In 2023, we've added a new section to the Kobold site: Testimonials from Koboldians all over the world who received their watches and are happy to review them. 

The first testimonial we received this year is from Pete Sinclair, a former U.S. intelligence officer. Pete writes:

"This is a story of perseverance and the effort it takes to do the right thing. The photo is of a brand new Kobold Phantom Chronograph, currently ticking away on my wrist.

I bought my original Phantom in 2008. That watch was with me for eight years. Those eight years included both the worst and best of times.

Between three deployments, eight countries, one trip around the world (over 160+ days), and going to other places I can’t mention, the watch picked up some subdued charm and patina.

The watch didn’t hang out in a watch case, it was used. Worn with love, but not worn out. After eight years, it was time to send in the watch for a minor repair and an overdue cleaning; unbeknownst to me, that was during a long series of unfortunate events befell the company.

One of those events was the watch disappearing into the ether. I was more than a little fired up and disappointed about the loss. That is an understatement. Life goes on. Years passed and I often thought about that Phantom.

When I heard that Michael was hard at work repairing the damage at Kobold, I was quietly rooting for him. Then, one day, Michael reached out to me and offered to send a brand new Phantom as a replacement for my original Phantom. I was amazed and had to sit down to let this news sink in. You can call it “doing the right thing” or “restoring some balance” in the world, but either way I was (and still am) grateful.

My plan for the original Phantom was for it to be an heirloom and for it to capture some of the crazy adventures I had. The new Phantom will be an heirloom for my children and serves as a reminder to them to do the right thing, no matter how much time it takes. To Michael: Thank you again for the watch and for one heck of a story!

If you want to know more, here is Michael's story in his own words."