The independent Saxon manufacturer Kudoke continues to explore its HANDwerk collection with a dark and sophisticated variation: the KUDOKE 3 Nocturne. While retaining the unique mechanical architecture of the original model, this new iteration imposes a radically different visual atmosphere, celebrating a dark aesthetic enhanced by exceptional handcrafted finishes.
A matte, dark aesthetic
The Nocturne immediately stands out thanks to its 39 mm stainless steel case, treated with a matte sandblasted finish specific to this limited edition series. This choice of texture, which absorbs light rather than reflecting it, softens the watch's presence on the wrist while creating a striking contrast with the black galvanic dial and frosted base. For the time being, this tactile and visual finish is exclusive to this model, while the brand's signature features, such as the onion-shaped crown and 50-meter water resistance, remain unchanged.
Monochrome kinetics
The display remains faithful to the atypical structure of the KUDOKE 3: an upper ring dedicated to minutes overlooks a time scale divided into three distinct zones. Reading the time here becomes almost playful, animated by a three-pronged hour hand that navigates between the levels, sometimes revealing two pointers simultaneously. On this Nocturne edition, the color palette is more introspective: black gold elements, silver printing, and polished steel hands offer a monochrome composition of great elegance. It should be noted that this dark version of the dial is now part of the current catalog for the KUDOKE 3.
At the heart of the mechanics: the "Flakes" finish
Under the hood, the rhythm is provided by the Kaliber 1, a hand-wound movement developed in collaboration with Habring², oscillating at 28,800 vibrations per hour for a power reserve of 46 hours. The exclusivity of the Nocturne version lies in its decorative treatment: the rhodium-plated movement features a "Flakes" finish. This technique involves cutting tiny fragments into the surface of the bridges to create a shimmering, structured and infinitely fine texture. While this finish can be added to other HANDwerk models on request (at an additional cost of €2,990), it is standard here. The sapphire crystal case back also reveals the baseplate, the numbered plate and the hand-engraved balance cock with the infinity symbol, the creator's signature.
Rarity and artisanal positioning
Limited to just 20 pieces, the KUDOKE 3 Nocturne is priced at €12,574 before tax. This positioning, higher than the standard model priced at €9,350, reflects the additional decorative work and rarity of the piece. This strategy illustrates Kudoke's desire to vary its stylistic registers without betraying its watchmaking architecture. By alternating between highly exclusive editions, such as the Grüner Wald with its engraved dial, and more refined versions, the manufacturer showcases its visible craftsmanship while appealing to customers seeking technical and aesthetic uniqueness.