Hands on review of Kudoke 2

Nov 28, 2020,17:30 PM
 




As he won the Prize in the Petite Aiguille Category at GPHG just one year ago, Stefan Kudoke came to the foreground and his notoriety made a big jump in the world of watch aficionados. He was actually the first independent watchmaker from Germany to be awarded by the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.

This is where I actually discovered Stefan and his Handwerk line Kudoke 1 and 2. Both are powered by the Kaliber 1 movement but the Kudoke 2 attracted me at the first glance thanks to its large beautifully hand-engraved  day-night indication at 12 o’clock.






But there is actually much more to appreciate than just this beautiful rotating domed sky disk. Another eye-catcher is Stefan’s hallmark infinity hour hand, the symbol of time itself wink. Without you noticing, the Kudoke 2 decelerates and relaxes the experience of time  with the omission of a seconds hand.  However the usual feeling of emptiness in the lower part of the dial in a two-hands watch is not present here at all thanks to a well balanced design : a small plaque wisely positioned in the lower part of the dial for discretely occupying the space still leaves the day-night indication at 12 o’clock catch the attention…




The nicely shaped onion crown reminds us of the vintage inspiration of the Handwerk line that finds its roots in the vintage production of Glashütte- or Dresden old masters…



But I am wondering which one of the front or back side should be the « show stopper » as they both deserve the highlight. When designing Kaliber I, Stefan Kudoke found valuable impulses at the old Masters – in particular those of the German-English traditional handcraft of precision watchmaking. He got inspired by the design of historical English pocket watches whose use of forms he deliberately incorporated into his movement.

The finishing of the warm yellow gold color movement is simply breathtaking. All of the finishing steps are done manually including the beveling and chamfering of the large two-thirds plate, and of course the engraving of the balance cock among other elements.




Obviously I could not finish this review without the traditional wrist shots…





And that last one that maybe shows that hand-engraved day-night indication at its best…



Many thanks to Stefan and Ev Kudoke who were kind enough to give me the opportunity to try and shoot this beautiful K2 for many days 

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Thank you

 
 By: Rick.On.Watches : November 28th, 2020-18:07
I have a Kudoke2 on order and expected to arrive in a few weeks!

Cool 👍 what version did you order ?

 
 By: Mike H : November 29th, 2020-23:36
Same iteration as the one I photographed here?

Thanks for the review Mike.

 
 By: Mario : November 28th, 2020-18:11
You answered the question I was thinking about the lack of second hand. I like to see something moving on the dial.

As watch-er mentions, the Kudoke 1 might be the answer

 
 By: Mike H : November 29th, 2020-23:42
It is a beautiful watch too, ask to sham1 what he thinks about it 😉

You should teach a course on watch photography

 
 By: Lankysudanese : November 28th, 2020-19:36
I’ve got one on order, and these photos didn’t help with the painful anticipation/wait

Thanks for your kind words

 
 By: Mike H : November 29th, 2020-23:47
On the contrary my photos should help you to wait 😉. Some are saying waiting is half the pleasure (don’t worry I understand you very well, for me too it is bullsh...)

Superb review Mike!

 
 By: sham1 : November 28th, 2020-20:56
I personally am partial to the Kudoke 1 but the Kudoke 2 is also beautiful.

Thank you my friend

 
 By: Mike H : November 29th, 2020-23:48
I agree K1 is a very nice option too

Salmon

 
 By: wburdett : January 11th, 2021-09:30
Love your thoughts on salmon dial or anthracite. Great review and understanding of company. So many indys bespoke pieces and curious your thoughts if gets too far from artisans goal? Seen some great salmon dial shots with the k2 but nothing in person...Th... 

From what I know...

 
 By: Mike H : November 30th, 2020-16:48
The domed disc is fully hand-engraved and finished with a yellow gold plating as a representation of the day, with a white and black rhodium plating for the night-time indication. Having seen it in the metal, I confirm to you it is sumptuous

great review & a very gorgeous pic - the last wrist shot is awesome one !

 
 By: mahesh : November 29th, 2020-01:13
the detailing on the day-night indicator have come out very nicely on all your pics... Kudoke is a very honest work in my view & on top of it, it comes from very good couple too !! thanks for the review Mike. Best, mahesh.,

Thanks for your kind words my friend

 
 By: Mike H : November 30th, 2020-16:53
I can only agree Stefan is surely a talented watchmaker but together with his wife they are absolutely charming. It is by far much more than just nice customer experience, the relationship is true and friendly as we dream it could be everywhere.

Thanks for your kind words!

 
 By: Mike H : November 30th, 2020-16:55
Indeed it is worth seeing it IRL my friend

Excellent review Mike ...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : November 29th, 2020-04:03
It’s a beautiful watch. Simple and uncluttered design focusing on craftsmanship. Thank you for taking the time to bring us your review. Kind regards The Captain

My pleasure dear Cpt ;-)

 
 By: Mike H : November 30th, 2020-16:55

Beautiful piece and lovely execution❣️👏🏻😃

 
 By: MCG (Markus) : November 29th, 2020-07:55
The only thing, that lags finesse (imho) is the case itself. Maybe some brushed parts would be the icing on the cake... 👍🏻

Why not...

 
 By: Mike H : November 30th, 2020-16:58
I am certain Stefan would be happy to make it bespoke just for you as icing on the cake Why not asking?

Yeah, indeed, why not! 👍🏻😃

 
 By: MCG (Markus) : December 1st, 2020-07:44
Maybe simply because of funding reasons on my side... 🤷🏼‍♂️😆

Thanks for this great review my friend .

 
 By: Watchonthewrists : November 29th, 2020-08:55
You know my love for the brand and for the passion and craftsmanship of Stefan and Ev . I feel blessed to have met them a few times and proud to wear one of there amazing watches . Here my K2 and def not my last Kudoke i guess ...  

I know my friend, I know your love for this beautiful piece of yours...

 
 By: Mike H : November 30th, 2020-17:03
...and your relationship with Ev and Stefan. They are amazingly friendly I can only agree . I wish I can also visit their atelier one of these days.