Stefan Kudoke founded his brand in 2004. Kudoke’s career path commenced with training as a watchmaker at jeweler watchmaker Hoffmann in Frankfurt and eventually at Glashütte in Saxony. Having amassed a wealth of horological experience, Kudoke, pursued a business administration degree from the University of Applied Sciences Lausitz in Senftenberg and eventually the Institute of Technology in Letterkenny with the majors in marketing and design. This allowed Kudoke to excel at both producing, creating, and ultimately making his brand successful.

The relatively young brand was originally known for its meticulously finished skeletonised movements. The introduction of the brand’s first in-house movement, kalibre 1, signified a turning point for the Dresden-based watchmaker. The Kalibre 1 was inspired by 19th-century pocket watch movements, the construction of the movement was made in collaboration with Habring 2 as described by our colleague SJX.

In an interview conducted by Montredo, when asked if Stefan was inspired by other brands or trends he replied with the following:

I have specialized in skeleton watches during the last 15 years – a niche per definition – and I do not follow trends. I just build watches that I like.

– Stefan Kudoke

This Kudoke 2 was originally introduced in 2019 and went on to win the Petite Aiguille prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). The elegant proportions of this particular example measure, 39mm x 10.70mm, fitting the wrist rather well. The fully polished case is made of 5N rose gold blended in with 16% Palladium making the case slightly darker than the usual rose gold.

The Dial

The juxtaposing of Roman and Arabic numerals on the radium-plated chapter rings offers a degree of contrast paired with design flair. The magic of the dial is found at 12 o’clock, the doomed sky-disc features hand engraving and hand-hammered surfaces and serves as a day-night indicator. The doré triangle found near the moon and stars acts as the indicator. The high polished infinite hour hand and minutes hand are made of rose gold and provide a stark contrast from the black dial. The dial is signed Kudoke and Germany.

Movement

In contrast to the usual movement finish, this particular example features a hand-engraved motif found throughout the base plate. The hand-wound, Kalibre 1, has a 46-hour power reserve and beats at 28’800 vph.

Brand: Kudoke
Model: Kudoke 2
Movement: Kalibre 1
Case Diameter: 39mm
Year: 2020
Box & Papers: Complete Set.

Stefan Kudoke founded his brand in 2004. Kudoke’s career path commenced with training as a watchmaker at jeweler watchmaker Hoffmann in Frankfurt and eventually at Glashütte in Saxony. Having amassed a wealth of horological experience, Kudoke, pursued a business administration degree from the University of Applied Sciences Lausitz in Senftenberg and eventually the Institute of Technology in Letterkenny with the majors in marketing and design. This allowed Kudoke to excel at both producing, creating, and ultimately making his brand successful.