Kobold Phantom Black Ops Tactical Chronograph Watch Review

This Kobold Phantom Black Ops Tactical Chronograph watch (model: KD 924453/KD924453) has a Swiss made, 25 jewel automatic movement based on ETA caliber 7750. The movement is housed in a 41.3mm U.S. manufactured stainless steel case with a matte black PVD or DLC coating.

It sits 15.33mm tall on the wrist. If you add the crown to the diameter it stretches out to 45.8mm. Keep in mind that not all of the cases were made in USA, on some older models you will find Germany stamped on the back. More on that here.

The Phantom Black Ops Tactical is a destra watch design, meaning the crown and pushers are on the left side of the case. For some, this is deal-breaker. For others, it is something different to have in the collection.

This blackout Phantom chrono looks great on a matching blacked-out NATO strap or with the blacked out Kobold bracelet installed (a $1,600 upgrade). The video above shows the older 5 links style bracelet, but there is also a simple single link band that was produced later on. If you want to sport the watch on something else, the lug width measures 20mm.

A slightly domed sapphire crystal provides a clear view into the dial. Black-out watches typically aren’t legible, but the Phantom Black Ops gets straight to the point with the lumed up greenish marker set. The matte black dial also features a gray day/date readout at 9:00.

The Kobold Black Ops is a beast in all conditions. This military grade field watch has a depth rating of 300m / 100ft and is equipped with a screw-down crown and screw-down pushers. The black bezel is uni-directional rotating, although we’ve seen some with fixed bezels as well.

As for the caseback, you can find the older classic Kobold cases with notches that allow for easier access to the movement. The later USA or Nepal pieces usually have flat casebacks that may be challenging to get into, even for experienced watchmakers with an arsenal of tools.

The retail price ranges from $5,850 to $6,950 USD.

Explore our current Kobold items in the watch store…