Kudoke 5 Hand-Engraved Dome Watch — WatchProSite Forum Digest

mahesh · 2025-04-01T08:27:23Z

Discover the Kudoke 5, Stefan Kudoke's latest independent watch with a hand-engraved dome, innovative movement, and unique 24-hour display.

mahesh

WPS member · Independents forum

22 replies2262 views5 photos

Mahesh introduces the Kudoke 5, a timepiece that exemplifies Stefan Kudoke's consistent design philosophy while pushing boundaries in case, movement, and time display. This article highlights the watch's central hand-engraved dome, a refined evolution of the Kudoke 2's complication. It offers a detailed look at the innovative movement design, including a lubricant-free Zirconium ball bearing, making it a compelling read for enthusiasts of independent watchmaking.

22 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

I love the fact that the design elements of Kudoke has been extremely consistent while gaining high level of refinement with each model…

As many of you might know Stefan is an expert watchmaker who became an engraver by passion.

Kudoke 5 is a consistent design from earlier models but with a complete new case, movement and the way of time display!

The central dome is what has been the famous complication of Kudoke 2 but here it gains the principle focus !

38 mm case with 12mm thickness including the sapphire dome (7mm without sapphire).

Lug to Lug is practical 47mm and on the wrist the fit is fantastic.

Entire dome is hand engraved by Stefan, to put in perspective it is 0,5mm thick brass and 0,2mm at the thinnest point…so engraving on it isn’t really a cake walk.

then electroplated to bring each elements to life…including the northern star ⭐️

Movement is similar finish to earlier Kudoke but the redesign is to run a dome with central pinion and a Zirconium ball bearing to avoid lubricants!

The peripheral disc has 24 hours display and the pointer in the day and night shows what time it is…

Hope you enjoy it. Let me know your thoughts!

Reference: Kudoke 5

Best,
Mahesh.,

Key Points from the Discussion

The Kudoke 5's one-handed display, while artistically engaging due to the hand-engraved dome, may be too vague for some who prefer more precise timekeeping, contrasting it with other one-hander watches that offer additional features like seconds or date.
The intricate dial work on the Kudoke 5 is highly praised for its beauty, with some suggesting that the aesthetic appeal might outweigh the practical need for precise time indication.
One-hand watches are fascinating for their ability to make one less conscious of the passage of time, with the Kudoke 5 offering a minimalist expression.
The 24-hour display on the peripheral disc is a deliberate design choice, allowing for better power reserve management relative to the torque required to move the dome, which is heavier than traditional hands.
The design and unique time display of the Kudoke 5 are lauded for their originality.

The Discussion

quattro

Apr 1, 2025

Both very understated or minimalistic and somehow flamboyant:

very original and nice design and way of displaying time. Thanks for sharing. Best, Emmanuel

mahesh

Apr 1, 2025

Thanks Em, I agree it is refined and a flamboyant too

Marc Obermann

Apr 1, 2025

That really is very different.

The amount of dial work on this is incredible and beautiful, maybe I am not fully understanding it but it seems you can only tell the hour and then to the nearest 15 minute intervals. I'm not sure just how many would be happy with keeping time this way. But I suppose with a dial this beautiful who cares what the time is. Marc

cazalea

Apr 2, 2025

That’s the case with my Silberstein Pikto & also most one-hand watches

Honestly a one-hander is too boring and vague for me, like this Schauer, except the Pikto has seconds AND the SmileDay feature, and a date, and the hands make me smile: The artwork is what you have to be content with on Stefan’s watch. Cazalea

mahesh

Apr 3, 2025

I fully understand sir but I just realized we are exactly the opposite…

I do find one hand watches fascinating for the fact one never realizes passage of time. In fact I find Schauer a great minimalist expression while Silberstien is something I’m afraid is too playful, if I may say so for a lack of better vocabulary.

mahesh

Apr 3, 2025

I do agree, it is definitely not for one who needs time

But just a different way of giving an estimate. May be one fun watch of a collection.

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Independents forum with 22 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →