Kudoke Watches

About Kudoke Watches

Kudoke watches focus on handcraft, creativity, and developing a relationship between the watchmaker and customers. With a young watchmaker at the helm who achieved his Master Craftsman Certification at the age of 22, Kudoke watches feature a level of hand finishing often reserved for the most exclusive brands, even going beyond the level of finishing and customization offered by said exclusive brands.

With an independent spirit and a high level of attention to detail, Kudoke Watches is a great brand for those interested in independent watchmaking and adding a unique timepiece to their collection.

Kudoke History

Kudoke as a brand was founded by Stefan Kudoke. His interest in mechanical timekeeping started at a young age when two masters craftsmen introduced Stefan to working with mechanical watches. Stefan went on to receive his watch-making certification and worked for Glashütte Original in their complication and prototyping department.

He then worked in the United States working in the service department for Breguet, Blancpain, and Omega in New York City. As already mentioned, Stefan received his Master Craftsman Certification at the age of 22.

Combining an interest in business with his passion for watchmaking, Stefan founded Kudoke Watches in 2008 with the intention of creating hand-crafted timepieces that offered a level of creativity and customization often not available to most watch buyers.

Kudoke Collections

Kudoke watches offers a catalog that is a combination of standard production models, piece uniques, and fully custom timepieces. Even the standard production models have opportunities for customization, making each watch as unique as their future owner. Below is an overview of Kudoke's catalog, outlining the product lines the brand has to offer.

Kudoke HANDwerk

The HANDwek (handcraft) collection is the platform for Kudoke's in-house calibers. These models focus on offering a high level of hand finishing and are built around the Kudoke Kaliber 1. Based on the design of an antique English pocket watch movement, the Kaliber 1 is completely hand-finished and assembled.

The models based upon this movement are the Kudoke 1 (time-only), Kudoke 2 (24-hour indication), Kudoke 3 (4-hand time display), and the Kudoke Infinity. The Kudoke 3 features a unique way of displaying the time. The minutes are displayed normally, with the hours displayed via a radial display taking up the top portion of the watch, with a three-pronged hour hand utilized to indicate the hours.

Kudoke KUNSTwerk

The KUNTSwerk (work of art) collection focuses on Stefan Kudoke's skill at hand engraving and skeletonization. The skeletonization process removes material from the bridge plates of the movement, revealing the springs and gears that make the watch work.

As if Kudoke's skill in finishing and skeletonization was not enough, the KUNTSwerk collection features engraved designs, from octopi and gem set skulls to more traditional guilloche dials and closed dials with engraved flowers.

How Much Do Kudoke Watches Cost?

Despite the level of handwork that goes into Kudoke watches, the prices for these timepieces are relatively reasonable. Prices start at $4,840 for the Kudoke Classic in stainless steel and rise to $18,760 for the Kudoke 2 with an 18k rose gold case.

Most models within the Kudoke catalog range between $9,000 to $12,000. Below is a table highlighting different models, their prices, and distinctive features.

Best Selling Kudoke Watches

Here are some of the best sellers from the Kudoke Watches collections:

Kudoke 1 Silver Dial

Likely the most conventional-looking Kudoke timepiece, the Kudoke 1 features the brand's manufacture movement, offering both the hand finishing and unique movement one would expect from a handmade timepiece.

The Kudoke 1 measures 39mm in diameter, is made of stainless steel, and is water resistant to 50 meters. The Kaliber 1 is a hand-wound movement displaying the hours, minutes, and a sub-second display at 9 o'clock. The Kaliber 1 has a 46-hour power reserve.

Kudoke KudOktopus

The KudOktopus is the watch that brought Kudoke to the forefront of more mainstream watch media. The movement design and skeletonization display what Stefan Kudoke set out to do with his own watch brand.

The bridges of the movement have been engraved and shaped to resemble an octopus and its tentacles, making it appear as if the octopus is holding the watch together. The watch is cased in stainless steel and measures 41mm in diameter.

Kudoke Infinity

The Kudoke Infinity is a special piece within the HANDwerk collection. With a hand-engraved version of the Kaliber 1 inside, the dial is made of aventurine glass, which resembles a night sky filled with stars. While not a limited edition, the Kudoke Infinity is limited to only 12 timepieces per year, making it a very special watch that would be the highlight of any collection.

Kudoke Real Skeleton

The Kudoke Real Skeleton takes the idea of a skeletonized watch to a higher level. The baseplates of the movement are skeletonized and decorated to resemble bones and a large skull on the dial.

