A New Dial Using Old Techniques
Stefan Kudoke must apply a traditional hand engraving technique with deep roots in classical Saxon watchmaking to create the white rhodium plated "tremblage" dial for this Kudoke 2.
The term "tremblage" originates from the French word "trembler," meaning to tremble or vibrate, which directly describes the specific physical motion required to execute the unique finish. To achieve this textured surface, Stefan uses a fine graver to hand work the dial through countless individual strokes.
Because the engraving process is performed entirely by hand, the resulting texture on each individual dial is inherently unique.
The Kudoke Kaliber 2
Stefan built upon his already impressive Kudoke 1 by creating a hand engraved, three dimensional 24 hour rotating disk with patterns of the moon, sun and stars— a constant indication of day and night..
This disk is then electroplated in multiple colors of gold and black rhodium to create the unique design.
This watch is a beauty.
"In House" in a Different Way
Not only had Stefan completely ignored the gear train and movement design seen so often in other watches, he created something completely fresh with a throwback to British/German pocket watch designs.
In Stefan's own words:
Ages ago I bought an old English pocket watch movement, that lay unused in a drawer for a long time. One day it fell into my hands again - just as the idea of my own movement began to take shape.
In the past, intensive cooperations between the German and English watchmakers existed - it was the German diplomat and astronomer Hans Moritz von Bruhl who supported English precision watchmaking finally bring it to Saxony and Dresden in Germany.
With my new watch movement I would like to tie in with this tradition and to honor the Old Masters.
Other Features of the Kudoke 2
First, we compliment Stefan in choosing to make a watch with a case diameter of 39 mm, an ideal size for almost every wrist and size that is spot on to fit the character of this watch.
On the front, the tremblage dial features the day/night indication at 12 and the Kudoke badge at 6. The rhodium-plated chapter rings pair nicely with the flame blued hour and minute hands. The look is clean, distinctive and clearly shows what "hand made" means.
Flip it over and you'll spend the next hour reviewing a gear train that looks like no other - the design is vertical, and again the elaborate production techniques that Stefan uses on each movement part are clearly evident.
The manually wound movement supports a power reserve of 46 hours, and the Carl Haas balance spring is of chronometer quality. The movement also features KIF shock protection.
And no Kudoke watch would be complete without a hand engraved balance cock, but what is so interesting in this new movement design is how proportionally large the balance cock is to the movement.
Stefan Kudoke 2 Tremblage Wh...