ARIADNE NAVY BLUE

Boasting an array of complications, the Ariadne Navy Blue watch by Christiaan van der Klaauw is a technically masterful wristwatch characterised by contemporary aesthetics. Housed within a steel casing, the model features a Chronograph, together with a triple calendar and an exquisite moon phase indicator, laid out on a superlative frosted dial of deep blue. An excellent example which is beautifully executed throughout, this edition is powered by a superb mechanical automatic calibre featuring a hand engraved rotor by master craftsman Jochen Benzinger, adding further distinction to the watch.

Inspired by a love of astronomy and horology, in 1974 Christiaan van der Klaauw, established his eponymous atelier. An honorary member of the AHCI, his astronomical complications have received acclaim throughout the world. On his retirement in 2009, the company was placed into the safe hands of Daniël and Maria Reintjes, who have continued to develop this prestigious atelier with the focus solely on astronomical watches. Notably the company has been on the official ‘Haute Horlogerie’ White Paper list since 2016, distinguishing CVDK as an independent watch brand that can lay claim to the significant term of ‘Haute Horlogerie’, the ultimate mark of respect within the industry. The Ariadne Navy Blue watch forms part of a series which is the first in the company’s portfolio to leave their atelier under the leadership of renowned Master Watchmaker, Technical Director and co-owner, Pim Koeslag who brings both his expertise and also modern new aesthetics to the collection.

Against a frosted background of deep blue, the indications are perfectly arranged for clarity and readability, with each subdial framed by a cleanly styled ring with a pristine brushed finish. At the 12 o’clock, the day of the week and the month are read via apertures set within the 30-minute chronograph counter. At the 6 o’clock a divine little moonphase displays the moon in the upper with a starry sky beneath, and with the counter also showing the 12-hour elapsed time for the chronograph. At 9 o’clock, a 24 hour scale displays day/night and also the small seconds, while giving equipoise, its opposing counter at 3 o’clock houses the company’s signature ‘Sun with 12 Claws’ logo.

From the centre, a red hand marks the chronograph seconds, joined by elegant hour and minutes hands, and refined applied numerals, with each element silver toned, so that they stand out splendidly against the blue frosted dial. Finally, an elongated pointer date hand reaches out to its scale on the outer dial indicating the date via an elegant red crescent.

The watch resides in a polished stainless steel case, sized at 40mm. Classically rounded in style, it has prominent squared-off lugs which extend and curve beautifully to ensure a comfortable wear. The onion-style crown, a definitive feature of CVDK, is joined by elegant pushers for the chronograph.

On turning the piece over, one can view the meticulous decoration on the CVDK7758 automatic cam-lever chronograph calibre through the sapphire crystal caseback. Flawless in its execution, the movement is equipped with a power reserve of 48 hours, and the arrangement of the movement is enhanced by a resplendent rotor based on the form of the company’s ‘Sun with 12 Claws’ logo, which features fine guilloché work and also hand-engraving by master engraver Jochen Benzinger.

An excellent example of a contemporary chronograph, featuring a significant level of Haute Horlogerie craftsmanship, the Ariadne Navy Blue watch by Christiaan van der Klaauw is presented on a blue alligator leather strap, secured with an engraved folding clasp in steel.