The Christiaan van der Klaauw Ariadne Reijersen Collectors Version

Earlier this week, we have been proud to convey you the information and our unique dwell photos of the up to date Christiaan van der Klaauw Ariadne. We offered to you the three basic editions of this watch, an vital one for the model. To begin with, these timepieces marked the evolution of an emblematic mannequin of CVDK, a cornerstone watch that has been in assortment for a few years. And, in all equity, it’s a extremely profitable enchancment, with out compromising on the model’s DNA. Second, it’s the primary watch to go away the atelier beneath the model’s new route, with Pim Koeslag at its head. Nicely, there’s extra in regards to the redesigned Christiaan van der Klaauw Ariadne that we haven’t proven but. Meet the opposite two editions, in beautiful salmon or turquoise, made particularly for Dutch retailer Reijersen. And ensure to not miss our video that can let you know all about CVDK, its historical past, the Ariadne watches and these two beautiful restricted editions.

Let’s begin with a brief introduction in regards to the current companions for these two restricted editions. On one aspect is what’s most likely essentially the most enduring watchmaker of The Netherlands, Christiaan van der Klaauw. In 1974, he opened his personal enterprise and offered his first clock with astronomical complication – a theme that can change into a signature aspect of just about all timepieces he created. Essentially the most emblematic wristwatch produced by Christiaan van der Klaauw is, unquestionably the Planetarium, offered in 1999 and nonetheless to this date the smallest mechanical planetarium ever created. Following the transmission of the corporate in 2009, the model bearing his title will focus totally on astronomical issues. The Ariadne, though one of the crucial basic and easiest watches within the assortment, retains some capabilities that may be linked to the world of astronomy.

An vital change occurred for the model final 12 months. Certainly, Dutch grasp watchmaker Pim Koeslag joined the model as co-owner and technical director, buying a majority stake within the model. For the file, the person has been the driving pressure behind the Swiss-Dutch model Frederique Fixed from 2003 and 2022, in addition to the co-founder of high-end model Ateliers DeMonaco. Koeslag’s concept isn’t to vary every part; the model has a powerful DNA and its personal persona, which ought to be stored alive. Nevertheless, it’s time for evolution and fashions must be revamped to convey one thing contemporary and new. And, realizing Koeslag’s mechanical inventiveness and expertise as a watchmaker, there’s little doubt that he’ll convey new issues to the model within the close to future.

Final however not least, there’s a third get together concerned in these new editions of the Christiaan van der Klaauw Ariadne, and it’s one of many model’s oldest companions, Dutch watch retailer Reijersen. Situated within the metropolis of Oudewater and specialising in uncommon restricted editions and authentic watches (equivalent to Ateliers DeMonaco, Czapek and CVDK), Reijersen describes itself as “a jeweller-gastronome, a jeweller for gourmets, each when it comes to the distinctive watch collections, in addition to when it comes to culinary indulgences and hospitality.” Coming into the shop is a somewhat completely different expertise that mixes gastronomy and horology. Reijersen and Koeslag labored collectively a number of instances previously to design particular watch editions – such because the Frederique Fixed Slimline Perpetual Calendar Manufacture “De Burgemeester” Version. Now, they be a part of forces for the primary watch beneath CVDK’s new route.

The brand new CVDK Ariadne

Earlier than transferring to the specificities of those two Reijersen restricted editions, let’s transfer again just a little in time and verify what the brand new Christiaan van der Klaauw Ariadne watches are all about. To begin with, what issues is that we’re speaking in regards to the revamp of an present mannequin, not a wholly new watch. The Ariadne is among the classics within the model’s portfolio, and certainly one of its most accessible fashions. It could possibly’t compete when it comes to exclusivity and mechanical amazement with watches equivalent to the Planetarium or the Cosmic Reall Moon Joure, however it stays however a typical CVDK watch in its personal respect. Under, the three basic editions of the brand new Ariadne (in blue, silver or anthracite).

