Kudoke - The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN New York Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Kudoke
    Year: 2022
    Case No: 0216
    Model Name: Real Skeleton
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, ETA Unitas 6498
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Kudoke buckle
    Dimensions: 42mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Kudoke Limited Warranty, Certificate of Accuracy, presentation box, presentation box, signed “Waldo” screenplay, and “Last Looks” novel, Kudoke gloves, product literature, and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Phillips is delighted to offer this wonderful Kudoke “Real Skeleton”, which was featured prominently in the 2022 mystery film, “Last Looks”, directed by Tim Kirkby. Adapted from the screenplay by Howard Michael Gould based on his 2018 novel of the same name, the movie stared Charlie Hunnam as Charlie Waldo and Mel Gibson as Alastair Pinch.

    During one scene, Gibson’s character mentions “Have you seen what this man wears? It costs more than the house I grew up in.” The answer is, “It’s a Kudoke Skeleton; they only make 35 a year”. Throughout the film, it is shown and explicitly mentioned three separate times.

    The Real Skeleton was described in Gould’s “Last Looks” novel, where on page 50 it states, “…his steampunkish Kudoke Skeleton”. When Gould was asked by Kudoke how he discovered the brand, Gould answered, “When I was researching the story, I knew that I wanted a unique and specific watch to use as an important clue. I searched on the internet, and was struck by the incredible beauty of your watches.”

    The German brand, Kudoke, is a relatively young independent brand known for their classic, minimalist wristwatches with an elegant aesthetic. Unlike other brands, Stefan Kudoke did not come from a watchmaking family. On his own volition, he went to watchmaking school and then worked for brands such as Glasshütte Original, Breguet, Blancpain and Breguet, however his desire was to create his own watches. Offering watches across three product lines, Kudoke’s KUNSTwerk collection focuses on creativity, mechanics and craftsmanship, including the “Real Skeleton”. The skeletonized wristwatch is highlighted by hand carved skull and bones with diamond encrusted eyes. With a nod to the concept of memento mori, the timepiece is both a mechanical watch, but a work of art, or “art clock”.

    Following the filming, the watch was returned to Kudoke, and it was decided to auction the watch through Phillips, with proceeds benefitting reforestation projects. Offered in excellent overall condition, and accompanied by its warranty presentation box, and a copy of the “Last Looks” script signed by both Hunnam and Gould, as well as a signed copy from Howard Michael Gould of the novel “Last Looks”.

    Wristwatches have often been worn in movies influencing their overall appeal and place in history. The present lot is one of very few watches worn and featured prominently in a movie to come to market, making it an exciting opportunity for the connoisseur.

    Please note that Kudoke will offer a one-year warranty on this watch.

Σ80

Lot offered with No Reserve

A culturally interesting stainless steel and diamond-set skeletonized “Skull and Bones” wristwatch worn in the movie “Last Looks”, with Limited Warranty, Certificate of Accuracy, presentation box, signed “Waldo” screenplay, and “Last Looks” novel, with proceeds benefiting reforestation projects

2022
42mm Diameter
Case, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
$6,000 - 12,000 
CHF5,600-11,200
€5,700-11,400
HK$46,600-93,200
S$8,100-16,200

Sold for $20,160

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

 

The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN

New York Auction 10 - 11 December 2022