Celestial Harmony: Ace Jewelers and Christiaan van der Klaauw Unveil the stAriadne Timepiece

The recent collaboration between Ace Jewelers and Christiaan van der Klaauw has culminated in the creation of the stAriadne, a limited-edition timepiece that beautifully marries astronomical precision with sophisticated design. This exclusive watch, limited to 50 pieces, introduces star-shaped hour markers—a first for a brand deeply rooted in celestial themes—and an elegant fog grey dial inspired by the Amsterdam cityscape. It represents a significant milestone for both Dutch entities, harmonizing their expertise and shared passion for independent watchmaking into a truly unique offering that captures both the cosmos and urban elegance.

Celestial Elegance Unveiled: The stAriadne's Debut

On November 3, 2026, a remarkable collaboration between Amsterdam-based Ace Jewelers and Dutch watchmaker Christiaan van der Klaauw culminated in the unveiling of the stAriadne timepiece. This limited edition of 50 pieces showcases a distinctive integration of celestial artistry and refined urban aesthetics. For the first time in Christiaan van der Klaauw's history, known for its astronomical timepieces, star-shaped hour markers grace the dial of the Ariadne model. The watch features a robust stainless steel case framing a fog grey dial, which boasts a frosted texture, beautifully contrasted by circular brushed black counter rings. This monochromatic palette, extending to the hands, day/month discs, and moon phase display, draws inspiration from the subtle hues of the Amsterdam cityscape.

The partnership itself is a story of long-standing admiration and shared vision. Ace Jewelers' CEO, Alon Ben Joseph, recalls a meeting with Christiaan van der Klaauw at the Basel watch fair in the 1980s, sparking decades of appreciation for the brand. This admiration blossomed into an official exclusive retailer arrangement in Amsterdam, eventually leading to this highly anticipated collaborative project. The stAriadne is powered by a self-winding movement, intricately supporting a chronograph, a comprehensive full calendar with date, day, and month displays, and a precise moon phase indicator, all elegantly presented within the consistent visual framework of the dial.

Adding a bespoke touch, each of the 50 pieces is custom-made, offering clients a choice between Dutch and English calendar discs. Early patrons who secure one of the first 20 editions will also have the privilege of having their chosen edition number hand-engraved on the movement's rotor by the esteemed master engraver, Jochen Benzinger. This timepiece, reference CM3008, is priced at €9,700 including VAT for EU shipments and approximately €8,016 excluding VAT for international orders, aligning with the pricing of standard Ariadne models at their launch. This collaboration not only fulfills a long-held ambition for Ace Jewelers but also further solidifies Christiaan van der Klaauw's legacy of astronomical watchmaking, which began with its founder's first astronomical clock in 1974.

This collaboration serves as a profound reminder that true craftsmanship transcends mere functionality, venturing into the realm of art and personal expression. The stAriadne is more than just a time-telling device; it's a wearable piece of the cosmos, meticulously crafted to evoke wonder and precision. For enthusiasts and collectors, it highlights the enduring allure of independent watchmaking and the magic that unfolds when two passionate entities converge to create something truly exceptional and deeply personal. It inspires us to look beyond the ordinary and appreciate the intricate beauty in every detail, whether it's the subtle glimmer of a star-shaped marker or the seamless blend of urban and celestial influences.