Stefan Kudoke, a distinguished German independent watchmaker, has unveiled a captivating addition to his renowned HANDwerk series: the Kudoke 3 Nocturne. This new creation maintains the foundational principles of the Kudoke 3 line while presenting a fresh interpretation, drawing inspiration from the Nocturne edition of the Kudoke 2. Unlike its predecessors such as the Sky Blue, salmon, or Flakes editions, the Nocturne embraces a deeper, more contemplative visual identity. This is achieved through its distinct engraving technique on the movement and a novel finish applied to the case, setting a sophisticated tone for this limited release.
A notable innovation in the Kudoke 3 Nocturne is its exclusive use of a matte sandblasted stainless steel case, a treatment currently reserved solely for this model. This 39mm case finish expertly minimizes reflections, contributing to a serene and understated presence that harmonizes beautifully with the watch's darker dial elements. Complementing this modern case, the watch retains its signature onion crown and boasts a practical water resistance of 50 meters. The unconventional time display, a hallmark of the Kudoke 3, remains a central feature: minutes are indicated on an upper dial ring, while hours are read from a unique three-part scale on a lower level, navigated by a dynamic three-arm hour hand that subtly shifts pointers, creating an engaging visual interplay, particularly when two arms appear simultaneously at specific hours like 2, 6, and 10 o'clock.
The Nocturne's refreshed aesthetic is further defined by its galvanic black upper dial, set against a frosted base and accents treated with black gold. Silver printing replaces traditional white, and polished steel hands offer a monochromatic elegance, diverging from the blued hands of earlier models. This elegant dark dial, while debuting with the Nocturne, is now also available as a regular option across the Kudoke 3 range. At its heart lies the familiar Kaliber 1, a hand-wound movement co-developed with Habring² and meticulously finished in-house. This movement, beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering a 46-hour power reserve, features a rhodium-plated bridge adorned with the intricate "Flakes" engraving. This unique decoration, crafted by gradually cutting tiny fragments from the bridge surface, creates a shimmering, finely textured effect, a finish now offered as an optional upgrade for other HANDwerk collection pieces. The movement's beauty is visible through a sapphire caseback, revealing a hand-engraved balance cock with Kudoke's infinity symbol and a plaque signifying its limited-edition status. Paired with a suede leather strap and a matte sandblasted stainless steel pin buckle, the Kudoke 3 Nocturne is limited to just 20 pieces, each priced at EUR 12,574 excluding VAT.
The introduction of the Kudoke 3 Nocturne demonstrates a meticulous pursuit of horological artistry and innovation. Through thoughtful design choices, from its subdued case finish to its distinctive dial and intricately engraved movement, it embodies a blend of technical excellence and aesthetic refinement. This timepiece serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of independent watchmaking, where passion and precision converge to create objects of profound beauty and lasting value, inviting wearers to appreciate the subtle complexities and understated elegance that define true craftsmanship.