance programs available to you? Nonprofit credit counseling agencies can help you create a manageable repayment plan. Programs like income-driven repayment (IDR) plans can reduce federal student loan payments based on your income.
  • Is debt reliefan option? For those facing extreme financial hardship, negotiating with creditors to settle for less than the full balance might be worth exploring. Keep in mind this typically only works if you’re delinquent on your bills, which will hurt your credit.
  • Can you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy? This type of bankruptcy allows most of your unsecured debts to be discharged, meaning eliminated, in as little as four to six months. You do have to qualify via a means test that considers your income and finances relative to your debt, but for those who do, the success rate is very high. This will stay on your credit report for a decade.

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Pim Koeslag, Christiaan Van Der Klaauw’s “Reluctant” CEO 

Filed Under: Luxury Lifestyle

Grand Planetarium Eccentric Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition. Photo: CVDK

In his hands, Pim Koeslag holds what might be the most awe-inspiring watch I’ve ever seen in person. I mean, it quite literally compresses the cosmos into something that fits on your wrist. From Mercury’s 88-day dash around the sun to Neptune’s leisurely 164-year orbit, the solar system is meticulously represented in miniature, set against a hand-painted backdrop inspired by images from the James Webb Telescope.

The Grand Planetarium Eccentric Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition is, as its name entails, a watch commemorating Sincere’s 70th anniversary and Christian van der Klaauw’s 50th anniversary. Given that Sincere was one of Koeslag’s first customers after he acquired Christiaan Van Der Klaauw (CVDK), it seems only fitting to celebrate this enduring partnership.

“I get a little emotional seeing this beautiful piece,” Koeslag reveals, sitting across from me.

Pim Koeslag, CEO of CVDK

As a master watchmaker turned CEO, he acknowledges the tug-of-war between his passion for watchmaking and the demands of running a company. This tension feels particularly truthful for someone whose genuine love for the craft feels so pure that it’s palpable even in a brief conversation. In just 24 minutes, we delve into this dynamic, the future of the company, and what might very well be the magnum opus of Christian van der Klaauw.

Can you explain the new Grand Planetarium Eccentric Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition watch? What was the creative vision and inspiration behind it?

This watch is based on our 50th-anniversary celebration. Christian van der Klaauw established the company in 1974, initially specialising in astronomical world clocks. By 1996, he had created his first wristwatch, miniaturising astronomical mechanisms to fit within a wristwatch. In 1999, he made the world’s smallest mechanical planetarium in a wristwatch.

For this 50th anniversary, we developed the Grand Planetarium Eccentric, a highly sophisticated planetarium watch featuring all eight planets of the solar system orbiting the sun. For example, Mercury’s sphere will orbit once every 88 days, Venus in 224 days, Earth in a year, and Neptune, the slowest, takes 164 years to complete one orbit on the watch.

What makes this model extraordinary is that the planetary orbits are eccentric — just like in reality, they don’t follow perfect circles, reflecting real-life orbital mechanics. The dial was hand-painted by a Geneva-based miniature painter, inspired by an early prototype of Christian’s, which was itself influenced by imagery from the James Webb Telescope.

The painting process involves nine separate components assembled after painting. The planets are hand-painted as well, making this not just a technical marvel but also an artistic masterpiece.

Photo: CVDK

The moons on the watch are fascinating. Could you tell us more?

We included moons for Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn. While Saturn has 92 moons and Jupiter has 145, we could only include a select few due to space constraints.

As CEO and a master watchmaker, how personally involved were you in the creation of the Grand Planetarium Eccentric Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition?

Very much involved. I was deeply engaged in every aspect of the creative process, from prototyping to final assembly. I wish I could only do that. But unfortunately, after making a watch, you have to sell it as well and run the company.

Christian sketched initial designs by hand, which we digitised into 3D CAD models. I personally built the prototypes and collaborated with Sincere’s management to refine the design, ensuring it honoured Christian’s vision while incorporating our craftsmanship.

What’s next for the brand? Any upcoming projects?

This watch was a major milestone, but we’re continuously innovating. Our focus remains on becoming the world leader in astronomical watches. We really want to do scientific research and make a watch as perfect and as close to the real thing as possible, essentially blending scientific research with high craftsmanship. Future models will push the boundaries of what’s possible in astronomical watchmaking.

Caseback of the Grand Planetarium Eccentric. Photo: CVDK

How do you see the future of astronomical watchmaking evolving, and how does the Grand Planetarium Eccentric contribute to that vision?

I think this watch is already that next evolution. It’s the most accurate depiction of the solar system in a wristwatch, complete with eccentric orbits and all planets. The more in-depth you get in astronomy, the more questions you’ll have and the more ideas pop up for new models. If we write them all down, we’ll have new ideas for the next 50 years.

Was it difficult adjusting from being a watchmaker to a CEO?

It happened gradually. My journey began as a watchmaker in Geneva, then as a technical director, and eventually CEO. Becoming an entrepreneur was a bigger shift — it meant taking complete responsibility for the company.

But I think I love this combination because sometimes your head is so full of emails, questions, financial stuff, or press discussions. You just want to sit behind the bench and build something. Watchmaking is really peaceful, it’s therapeutic.

What excites you most about this release?

This watch symbolises our partnership with Sincere and our commitment to excellence. Sincere was one of my first customers when I acquired the company, and they believed in the company right away.

It’s the most complicated and refined piece we’ve ever made, blending artistry, technique, and emotion. It’s very, very special. I even get a little emotional seeing this beautiful piece.

Would you classify this piece as the magnum opus of Christian Van De Klaauw?

Yeah, definitely. It’s as complicated as it gets; from the craftsmanship to the technique, it’s everything.

This article was first seen on Esquire Singapore.

For more on the latest in luxury watch and leadership reads, click here.

The post Pim Koeslag, Christiaan Van Der Klaauw’s “Reluctant” CEO  appeared first on LUXUO.

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