To begin with, opposite to the fashions talked about above, the Ariadne doesn’t include a self-developed unique complication. Nevertheless, it does convey to the dial a somewhat spectacular set of indications and capabilities, a few of them simply associated to astronomy. The Ariadne is a watch that mixes an computerized chronograph with a whole calendar with a sublime pointer-date, a day-night indicator and a moonphase, all due to an outsourced motion. What makes the Ariadne particular is the visible execution and the ornament of the motion. For a few years, it has been a watch with a basic silvery-white dial and stamped guilloche-like sample (with some higher-end editions with true guilloche dials).

This 12 months, this mannequin will get an intensive facelift, which considerations its dial and the ornament of the motion. What doesn’t change is the technical base of the watch. The metal case stays an identical, at 40mm in diameter, with a totally polished floor. Rounded, with pronounced lugs that includes a screw-cap, it has all of the components of a CVDK, together with the quicky chronograph pushers and the onion-shaped crown. No evolution on that aspect, as this case has lots to do within the model’s attraction.

Turning the watch over, you’ll see the identical motion as earlier than, the calibre CVDK7758, primarily based on a tried-and-tested Valjoux motion. It comes outfitted with a whole calendar and a moon part, a pointer-date with central hand, a 24-hour sub-dial working as a day-night indicator, month and weekday indications in home windows at 12 o’clock and all basic sub-dials of a Valjoux-based tri-compax chronograph. What modifications is the ornament, principally of the rotor. It’s achieved by well-known engraver Jochen Benzinger and divulges a guilloché sample and a hand-engraved gold-plated solar… Fairly pretty certainly.

The work achieved by Koeslag on this watch is visible – it’s too quickly to see technical developments but. The thought was to convey a contemporary, extra trendy and extra high-end look to the dial of the Christiaan van der Klaauw Ariadne. For this, the basic silvery-white stamped dial has been changed by one thing far bolder, and extra vibrant, exhibiting way more textures and ornament strategies. The idea is, with out turning its again totally to the previous, to enhance the legibility and reinforce the visible presence. For that, the bottom of the dial now has a colored (silver, anthracite or blue for the basic fashions) and frosted surfaces. That is used as a canvas for a large number of raised parts…

Now, all counters are framed by silver-coloured and round brushed rings, much more pronounced than earlier than. In the identical vein, the Breguet numerals are utilized and executed in a contrasting color, pairing with the elegant blued Breguet arms. The date on the periphery of the dial can be executed in a brushed, silvered ring and the moonphase sits beneath a blue starry sky. Lastly, CVDK’s solar brand sits proudly in a round cartouche at 3 o’clock, balancing the dial. No must say, the watch is extra full of life, extra current and brings a extra luxurious take. It has extra persona, regardless of dropping a little bit of its basic, restrained look.

The Ariadne Reijersen Collector’s Editions

Along with the three basic editions of the Ariadne that will likely be accessible straight from Christiaan van der Klaauw and from its community of outlets, the model has been engaged on two restricted editions made completely for Dutch watch retailer Reijersen. They usually went for extremely interesting, fashionable colors that can certainly converse to the amassing neighborhood. Even bolder than the basic variations, extra playful and with a better collectability potential.

What we’re speaking about are only a completely different color of dial and a unique strap. However most of you already know {that a} color could make a world of distinction. Reijersen selected for 2 colors which have just lately change into extremely popular; pink-salmon on one aspect and turquoise “Tiffany-like” on the opposite. Each retain the identical frosted end as the remainder of the gathering, which pairs right here with contrasting blue parts on the arms and numerals. Tasteful combos for positive, leading to watches with a good stronger attraction.

So as to add one other contact of exclusivity, the alligator straps of the basic Christiaan van der Klaauw Ariadne editions have been changed by extra informal buffalo leather-based straps – in brownish-grey for the salmon version and in deep blue for the turquoise Reijersen-only mannequin. Each are closed by a folding clasp with the CVDK brand.

Availability & Worth

The 2 Christiaan van der Klaauw Ariadne Reijersen Collector’s Watches are every restricted to 50 items, and accessible completely from the Reijersen retailer in Oudewater. The worth is EUR 8,450 (incl. taxes). For extra particulars, please go to www.klaauw.com and reijersenjuweliers.nl.