Exclusive Kobold SMG-1 Premiere Here!

photos compliments of: Michael Kobold

SMG-1, option one click to enlarge
SMG-1, option two click to enlarge

As promised, here they are!!! Pics of the Kobold SMG-1 only CTWG can secure.

For more information about Kobold watches call Chad the Watch Guy at
412-682-0226.

6 comments April 26th, 2006

The Price of Pants In France

photo credit: roadapplepie

Retail, oh the horror, how some pay this and some pay that. In a past post I mentioned the varied degrees to which a watch can be priced with the same movement. Let us dive in to this question a little deeper. On certain watch blogs I find many a consumer distraught as to what is the proper price to be paid for a timepiece. This is difficult, and has many sides, so lets pick one example. The 7750 you know it, you love it, how many people have it in one form or another in their collection? Yeah, me too! Let’s see I have a Fortis B-42, a Breitling Chronomat old school version, a Mont Blanc new edition, a Swiss Army chrono automatic (yes they make them) a Shop NBC SWI Just kidding lets not get crazy! You get my point, the 7750 has nestled in many a case for maybe too many companies. This base movement costs about $300, CTWG, you did not just type that. I did, it is common knowledge in the business. Sorry, that special edition “limited” back of the magazine chronograph that Wilber Wright wore to cross the Delaware might be a 7750 also. Is it fair? Sometimes! I am of the belief that the dressing makes the salad on this workhorse movement. Like in the past 2892 post, time and time again, people put long hours into modifing this baby and aside from the Rolex 4130 chrono. it stills is the best chrono offered from our friends in the Alps. Movements, my dear watch fans, are just part of the watch. How we scowl at the guy who likes his watch for the looks! He does not appreciate the complex system of the 25 jeweled movement, the forty hour power reserve and the …. Oh wait, thats a 7750 in that model. I wonder what he payed? CTWG

Add comment April 25th, 2006

Ole Faithful

I don’t want to start watch talks with old dead topics, but here are the facts, routinely customers ask, “How can watch company X and watch company Y use the same movement and charge such different prices?” The ETA 2892 is the best place to start. This movement has been used by so many high-end watch brands that I won’t even attempt to list them. Pick one, you are probably right! What we need to distinguish in the watch business is time on the job. Base movements are just that, base movements. Check out this article: “The Little Engine That Could” An indepth look at the ETA 2892. It demonstrates just some of the modifications that can go into this ETA 2892 movement alone. This is where we start to get a sense for what the skilled people in Switzerland and Germany are doing. To be a collector of fine watches is to know movements, who made them, and more importantly what has been done to make them just a touch better than the competition. Many people have the recipe for bread, but I bet you like grandma’s best, why? The love my friends, the love. CTWG

2 comments April 21st, 2006

Always Listen to the Bigg Man

John, center, ready to guzzle a litre of Lowenbrau. CHEERS!

John Biggs is a writer type out of New York City, I hope my fellow watch geeks will take a shining to his reviews as I have. His specialty is tech styles, unlike myself, who wishes all watches came with a crank. Check him out and give him props on good journalism. Search his archives for the Glashuette watch trip, I tagged along on that one, observing how a quality watch is really born. CTWG

Wrist Watch Review.com by John Biggs

2 comments April 19th, 2006

4 Days to the Kobold SMG-1 (a.k.a. “The German”)

A sneak preview at the Kobold SMG-1 prototype.
Keep posted, more pics to come.

My watch brethren, this is the watch that will put Mikey on the map. I must confess, I am wearing the prototype SMG-1 at this very moment! Yes, I know you are jealous and you want it!!! It was the only Kobold displayed at the Basel show and will be ripe for the picking SOON, fear not. I hope to secure some pictures that only CTWG can obtain soon for your viewing pleasure, a secret mission grab(SMG) if you will. CTWG

For more information about Kobold watches call Chad the Watch Guy at
412-682-0226.

3 comments April 19th, 2006

The April Fool Returns!

Spring is the time for watches and I am recently back from Basel and will be talking in-depth about my watch crusade. Many new watch models and styles are entering the market and I will be your link to the industry. Think of me as Chad the insider, the guy who sheds light on some of the industry jargon, trends, and even tackles some of the industry problems.

This is a NEW blog, so my fellow watch lovers come forth, show your colors, and lend your two cents, I will be checking to see who really wants to talk shop, and find the right timepiece for themselves. All styles, brands, and flavors can be represented here. Ask away! I hope my experience in the industry will be of use to the masses.Some links have been posted, and more will surely follow, you will see my favorite timepieces and why I believe them to be the “Best of the Best”. Check back, pick my brian, I mean brain, and for once feel confident about that watches you buy for your collection. CTWG

Add comment April 19th, 2006