The bones appear to be holding the gears and springs together while still allowing a full view of the watch's inner workings within. The skull also has diamonds set into the eyes for added visual effect. The case is made of stainless steel and measures 41mm in diameter.

Kudoke Movements

Kudoke watches utilize hand-wound mechanical movements that are either highly modified in-house, such as in the KUNTSwerk collection, or are developed, manufactured, and assembled in-house.

The proprietary movements are referred to as the Kaliber 1 and are used in the HANDwerk collection. The Kalber 1 is utilized in different formats depending on the displays on the dial, and the level of finishing involved.

Kudoke Watch Colors

Kudoke Watches mostly stick with traditional colors for their watches. Skeletonized watches will feature a variety of metal tones, including silver, gold, and black rhodium plating. Kudoke also uses solid silver dials in some watches.

The watches in the HANDwerk collection stick with solid dials, with the option of silver, black, or salmon. The Infinity model uses an aventurine dial, which has a dark blue appearance to it.

Stock straps are also in traditional hues, meaning mostly black, navy, and brown straps. The color is chosen to best match the model, but can also be customized by the client.

Kudoke Watch Materials

Kudoke sticks to traditional materials for their watches, focusing on steel and 18k rose gold for the cases, with the matching metal used for the strap buckle. Straps used are made of various types of leather, including exotic leathers and Alcantara.

Kudoke Watch Types

Kudoke watches are primarily dress or traditionally styled watches. While models in the HANDwerk collection may be more avant-garde due to the skeletonization design, the case designs remain traditional. However, most of the cases measure 38-41 mm in diameter, making them very much in line with modern tastes. Those looking for a robust sports watch should look elsewhere.

Kudoke Watch Complications

Currently, Kudoke does not offer many complications. The Kudoke 2 features a 24-hour Day/Night indicator, and the Kudoke 3 has a unique time display. Otherwise, the primary focus of Kudoke watches is the level of craftsmanship.

Kudoke Sizes

Most Kudoke watches are either 39mm in diameter (especially the HANDwerk collection) or 41mm in diameter. There are some models that are slightly smaller at 38mm. Given that the dial takes up a large portion of these designs, they will wear slightly larger than their indicated size.

Kudoke Partnerships & Brand Ambassadors

Kudoke does not have traditional partnerships and brand ambassadors like other bigger brands. Given the nature of their business, sponsoring ambassadors is not as directly advantageous as it may be for other well-known brands.

That being said, Kudoke's Real Skeleton watch was featured in the film Last Looks at the request of the writers, and the watch was used as a plot point. Kudoke also partners with various retailers to create special editions of their current watches, allowing for variations in dial colors and case finishes.

Buying Kudoke Watches

There are a number of avenues one can pursue if they are interested in purchasing a Kudoke watch. Kudoke allows potential clients to contact them through their own website. Kudoke also partners with a number of authorized dealers that sell their watches on the dealer's websites and in brick-and-mortar stores.

Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized dealer for Kudoke watches, both in-person and online. Should you have any questions about Kudoke watches, the staff at Exquisite Timepieces will be happy to assist you.

Caring for Your Kudoke Watch

Exquisite Timepieces is able to take care of all servicing procedures for your Kudoke watch and ensure it remains in top condition. Should any problems arise with your Kudoke timepiece, Exquisite Timepieces will be able to assist you.

Many service issues are easily resolved in-house, and more complicated service needs are easily facilitated with the brand, as Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized Kudoke retailer.

Kudoke FAQ

Where are Kudoke watches made?

Kudoke watches are made in Dresden, Germany

Are Kudoke watches worth it?

For those who value craftsmanship and creativity, Kudoke watches present a fantastic value and entry point into independent watchmaking.

Is Kudoke a luxury brand?

Yes, but maybe not in the traditional sense. It may be best to view Kudoke as a luxury watch manufacturer.

Why are Kudoke watches so expensive?

Kudoke watches are hand-finished and assembled, often with customized elements. Considering the time and skill required to make watches at this level, the cost of the watches seems quite reasonable.

Find your new Kudoke watch with Exquisite Timepieces

Whether it is your first purchase or adding to an existing collection, Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized retailer for Kudoke in our store in Naples, Florida, and online.

As an authorized dealer, all new Kudoke timepieces come with their full manufacturer warranties and will be shipped free of charge and fully insured. Should you have any questions, please reach out and contact us, and an Exquisite Timepieces representative will be happy to assist you