If you want to meet some of the nicest people in the world of watches – consider a visit to the Kudokes.

It was more than 10 years ago that I first became aware of the watches of Stefan Kudoke (watchmaker and engraver) from Saxony, Germany. The name, which is written on the dial and the bridge – Kudoke – sounds unfamiliar and at first unusual. But in any case, my curiosity was aroused. This is good because my interest is immediately piqued as soon as I see something new. The photos on Kudoke’s website give a great impression of Kudoke’s art. They give an excellent representation of the watches and their design.

However, the next step is to travel to Saxony to look at the watches in the metal. If you are lucky, you can meet Ev and Stefan Kudoke at AHCI events and see the watches during this or similar occasions. In fast motion, I then remember three events related to the watches from Saxony: (1) Kudoke wins the Petite Aiguille at the GPHG (www.gphg.org) in 2019, (2) I do not manage to travel to Saxony to finally have a look at the watches due to the Corona pandemic, (3) the design of the Kudoke watches becomes more varied, the models become more popular, the waiting lists become longer.

To design a classic and fine watch is one of the most difficult tasks. For me, the most beautiful Kudoke watch is the Kudoke 1. The clear and balanced beauty of the first impression still exists today. The Kudoke 1 from the HANDwerk (German for Handcraft) collection is a classic watch that displays the hours, minutes and seconds – that´s it, clear and simple. It has a hand-wound movement and a 39 mm stainless steel case. The dial and case shine clear and bright. I think that a classic time-only watch is almost always more difficult to design than any sports watch, a chronograph or a watch with many complications.

English watchmaking from Saxony

The uniquely designed Kudoke movement (cal. 1), which is inspired by English pocket watches, is for me the strongest argument for the Kudoke 1. It follows the sober design of English watches. The frosted hand-finished wheel bridge is one of the characteristic parts of the Kudoke HANDwerks-watches. It needs a lot of time and grinding with a compound of glass, oil, synthetic stones, and the right pressure applied by hand to reach this regular grinding pattern. And perhaps it is not surprising for some of you to know that Richard and Maria Habring (Austria) (www.habring2.com) work together with Ev and Stefan Kudoke – especially in the development of the Kudoke cal. 1. The infinity symbol is a key design element of Kudoke on the hour hand as well as on the large hand engraved balance cock – it is inspired by early English pocket watches (made by Earnshaw, Mudge, or Birkett … to name a few) (www.britishwatchmakers.com).

Yes or No?

From my point of view, you can check quite fast and easily, if the Kudoke 1 is the right watch for you. The more of the following criteria apply, the easier it is to decide on a Kudoke watch:

A watch must be clear, unobtrusive but perfect in terms of craftsmanship.
A well-known brand name or a well-known manufacturer play a secondary role.
The beauty of the movement is important.
You feel longer waiting periods are unproblematic.
You can do without mainstream color, shape and design.
You like to have a watch from a GPHG-winner.
You don’t necessarily have to possess what everyone wants to have.
You want to support the maker.
You are searching for sensational value for money.

Watches from very kind people

Most of the Kudoke watches are produced in low numbers, some are unique pieces. But – not to forget: Kudoke is more than watches. Ev and Stefan Kudoke are among the loveliest people in the watch world and Stefan Kudoke is an AHCI member.