ince the development of the base movement Kaliber 1 in 2018, the Handwerk collection by Kudoke has continuously evolved. With the introduction of Kudoke 1 and Kudoke 2 in 2019, Stefan Kudoke’s signature style was first manifested in this timeless watch series. 2023 saw the launch of Kudoke 3, a creative interpretation of time, followed by Kudoke ∞ in 2024, which embraced the concept of infinity. Now, Kudoke continues this evolution with Kudoke 5, a timepiece that places the 24-hour display at its core, offering a novel connection between time and space.

With Kudoke 5 (K5), the independent watch manufacture Kudoke presents a fascinating advancement within the Handwerk collection. Building upon the award-winning model K2, the K5 sets new standards in design, technology, and craftsmanship.

Unlike K2, where the 24-hour display played a supporting role, in K5, it literally becomes the star. At its heart is the large, domed, and hand-engraved celestial disc, which completes one full rotation every 24 hours. Surrounding it, the two-part dial ring is divided into easily readable 15-minute increments. The finely crafted diamond-cut edges create a unique play of light, making the watch shine in ever-changing facets depending on the angle of light. However, this function is more than just an alternative time display. It mirrors our natural life rhythm, following the sun as it rises and sets along the horizon, unbroken into artificial phases.

The intricately hand-engraved celestial disc invites exploration, revealing new details, just like gazing at the night sky. A closer look reveals the constellation Ursa Minor (Little Bear), with Polaris, the brightest star of the formation, serving as a guiding point in the northern hemisphere for centuries. This makes the K5 not only a masterful timepiece but also a symbol of the connection between time, space, and human perception. Through a meticulous process, the different sections of the disc undergo sequential galvanic treatments in yellow gold, white, and black rhodium, enhancing the contrast and further accentuating the engravings in striking relief.

The time display of the K5 is so intuitive that a brief glance suffices to immediately understand whether it is day or night (even without looking out the window). The portion of the disc visible in the upper half represents the current time. When the sunlit half is on top, it is 12 noon; when the night side is on top, it is midnight. This clear and natural depiction of time enhances intuitive readability, making the watch a uniquely practical companion in everyday life.

The newly designed case by Stefan Kudoke exudes refined elegance. The perceived case height is only 7 mm, while the total height, including the domed sapphire crystal, measures a sleek 12 mm. The diameter has been reduced to 38 mm, achieving a harmonious balance of wearability and aesthetic presence. A particular highlight of the K5 is its highly domed sapphire crystal, which spectacularly showcases the 24-hour disc. The disc appears to float in space, transforming the watch from a conventional timepiece into a three-dimensional wrist sculpture.

The movement within the K5, the in-house Kaliber 1 with a 24-hour mechanism, is visible through the sapphire case back and exemplifies finest watchmaking artistry. Crafted with meticulous hand-finishing, it features exquisite finishing techniques and traditional embellishments. To reduce friction caused by the weight of the celestial disc, Kudoke has, for the first time, integrated a ball bearing into the 24-hour mechanism, an engineering solution that ensures low-friction movement and requires no additional lubrication.

Stefan Kudoke on the Kudoke 5: "With K5, we continue our tradition of merging mechanical watchmaking with creative design. It represents a conscious deceleration of time. In an era driven by rapid digital seconds, this watch invites us to experience time in a more natural rhythm. The slow, steady rotation of the 24-hour disc serves as a reminder that time is not a rushing torrent, but a continuous flow, a precious entity that should be appreciated with mindfulness.“

After the first preview of the prototype during the AHCI exhibition “Masters of Horology” in Geneva April, the first series models will be available in fall 2025.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Case:

• Stainless steel, polished case bezel and caseback, horizontal brushing at the flanks
• Diameter 38 mm, height 12 mm with domed sapphire crystal, visible height 7 mm
• Lug-to-Lug 47 mm
• Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
• Onion crown stainless steel
• Screwed base and bezel
• Sapphire glass on top and back

Movement:

• Kaliber 1-24H_L, hand winding
• Diameter 30 mm
• Height 4.3 mm (plus disc)
• 18 jewels
• Rate: 28’800 vibrations per hour
• Power reserve 46 hours
• Frosted hand-finish of wheel bridge
• Hand-engraved balance cock with infinity symbol
• Especially for the K5, an extra-large, domed disc has been developed. It is supported by a special ball bearing to minimise friction as much as possible. The stainless steel bearing contains small zirconia balls and requires no lubrication.

Dial:

• Frosted dial, silvered with rhodinised chapter ring to indicate 24 hours
• Hand-engraved large domed rotating disc, electroplated in yellow gold, black and white rhodium
• Golden triangle on night side to indicate time marking 15-minute-intervals

Strap & Buckle

• Leather or Alcantara strap
• Buckle stainless steel / electively folding clasp stainless steel