Founded by Stefan Kudoke, Kudoke is a German independent watchmaker famed for their stunningly executed, competitively priced timepieces and for having won 2020’s GPHG “Petite Aiguille” award. Launching at Baselworld 2019 with the K1 that we have here and inspired by vintage timepieces from Glashütte and Dresden-based masters of their craft, whose work shares similarities with some of the old English watchmakers, the Kudoke 1 is an expertly crafted timepiece with a simple aesthetic that is a joy to behold. Boasting a stunning salmon dial, the Kudoke 1 is as legible a timepiece as one may find. Featuring blued twisted steel hands that have since become emblematic of the brand’s aesthetic, the entire timepiece’s design is filled with Kudoke’s personality. Of course, like most of Kudoke’s subsequent work, the Kudoke 1’s piece de resistance is its manual-wind Kaliber 1 movement, which is proudly on display behind its sapphire crystal caseback. Hand-finished to a high standard and featuring an entirely gold-plated construction, the K1’s movement demonstrates just how good value Kudoke’s timepieces are - considering the level of care and meticulous attention paid to its surfaces, with an entirely hand-engraved balance cock serving as the ultimate tribute to Glashütte and Dresden watchmaker’s artisans.

A perfect demonstration of Kudoke's talents as an independent brand, the K1 is a brilliantly constructed timepiece that laid the foundation for all of the tenets that have since earned Kudoke its name and renown within the industry.