Klaus Kobec Charisma
Dress Watch · Klaus Kobec, an affordable fashion and lifestyle watch brand
Period: Quartz Revolution Era (1970s-1980s)
Type
Dress Watch
Brand
Klaus Kobec, an affordable fashion and lifestyle watch brand
Movement
Quartz movement, standard frequency, battery-powered
Dimensions
Case diameter approximately 32mm, thickness 7mm, lug-to-lug 38mm, lug width 18mm
Description
The Klaus Kobec Charisma features a distinct cushion-shaped gold-plated case that frames a classic cream dial adorned with bold Roman numerals. Designed as an accessible dress watch, it offers a vintage aesthetic reminiscent of classic mid-century luxury timepieces while utilizing reliable quartz technology for everyday convenience.
Key Features
Cushion-shaped gold-plated case, striking black Roman numerals on a cream dial, integrated strap design, and a practical date complication at 3 o'clock
Dial Description
Off-white cream dial with black painted Roman numerals, a railroad minute track, slim baton hands, central sweep seconds, and a date window at the 3 o'clock position
Case Material
Gold-plated stainless steel with a polished finish
Crystal Type
Flat mineral glass crystal
Bezel Details
Fixed integrated smooth gold-plated bezel
Crown & Pushers
Small push-pull crown located at the 3 o'clock position
Bracelet or Strap
Black faux-croco embossed leather strap with a standard pin buckle
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel snap-on case back with brand markings
Movement Type
Quartz movement, standard frequency, battery-powered
Water Resistance
Splash resistant only; not suitable for swimming, showering, or immersion in water
Origin & Provenance
Swiss parts or Swiss movement assembled for the fashion watch market
Age Estimate
Likely late 1980s to 1990s production
Cultural Significance
Represents the era of accessible quartz fashion watches that made classic dress watch aesthetics available to a broad audience without high-end luxury pricing
Condition Notes
Fair condition with visible scratches on the crystal, plating wear and scuffs on the gold-toned case, and significant creasing and wear on the leather strap
Value Estimate
Modest secondary market value, typically ranging from $20 to $50 depending on condition and working status
Care & Maintenance
Keep away from water due to age and potential wear on gaskets, replace the battery as needed, and avoid harsh impacts to preserve the gold plating
Similar Watches
Cartier Tank or Omega DeVille quartz models, though positioned at a much lower entry-level price point
Interesting Facts
Klaus Kobec gained popularity in the 1990s and 2000s through direct-to-consumer catalogs and television shopping networks, offering accessible luxury-styled timepieces to the mass market