Comments:
An Independent appreciation
By wearing more of this Bauhinia version of the Kudoke2, I’m noting my growing feeling of appreciation for the efforts required of these independent watchmakers. From a wider perspective, I find it interesting how the market craze that rendered so many previously available watches difficult to obtain motivated a major interest in independent watchmakers. This of course all underscores the effects of technology/communications and sociobehavioral effects that we are all experiencing to different degrees. Moreover, you can project that these influences will continue to drive the continued success of independent watch brands, which is certainly deserved given the truly amazing products that they put out. Case in point is Groenefeld, which had to pause taking of orders. In comparison, Kudoke also seems to be slowly gaining more interest, in particular because of the Kudoke2 it all it’s various iterations. It’s not in the same category (technically or aesthetically) as Groenefeld, but it has its fans, just like a select number of other independents.
I’m one of them
You make very compelling points, Dr. A.
and your ‘chameleon’-dialed K2 can hold its own against any Gronefeld (current or previous models) 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿
Thank you very much 🙏🏽
They are very different creations, so I have to apologize for making it sound like I’m comparing head-to-head. They each have their place in a collection.
So true, I am lucky with this one. And the strap is actually a Kudoke strap that comes with it 👌🏽
It comes with 2 straps…this nice one and another very stiff, basic black calf. I tried a grey alligator strap from Molequin which also works nicely, but I always liked this original grey Kudoke. Many options can work. Actually it just came to mind that the plaid cashmere strap that Yacomino wears would be really nice here 🤔
I have been a huge admirer of independent brands for many years and always try to support them as much as possible
I also like to try to convince other collectors to look at these amazing indies and look at there incredible watches . Also the possibility to talk and take a journey with them to create a stunning watch is why i love these indies so much .
Glad to see there is a lot of attention for them nowadays. They deserve it imho.
Love your K2 👌🏻😘
Mine says hi
Glad to see there is a lot of attention for them nowadays. They deserve it imho.
Love your K2 👌🏻😘
Mine says hi
There are only very select salmon dials that I truly love, and this is one of them!
And the fact that its not mass produced makes it extra special...which is a collaborative effort that is only possible with independent watchmakers like Stefan. I salute you for supporting independent efforts as they are well deserved.
Independent is the way to go..
IMO it’s the best bang for buck in most cases and you get work closely with the artist making your watch to get exactly what you want.
To this point, my experience ordering a sub 15k watch from Benzinger is better than an almost 100K piece from Lange.
My next big purchase will 100% be an independent again. I don’t see the value of big brands in most cases. Romain Gauthier for example annihilated a similarly priced pp, ap or vc. I realize pp/ap are technically independent but the reality is that they are multibillion dollar corporations, not true entrepreneurs and artists like Gauthier.