Collectors and avid watch enthusiasts have long known that the area surrounding Dresden, Germany, especially Glashütte, is a hotbed for fine watchmaking. But we don't often associate the area with independent watchmakers. That might be changing now though.

The independent brand, KUDOKE, is making a serious name for itself amongst the titans of the region. The brand's first in-house caliber watches, KUDOKE 1 & 2, have recently gained critical acclaim and popularity with the latter timepiece winning the Petite Aiguille category at the 2019 GPHG Awards - the best watch between CHF4,000 - 10,000.

The Kudoke 2 won the Petite Aiguille category at the GPHG Awards best watch between CHF 4,000 - 10,000.

The watchmaker behind his eponymous brand, Stefan Kudoke, is a veteran in the craft, especially with his prolific work on skeletonized and engraved timepieces. As one can see in the brand's first product line, KUNSTwerk, Stefan rolled up his sleeves to produce creative skeletonized and engraved timepieces, beginning back at the founding of the company in 2005. Now, the brand's newest product line, HANDwerk, launching with KUDOKE 1 and 2, has a radically different, beautifully minimalist aesthetic. So how did the watchmaker and brand transition so smoothly from its mostly skeletonized, engraved KUNSTwerk timepieces to the Kudoke 1 & 2? Stefan helped us fill out the background story when we spoke to him recently.

"After developing the KUNSTwerk line for over 10 years and perfecting skeletonization by hand, it was just time to do something new and face a new challenge. For some time now, I've been tempted by the idea of going to the core of traditional watchmaking, but without neglecting the artistic aspect [of the craft]. This gave rise to the idea of creating a new line with its own caliber and a very simple appearance in contrast to KUNSTwerk. There should be two completely different lines that complement each other, but do not compete. One can say like two sides of a single personality. The connecting element is and remains the typical signature of perfect craftsmanship and creative creativity."

Kudoke Watches’ very own, Stefan Kudoke hard at work on one of the Kudoke 1 watches.

Two sides of a single personality does carry over to the refined minimalism of KUDOKE 1 & 2. One must only look at the little breadcrumbs in each timepiece left by the watchmaker, showing his affinity to the art form of engraving - the Kudoke 2’s hand-engraved 24hr indicator and the engraving on the in-house KALIBER 1 movement represent this. And in this new found side of the same "personality," Stefan mentioned, "it was surprising how many collectors and watch enthusiasts first noticed us through the HANDwerk line." And deservedly so. Each priced under CHF10,000, the KUDOKE 1 & 2 is phenomenal value for money.

Everything on both timepieces comes together to provide a beautiful, minimalist aesthetic watch that oozes quality. And that feeling, that idea that both really are high quality timepieces comes from the details.

The dial has a lot of texture and personality, though it might seem simple at first glance. From an unusual, and quite creative, blued, infinity-symbol hour hand to the raised chapter ring for the minutes, the care and craft is there, yet subtle. Certainly less subtle on the KUDOKE 2, where the 24hr indicator at 12 o’clock commands attention from the eye, immediately drawing it near to examine the clarity of day / night engraving work.

If the dial side of KUDOKE 1 & 2 represents more subtlety and elegance, the caseback displays the overt look of craftsmanship. Stefan’s first in-house caliber, KALIBER 1, is used in both watches, and makes its link to 19th century, English pocket watches clear with frosted, gilt bridges and a large, hand-engraved balance cock across the center of the movement. Based on a Valjoux 7750 with unfinished components supplied by fellow independent, Habring2, the movement is robust, reliable, and very well finished. One look and it becomes clear why KUDOKE has gained serious momentum at this price point. And where’s it all headed now?

As for the future of KUDOKE, Stefan is working hard to maintain the winning consistency in the KUDOKE 1 & 2 - an honest product at honest prices without sacrificing quality. He says more from the KUNSTwerk product line is in the making. For the rest of us, we can only eagerly await what’s next.

The KUNSTwerk product line - KudOktopus Model

Kudoke Watches- A Brand Profile