Hello, today I would like to introduce you to a brand that is still relatively unknown but deserves attention. It is the German brand Kudoke. Before presenting the K2 Salmon model in detail, let me introduce you to its founder.
Born in Frankfurt an der Oder in 1978, Stefan Kudoke trained as a watchmaker in Glashütte, before holding positions at Glashütte Original (complications and prototyping), and then in the service departments of Breguet, Blancpain, and Omega in New York.
Inspired by his passion and strengthened by his studies in economics and finance, the young master watchmaker embarked on an independent path of designing and creating his own watches under the eponymous Kudoke brand in 2005. The cornerstone of Kudoke craftsmanship? Harnessing the best of traditional watchmaking techniques to explore the imagination and creativity of the watchmaker and his clients.
A few years later, with the family’s lifetime savings, Stefan and Ev Kudoke contacted Habring², a brand and local component manufacturer, to help them realize their first in-house movement. This effort led to the creation of the Kudoke K2, which won the “Petite Aiguille” prize at the 2019 GPHG for the best watch between 4,000 CHF and 10,000 CHF. Now, let’s examine this watch.
What are the characteristics of the Kudoke K2 Salmon?
Case
The Kudoke K2 Salmon features a well-crafted stainless steel polished case, measuring 39 mm in diameter and 10.7 mm in thickness.
Dial
The Kudoke K2 Salmon boasts an elegant salmon-colored dial. At 12 o’clock, there is an unusual display of a rotating celestial disk crafted in a dome shape, hand-engraved and electroplated in gold, white rhodium, and black, indicating the time of day or night. This model intentionally slows down and relaxes the time experience by omitting the second hand.
Movement
The Kudoke K2 Salmon houses an in-house manual winding movement. It is the Kaliber 1-24H caliber developed with Habring², delivering a power reserve of 46 hours with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. This movement is inspired by 17th-century English pocket watch movements, from the era of Thomas Mudge. With the flat surfaces of its rhodium-plated plates featuring a finely frosted finish, the movement includes highly polished beveling and a unique engraved bridge that tapers to become the balance cock.
Strap
The Kudoke K2 Salmon comes with a navy blue nubuck strap with a pin buckle, which I find not very comfortable and aesthetically pleasing for a watch of this caliber.
How much does the Kudoke K2 Salmon?
The Kudoke K2 Salmon is limited in production and is offered at an aggressive pricing considering the quality of this piece. Indeed, it is priced at CHF 10,700 (excluding VAT).
Kudoke K2 Salmon: A Custom Work of Art
I find the Kudoke K2 Salmon to be a superb compromise between a high-end watch with beautiful finishes while maintaining a reasonable price. This watch is both classic and contemporary, with a discreet Germanic style that hides exquisite details and technical sophistication that become apparent at first glance. It combines the characteristic simplicity of Kudoke design with artistic nuances. What I appreciate about this brand is that each piece can be customized according to the client’s wishes, ensuring that each creation reflects the owner’s preferences, style, and personality. A big thank you to Mr. Shaaban who allowed me to discover several independent pieces at the Ambassadeurs boutique in Zurich, Switzerland.
If you are interested in an independent watchmaking piece, feel free to contact me to discuss this project.
Kudoke K2 Salmon – Watch Specifications
- Brand: Kudoke
- Model: K2 Salmon
- Case Material: Polished Stainless Steel
- Dial: Salmon with Frosted Finish
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Day/Night/24 Hour Display
- Movement: Manufacture Kaliber 1-24H Manual-Winding, 28’800vph frequency (4Hz), 18 jewels
- Power Reserve: 46 hours
- Water Resistance: 3 ATM
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Caseback: Sapphire
- Case Dimension: 39 mm (Diameter) × 10.7 mm (Thickness)
- Strap: Black Leather
- Availability: Limited production
- Retail Price: CHF 10’700 (Excluding VAT)
Do you know this brand? What would you choose for this budget? I look forward to your suggestions in the comments.
For more information about Kudoke, click here.
