Best known for its astronomical complications, Christiaan van der Klaauw (CVDK) has created a special run of its chronograph with complete calendar and moon phase for its retailer in the Netherlands. The Ace x Christiaan van der Klaauw stAriadne Amsterdam Star is preserves the original design but adds a “fog grey” dial with star-shaped indices inspired by the “Stelline” dials found on 1950s Rolex watches.

Initial thoughts

The independent brand’s collaboration with Ace Jewelers is logical since both hail from the same country. The stAriadne stands out with its star indices that replaces the Arabic numerals of the standard model. A nod to the Rolex ref. 6062, star dials are relatively rare in contemporary timepieces, rendering this release quite distinctive.

That being said, this is essentially an Ariadne with a new dial. Ideally, it would have been more interesting with mechanical tweaks to the largely standard Valjoux chronograph movement, a reliable but thick movement with shortish power reserve.

But considering it is a limited edition of 50 pieces priced at €7,180 – about the same as the standard model – it is a reasonable proposition.

A “star” dial 

The stAriadne is the latest iteration of the Ariadne, one of the longstanding models in the CVDK line-up. Since its launch, the model has been powered by the Valjoux 7758, a variant of the familiar 7750 chronograph movement that has the addition of a complete calendar and moon phase.

Last year, the Ariadne received a makeover with a frosted dial, Breguet numerals, and contrast-colour scales on the registers, giving it a more contemporary look. 

According to its maker, the stAriadne is modelled on the “star” dials of mid-century vintage watches, most notably the Rolex “Stelline” ref. 6062 triple calendar. 

The star indices are applied to a pale grey dial with a frosted texture that is meant to evoke Amsterdam’s cityscape. For contrast, the radially-brushed counter scales are in black, along with the most of the hands, the calendar and moon phase discs, resulting in a near-monochromatic black and grey colour scheme.

Besides the cosmetic changes, the stAriadne has the same dial as in the standard model, which has the usual layout of the Valjoux 7758 where the calendar indications are combined with the chronograph registers. The 24-hour indicator, for instance, is located in the small seconds sub-dial, balanced by the CVDK sun logo at three.

The case is in the same style as most of CVDK watches. Steel with a 40 mm diameter, it has a domed bezel, screw-down “onion” crown and straight lugs.

The stAriadne utilises the CVDK7758, which is a Valjoux 7758 but one decorated more than usual, most notably with a gold rotor decorated with hand-engraved guilloche done by German guillocheur Jochen Benzinger.

The solid rose gold rotor has a guilloche, rhodium-plated outer rim

Key facts and price

Ace x Christiaan van der Klaauw stAriadne Amsterdam Star
Ref. CM3008

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: Unavailable
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: CVDK7758
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, complete calendar, day, date, month (available in Dutch and English), day-night indicator, moon phase and chronograph
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 48 hours

Strap: Alligator strap with folding clasp

Limited edition: 50 pieces
Availability: Direct from Ace Jewelers and AceJewelers.com
Price: €7,180 (excluding taxes)

For more, visit Acejewelers.com.