Kobold: Which one should I buy?

[SoCal C4S]

Hey guys,

Those of you who have dealt with me or seen me post know that I like large watches that are built like a tank. Watches that I can beat the shit out of, that will take it in stride and keep on trucking.

I reallllllllly like the Phantom; have for quite some time. t stands out to me in so many ways as not only a very nice piece, but as a tool that I can wear overseas, in my travels, and pretty much do anything with it. Am I right in that assumption?

Tell me your thoughts, feelings and experiences with Kobold as a brand, and with the Phantom.

Thanks in advance.

RJ

[hoppyjr]

I don't think the Phantom is all that large....maybe 41x16?

The Arctic Diver, Large Soarway Diver, and SMG models are the bigger 45mm pieces.

[GGD]

IMO.... as much as I loved the Phantom it wore really small (a lot smaller than I expected).

If you like big watches I don't think it will do it for you.

AD, LSD or Seal would be my suggestion.

I wear my AD Tac with absolutely no regard for it's safety and it has never even looked like letting me down... as tough as they come.

[foodle]

Tell me your thoughts, feelings and experiences with Kobold as a brand, and with the Phantom.

vs.

[hoppyjr]

IMO.... as much as I loved the Phantom it wore really small (a lot smaller than I expected).

If you like big watches I don't think it will do it for you.

AD, LSD or Seal would be my suggestion.

I wear my AD Tac with absolutely no regard for it's safety and it has never even looked like letting me down... as tough as they come.

Donna, that AD and you define the word "keeper"

[CGSshorty]

Arctic Diver or LSD. Big, simple, and tough.

[GGD]

I think you're right Hoppy... that would definitely be the last one to go.

[gristler]

Arctic Diver or LSD. Big, simple, and tough.

on this.

[GGD]

These photos are not at a very good angle sorry but might give you a bit of an idea of the size differences..... L to R..... AD Tac, Ti Seal, Phantom Black Ops

[unixshrk]

Go with the AD
Durable, easy to read.

[jad3703]

I agree with D, the Phantom does wear a bit smaller than I thought it would at 41mm, albeit very comfortably so.

I have had both the AD and the Seal and like the AD for its better legibility and lower profile (in relative terms, anyway), although I loved both equally.

James

[SoCal C4S]

What should I expect to spend on a gray market for any of the mentioned pieces?

AD TAC?
AD?
LSD?
Seal?


Sent from -_____-

[dukerules]

LSD is my fave. Have always loved that watch.

[hoppyjr]

What should I expect to spend on a gray market for any of the mentioned pieces?

AD TAC?
AD?
LSD?
Seal?


Sent from -_____-

Estimates....

AD TAC? $1500-$2000

AD? $1400-$1800

LSD? $1500+

Seal? $1300-$1700


The problem will be finding one you like. The Seal probably comes available used most often, the others only occasionally. Also, while the Seal is good, it does have a noticeably smaller crystal & dial.

[lilhoody]

What should I expect to spend on a gray market for any of the mentioned pieces?

AD TAC?
AD?
LSD?
Seal?


Sent from -_____-

Estimates....

AD TAC? $1500-$2000

AD? $1400-$1800

LSD? $1500+

Seal? $1300-$1700


The problem will be finding one you like. The Seal probably comes available used most often, the others only occasionally. Also, while the Seal is good, it does have a noticeably smaller crystal & dial.

I think Hop-a-long's prices are low and vary widely based on material, accessories, and of course condition. keep in mide the original batch of SEAl's came out nearly 9-10 years ago. He might be on on the AD though, as they came pretty standard.

The SEAL is the Kobold to rule them all, i have had four; two in SS, one Ti, and one Ti Tactical. The dial isn't small, it is just disproportionate to the watch size; it's dial to bezel ratio is unconventional. The dial is the same size as the previous generation Submariner.

I drink the coolaid, so my bias is biased. The AD is okay, I've had three; Swiss regular, Swiss Destro, and a Heritage prototype. The Heritage was amazingly cool. The other two were boring.

I would grab a SEAL first, then the Phantom, then an AD...in that order. A Soarway Diver would be okay, they too wear small for being 41mm.

I have had eleven Kobold watches. Many I have worn hard...mostly the SS SEAL I have still. It's a tank. The SEAL I own now is my oldest watch. I sent it in for a service recently, it came back nearly new.

Be patient and find an older Kobold. Good luck.

[mechnut]

For the LSD (I really miss that one), and next, I would opt for a SS Seal.

[SoCal C4S]

I guess now I just need to find one of the above that is reasonably priced.

Even though I really want another PVD tactical watch, a brushed SS one would fit the bill nicely. I don't even own a watch with a bracelet, so a nice metal watch with a bracelet option would be great.


Sent from -_____-

[toxicavenger]

I wouldn't do PVD with what you do career wise, I would do a SS Kobold version. My only issue with tall watches when working overseas is when I was taking off my combat gear it was a bitch to go over the watch after a long day of b.s.

Either way good luck and keep your head down.