In a poetic blend of horological excellence and cultural expression, independent German watchmaker Stefan Kudoke has partnered with Saudi Arabia’s 10:10 Labs to unveil the Kudoke 2 “Diriyah Edition” — a limited-edition timepiece. Only 15 pieces were produced, all of which have already been sold. On the “Shams” (sun) side of the 24-hour disc, an intricate engraving of the old city of Diriyah reflects the region’s rich heritage, while the “Qamr” (moon) graces the opposite end, completing the celestial theme.
Stefan and Ev Kudoke
At the heart of Kudoke’s independent brand is a deeply human story — that of Stefan and Ev Kudoke, a husband-and-wife duo whose passion and purpose are interwoven in every timepiece they create. While Stefan serves as the master watchmaker, responsible for the intricate mechanics and engraving, Ev plays a vital role behind the scenes, overseeing business operations, communications, and customer experience with warmth and precision.
Crossroads of Culture and Craft
Stefan Kudoke, renowned for his hand-finished timepieces and philosophical approach to watchmaking, has elevated his signature Kudoke 2 model into a spiritual and artistic creation. The name “Diriyah” honors the historic city, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of the region. At one end of the engraved Diriyah skyline sits the “Shams” (sun), while at the opposite side, the “Qamr” (moon) appears — together reflecting the watch’s central theme: a symbolic interplay between light and darkness, movement and stillness, tradition and innovation.
This edition features Kudoke’s Kaliber 1-24 movement — an in-house, hand-wound mechanical caliber. What sets this model apart is its customized 24-hour indicator, reimagined to reflect the Arabian sky. Intricate engravings and fine finishing techniques evoke the architecture of Diriyah, the desert sun, and the moon, uniting craftsmanship with cultural storytelling.
Design That Speaks a Visual Language
The dial is a visual journey: sandy textures evoke the landscape of the Arabian Peninsula, while the hand-engraved celestial disc features the moon and the city of Diriyah, with the sun rendered in rich relief — a tribute to the Arab world’s legacy in astronomy and navigation. Subtle Arabic-inspired elements are woven into the markers and design language, offering a quiet yet powerful expression of cultural pride.
Honoring Heritage Through Horology
For 10:10 Labs, this collaboration represents a celebration of Arab identity through watchmaking. As one of the region’s most dynamic platforms for haute horlogerie, the Saudi-based initiative is focused on forging meaningful connections between the local community and the global independent watchmaking scene.
Together with Kudoke, they’ve brought to life a watch that speaks to the shared rhythm between nature and time, a theme deeply embedded in Arabian poetry, calligraphy, and art.
The Kudoke 2 “Diriyah” Limited to 15 but sold out, emphasized craftsmanship over mass production. Each watch is painstakingly handcrafted in Germany, ensuring every piece is a unique collector’s item — not just in its mechanics but in its message.
This timepiece isn’t simply worn on the wrist — it carries generations of meaning and the promise of storytelling, passed down through symbols etched in steel and soul alike.
