Kobold

[stujin]

I'm intrigued by Kobold watches...more for the story of the founder and that they are assembled in the US but I was curious if anyone has any insight on owning one. Anyone have one that you can provide a quick review (likes..dislikes..etc.). I'm not looking at any of the higher options but possibly the Seal or Diver. I love the automatic Spirit of America but don't want to spend that kind of money. Anybody have any thoughts. Thanks!

[doghouse]

Originally Posted by stujin

I'm intrigued by Kobold watches...more for the story of the founder and that they are assembled in the US but I was curious if anyone has any insight on owning one. Anyone have one that you can provide a quick review (likes..dislikes..etc.). I'm not looking at any of the higher options but possibly the Seal or Diver. I love the automatic Spirit of America but don't want to spend that kind of money. Anybody have any thoughts. Thanks!

I'm with you, I want one also. I've never heard anything negative about them.

[moby33]

I can't give a review on the watches since I've never owned one, but I can say I was extremely impressed with the founder, Michael Kobold. Years ago I was thinking about purchasing one and saw on their website Michael listed his email. I had a few questions about his watches and shot off an email with a number of questions...not really thinking I would get much response.

To my pleasant surprise not only did he get back to me almost immediately, but we exchanged a number of correspondences and in no time he proved to me he is not only a lover of making great watches, but also cares about his customers (and I wasn't even a customer yet). One thing that stuck in my mind was his willingness to practically build me any type of watch I wanted...down to changing colors on the watch hands or making a 'one of a kind' dial w/ different sub-dials for the chrono versions (obviously very un-Rolex-like in this regard)...if you can think of a change you would really like to their current line-up, I guarantee they will build it for you. Very cool IMO!

For a number of reasons that were not related to his watches, I ended up not getting a Kobold. But I have always liked them and plan to add one to my collection some day.

[Vito_Corleone]

I had an SoA, it was a pretty decent watch. I bought it used for ~$1300. I don't think they're worth the current retail prices, so I'd only buy one used.

[moby33]

Originally Posted by Vito_Corleone

I had an SoA, it was a pretty decent watch. I bought it used for ~$1300. I don't think they're worth the current retail prices, so I'd only buy one used.

That was one of the reasons I passed...at retail they are relatively expensive IMO and seeing as they are not really known, they instantly drop significantly in value (we're talking well over 60% of retail...ouch!). These watches are definitely not for the buyer that likes new but may end up flipping.

[leopardprey]

I have one, and I have had some issues with their customer service and long delays in solving simple problems. I will not buy another Kobold in the future. Seems since Michael Kobold has ran off to spend his time pursuing other pursuits with the money he has made, the company has changed somewhat.

If you want an American Made solid dive watch, personally I would go for the RGM Diver.

[moby33]

Originally Posted by leopardprey

I have one, and I have had some issues with their customer service and long delays in solving simple problems. I will not buy another Kobold in the future. Seems since Michael Kobold has ran off to spend his time pursuing other pursuits with the money he has made, the company has changed somewhat.

If you want an American Made solid dive watch, personally I would go for the RGM Diver.

That's interesting...and good to know.

[asadtiger]

Originally Posted by leopardprey

Seems since Michael Kobold has ran off to spend his time pursuing other pursuits with the money he has made, the company has changed somewhat.

.

??

[Terry Newton]

That RGM Diver is a serious timepiece. Very well made and rugged. It is also anti-magnetic and has a beautiful engraving on the back of the case. I dare say it is a very impressive watch and would look very fine next to one of the Deep Sea Sea Dwellers.

Here's a link to the gallery:

http://www.rgmwatches.com/300G.html

Terry Newton

[moby33]

Originally Posted by Terry Newton

That RGM Diver is a serious timepiece. Very well made and rugged. It is also anti-magnetic and has a beautiful engraving on the back of the case. I dare say it is a very impressive watch and would look very fine next to one of the Deep Sea Sea Dwellers.

Here's a link to the gallery:

http://www.rgmwatches.com/300G.html

Terry Newton

That case back would scare small children!

[stujin]

I agree with the buying used vs. retail....it does seem like they drop significantly when you purchase new. I like the idea he would customize one for you if you so desired....but would rather save my money and buy used. I lived in Pittsburgh for a few years so I am somewhat intrigued by his roots in the city....which adds to the reason I want one. I wish I could see one in person....I have just never ran into anyone wearing one. Thanks for the info on RGM...that is a great looking diver on there as well (although to be honest I'm not too fond of the engraving on the back....looks like a bad tat to me). Thanks again

[ArizonaHD]

Kobold is one of the best watches going. The price is a little high, but it buys you exclusivity. Their customer service is par excellance. If you want a rugged semi crazy watch for much less than the Kobold check out MTM watches, they have a model that can go down to almost 40,000 feet, now thats extreme. Or look at vostok or poljot they have a california dial divers that is a cool piece.

[moby33]

Tony Soprano seems to like 'em...

[Mike B]

Originally Posted by ArizonaHD

Kobold is one of the best watches going. The price is a little high, but it buys you exclusivity. Their customer service is par excellance. If you want a rugged semi crazy watch for much less than the Kobold check out MTM watches, they have a model that can go down to almost 40,000 feet, now thats extreme. Or look at vostok or poljot they have a california dial divers that is a cool piece.

I saw a you-tube video about that watch (the MTM Black Seal), REALLY cool watch. It's $1700, is a completely water proof watch (to something like 39,000 feet, which would be just about as deep as the ocean gets). It's case if filled with silicone oil, and when you move the watch around, you can see the small bubble float around in the face of the watch. VERY cool tool watch, and considering all it does, not a bad price for what you get.
Getting back on topic, I do remember a post a while back asking if James Gandolfini was into Rolex watches (seen wearing a DD on the Sopranos), but someone had posted a link to the Kobold website. Cool looking watches, but as others have said, I don't think they are worth thier (new) asking prices.