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Often when a watch draws inspiration from something in the world – be it a car, plane, or even a city – things are limited to smaller touches, or perhaps something on the caseback. With the Klaus Kobec Taj Mahal, however, you’ve got the namesake inspiration front and center.

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This, quite obviously, is with the skyline profile that runs from 8 o’clock to 4 o’clock. It’s an interesting design to the watch, especially when it’s paired to the black mother-of-pearl dial as ours (ref. KK-20007-04) was. This really gives the look of a night sky, which is something I can’t honestly say I’ve associated with MOP dials before.

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When you take a closer look at the MOP, you see that there’s actually a brick wall pattern etched into it, which brings us back to the city tie-in. Cues from that silhouette appear in other parts of the watch as well – the dome pops up again in the modified onion crown, and the gold screw heads pop in on the lumed pips of the pomme-style hands.

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For this quartz watch, the focus is definitely on the styling. And, for a dress watch that you may only be pulling out occasionally, that’s probably ok. This particular example came with a gold tone finish to the 42mm stainless steel case, which is then picked up by the Roman numerals on the dial.

 

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If the brown croc-embossed strap isn’t your thing, you could pretty easily swap in a black calf one, I think, and still be keeping within the original look they intended. With the Klaus Kobec Taj Mahal collection, you’ve got an interesting combination of geography and materials. Coming in at a price of $276, this is a unique look that will give your wrist a bit of subtle style. klauskobec.com

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Review Summary

  • Brand & Model: Klaus Kobec Taj Mahal (ref. KK-20007-04)
  • Price: $276
  • Who’s it for?: I think this is for someone who perhaps has some memories tied to the Taj Mahal – either by having toured there, or perhaps having lived in the area
  • Would I wear it?: That’s a tough one. I love the dial, I’m just not crazy about the gold tone
  • What I’d change: The finish of the case. Perhaps a rose gold, or perhaps a dark grey, I think, would be quite nice.
  • The best thing about it: The combination of the skyline and black MOP dial – a stylized nighttime picture.

 

Categorized in:

Reviews, Under $500,

Last Update: July 9, 2014