The New Kudoke 5, with a 24h Rotating Celestial Disc

Independent watchmaking continues to thrive with imaginative creations, and Stefan Kudoke remains a standout name to watch. His HANDwerk collection, launched in 2019, established his reputation for blending mechanical finesse with artistic expression. The Kudoke 1 and Kudoke 2 exemplified this fusion beautifully. With the Kudoke 3, he pushed the design further, retaining his signature aesthetic while introducing a two-level dial, heat-blued hands, and a complex triple-scale register that showcased creativity through layered visual storytelling. Now, the Kudoke 5 (K5) builds on the foundations of the Kudoke 2, evolving its concept of a rotating 24-hour disc. This secondary time indicator is no longer just a detail; it takes centre stage, elevated in both form and function to reflect Kudoke’s growing confidence and vision.

The Kudoke 5 features a 50m water-resistant stainless steel case measuring 38mm in diameter and 7mm in height, rising to 12mm with its prominent domed sapphire crystal. Though the case introduces a fresh design language for the brand, it preserves familiar elements like the signature onion-style crown. The brushed midsection contrasts elegantly with polished surfaces, giving the watch a refined, balanced look.

Beneath the crystal, framed by a wide, silvered and rhodium-treated chapter ring, a larger version of the K2’s domed celestial disc completes a full rotation every 24 hours. The disc shows both the hours and minutes, though, much like the Kudoke 3, reading time may take a moment to get used to.

The two-toned disc, created through galvanic treatments, is hand-engraved: one half displays the Ursa Minor constellation in a darker shade, while the other gleams gold with an engraved sun motif. A golden pointer on the night side indicates the time via a dial ring marked in 15-minute intervals, with triangular hour markers and numerals at even hours. The disc also doubles as a day/night indicator – whichever half dominates the upper dial signals, whether AM or PM.

On the reverse, the exhibition caseback reveals the proprietary Kaliber 1 developed with Austrian independent watchmaker Habring². This finely hand-finished movement has been adapted to support the larger celestial disc and its integrated ball-bearing system. It features frosted bridges, a beautifully engraved balance cock with Kudoke’s infinity symbol, beats at 28,800 vibrations/hour, and delivers a 46-hour power reserve.

The new Kudoke 5 is worn on a leather or Alcantara strap, closed with a pin buckle in steel; a folding clasp is optional. The price is EUR 17,900 excl. VAT, the first series, will be available in fall 2025. More information or inquiries to order can be found on Kudoke.eu.