Stained-glass skylight and staircase landing of the Hôtel Solvay by Victor Horta, Brussels

About us

Our story

After more than a decade in the watch community, I wanted to contribute something — create something lasting.

I wanted to build a watch that isn't meant to impress from across the street, or from a spec sheet with boxes ticked. I wanted to build a watch that's beautiful — that rewards noticing. The longer you look, the more details you find. Quiet, confident design, where every element earns its place.

So that's what Kobus is: one watch, design-first, built in Switzerland, produced in small runs. No shortcuts on materials, case, or finishing. At some point while collecting, I kept seeing choices I would have made differently — details I wished existed. The only way to get the watch I had in my head was to make it.

Kobus with his grandfather Sjaak, the watch's namesake

Origin

The name "Kobus" comes from my grandfather Sjaak — short for Jakobus.

It is thanks to him that I got into the hobby of watch collecting. For my 20th birthday I was allowed to choose a watch. Wanting to make him proud by making a thought-through and well-weighed decision, I started doing my research. Quite a lot of research, it turned out — and down the rabbit hole I went.

My love for watches and collecting has only grown since, and my taste has developed and changed over time. I noticed there's one type of watch that will transcend hype or fashion: a beautiful and elegant dress watch.

This adventure is first and foremost one of passion and a desire to create. But it is also a tribute to my grandfather — to build something lasting.

Our design language

Three qualities, in balance.

Timeless

We don’t chase hype or trend. We design with the expectation that our watches will still be worth wearing and passing on in decades to come.

Brussels Inspiration

As a brand born in Brussels, we owe part of our raison d’être to it. The design draws inspiration from Brussels’ architectural heritage in the form of Art Nouveau. Organic curves and flowing lines give the watch the elegance it needs.

Rebellious

Every watch we design has a controlled edge to it. An element that takes you by surprise, that embodies the defiance of a young brand. Like its city, there is a strong youth in old surroundings.

Early concept sketches of the Kobus watch case, exploring proportion and dial layout

Meet the team

The people behind Kobus.

Released when ready.

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