Christiaan van der Klaauw (CvdK) is a model recognized for its astronomical issues. Its watches function miniature planetaria, small three-dimensional variations of the Moon, and whole star programs on the dials. Most of the time, the celestial our bodies on CvdK’s watches are a part of an ingenious complication. That’s nonetheless the case on this new limited-edition stAriadne developed in collaboration with Ace Jewelers. This time, nonetheless, just a few extra stars have been added to the dial to offer it a bit of one thing additional. And that’s precisely the thrilling contact you’d count on from two true watch lovers like Pim Koeslag and Alon Ben Joseph.
Pim, CEO and grasp watchmaker of Christiaan van der Klaauw, and Alon, CEO of Ace Jewelers, have already recognized one another for a very long time. And also you’ll discover this out if you happen to meet them, however each are completely loopy about watches. Ask both of them a single watch-related query, and also you’ll have problem making them cease speaking about their shared ardour. The 2 had already collaborated on watches when Pim was nonetheless at Frederique Fixed. Nevertheless, since he moved to Christiaan van der Klaauw in 2022, it was solely a matter of time earlier than the following collaboration would come out. That’s particularly as a result of Ace Jewelers turned a licensed vendor for CvdK final yr. So, with out additional ado, let’s check out the brand new stAriadne by Christiaan van der Klaauw and Ace Jewelers.
The Ace Jewelers × Christiaan van der Klaauw stAriadne
The stAriadne is derived from CvdK’s Ariadne. It is a present mannequin within the Dutch model’s catalog, that includes a moderately classical dial and case design. The watch boasts a triple calendar, a (lumed) moonphase show, a cam-lever chronograph, the 12-hour time, and a 24-hour indicator. In the usual configuration, the sides of the dial and sub-dials are silver, and you may select between a black, blue, or silvery-white important dial colour. Final yr, two stunning restricted turquoise and salmon-pink editions got here out in collaboration with Reijersen Juweliers.
The stAriadne has a 40mm stainless-steel case, which is 14.6mm thick and spans 50.4mm from lug to lug. It’s powered by the CVDK7758 caliber, which makes use of a Valjoux 7750 automated chronograph motion as a base. That’s why the 30-minute and 12-hour counters are at 12 and 6 o’clock, respectively. At 9 o’clock, you’ll discover the operating seconds, and to stability the dial out, there’s a fourth sub-dial at 3 o’clock. This one merely incorporates Christiaan van der Klaauw’s identify and static emblem, a solar with 12 claws.
However, as I already talked about, this watch isn’t only a chronograph. Contained in the 30-minute counter, you’ll additionally discover home windows for the day and the month. If you order the watch, you possibly can select between discs in Dutch or English. Inside the operating seconds sub-dial, you’ll additionally discover the 24-hour indicator. A moonphase complication is built-in into the 12-hour counter, and eventually, one of many 4 central arms factors to the date on the sting of the dial.
An Amsterdam-themed Ariadne
As with lots of Ace Jewelers’ restricted editions, the colours of the Amsterdam coat of arms are used as an inspiration for the design of the stAriadne. The date monitor across the dial’s perimeter is black, identical to the chapter rings on the sub-dials. As well as, the moonphase, day, and month discs are all executed in black. The press launch states that the remainder of the dial has a fog-gray colour. In actual life, although, it seems to be extra like a cream or beige tone to me. In any case, it provides the dial a considerably panda-like look, and I just like the high-contrast structure rather a lot. The Breguet-style hour and minute arms are executed in black, whereas the date hand is polished and has a pink crescent-shaped tip. This matches properly with the fiery pink central chronograph hand that turns proudly above all the different arms and indicators.
Often, the Ariadne comes with Arabic numerals for all the hours that aren’t occupied by sub-dials. However on this Ace Jewelers restricted version, high-polished stars have changed these numerals. All of them level outward, and their faceted design provides off some playful reflections when doing wrist rolls. It’s a really good and related ornament for a watch from a model like Christiaan van der Klaauw. It’s additionally the type of ornament that lies a bit of outdoors of CvdK’s consolation zone, I really feel. The model’s watches are sometimes primarily elegant and basic, however the stars add a bit of little bit of pizzazz to the Ariadne. I’m certain Alon had one thing to do with that.
On the wrist
I type of like how the stAriadne sits on high of my 17cm wrist. Due to its bigger dimension, it’s not a watch that I’d shortly select to put on or purchase. Because it seems, although, it isn’t that dangerous, particularly for a watch with this many issues. Sure, the rounded case is sort of thick, and the bar-like lugs, although curved, don’t wrap round my wrist a lot. Nevertheless, these issues, along with the properly designed dial, additionally give it numerous character. I really feel that it might even use a bit of extra character by rising the scale of the onion crown and the 2 pushers alongside it — a bit of bit à la Chronoswiss.
I haven’t worn this watch in public, however I’m certain that individuals would say one thing about it in the event that they noticed it on my wrist. It has a ton of wrist presence, which the brightly lumed moon at 6 o’clock solely emphasizes additional. And if you happen to discover that individuals aren’t impressed by all these issues, then be sure that to point out them the again of the watch as properly. There, you get to check out the motion with its “sunclaw” rotor, which grasp guillocheur Jochen Benzinger engraved. He can even personally signal the rotor with the distinctive quantity you choose from the 50 items of the limited-edition stAriadne.
Now accessible for pre-order
The Christiaan van der Klaauw × Ace Jewelers stAriadne is now accessible for pre-order for a value of €9,450 (together with 21% VAT). Manufacturing will begin within the second quarter of this yr, and the watches will take 5 months to finish. The stAriadne comes on an identical black alligator leather-based strap with a folding clasp that options one other sunclaw. Try the Ace Jewelers web site for extra info on this restricted version.
Additionally, don’t overlook to let me know what you consider this triple-calendar chronograph with a moonphase show and a high-contrast dial within the feedback under.
