KUDOKE 5

Since 2018, when the basic Calibre 1 movement was developed, KUDOKE's HANDwerk collection has been gradually evolving. The KUDOKE 1 and KUDOKE 2 models from 2019 first introduced Stefan Kudoke's distinctive handwriting. These were followed in 2023 by the KUDOKE 3, which offered an unusual perspective on time, and a year later by the KUDOKE ∞, inspired by the idea of infinity. The current continuation of this series is the KUDOKE 5 – a watch that puts 24-hour time at its core and creates a new way of perceiving the connection between time and space.

The KUDOKE 5 (K5) builds on the acclaimed K2 model but takes it further in terms of design, technical solution, and craftsmanship. While in the K2, the 24-hour scale was more of an accessory, here it becomes the main element. The dial is dominated by a hand-engraved, convex celestial disk that rotates once every 24 hours. Around it is a two-part ring with quarter-hour divisions for easy time reading. Finely brushed edges create interesting light reflections that change with the angle of incident light.

However, the function is not just a visual element – it mimics the natural daily rhythm. It displays time according to the sun's movement across the sky, without artificial phase divisions. The upper half of the disk shows the current time – when the illuminated part is at the top, it's noon, and when the night part is, it's midnight. This allows time to be perceived intuitively without the need for precise reading or looking out the window.

The celestial disk is hand-engraved and, when viewed closely, reveals the constellation of Ursa Minor with Polaris, which has served as a reference point in the northern hemisphere for centuries. The symbolism combines technical precision with human perception of space and time. Different parts of the disk are galvanically treated – in gold, white, and black rhodium – creating striking contrasts and highlighting the details of the engraving.

The case, designed by Stefan Kudoke, appears elegant and balanced. The optical height of the watch is only 7 mm, with an overall height of 12 mm including the convex sapphire crystal. The 38 mm diameter ensures comfortable wear and a discreet look. A distinctive feature is precisely the highly domed crystal, which accentuates the celestial disk and gives the watch a spatial effect.

Inside, the proprietary KALIBER 1 movement operates, modified with a 24-hour mechanism, which is visible through the transparent case back. Precise hand-finishing and classic decorative techniques correspond to the brand's high standard. To reduce friction caused by the disk's weight, a ball bearing system was integrated into the mechanism for the first time, allowing for smooth movement without the need for additional lubrication.

Stefan Kudoke says about the K5 model:
"With this watch, we continue our tradition of combining mechanics with a creative approach. The K5 offers a different perspective on time – slower, more natural. In an age when everything is accelerating, the slowly rotating disk reminds us that time is not a current that carries us away, but a flow that we can perceive consciously."

Stefan Kudoke was born in Frankfurt on September 18, 1978. From 1995 to 1998, he completed his watchmaking education at the Hoffmann watchmaker's workshop in Frankfurt and in Glashütte, Saxony. Since July 2001, he has been a master watchmaker. Subsequently, he studied business administration at the University of Applied Sciences Lausitz in Senftenberg and the Institute of Technology in Letterkenny (Ireland), specializing in marketing and design. He gained his professional experience at the Atelier für Komplikationen in Glashütte Original and in New York at Breguet, Blancpain, and Omega.

Since March 2004, Stefan Kudoke has been working as an independent watchmaker. Exactly one year later, he founded the KUDOKE brand, whose goal is to produce luxury watches with a high degree of individualization.

In 2018, Kudoke debuted with his own Caliber 1 movement, whose architecture is based on the designs of Habring Felix. This caliber was used in the Kudoke 1 and Kudoke 2 models, which were presented with AHCI at Baselworld in 2019. The Kudoke 2 won the "Petite Aiguille" award for watches in the price range between 4,000 and 10,000 CHF at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève in November 2019, which was his first win.

He is a member of AHCI.