A Matter of Time Episode 05: What women really think about your watch choice on a first date…

Time+Tide

Thinking that Rolex will seal the deal on date night? Think again. For Episode 5, A Matter of Time hosts Kristian Haagen and Andrew McCutchen put their co-host, Eleonor Picciotto, in the hot seat to leverage her distinct perspective, and the discussion revealed some brutal truths about what women actually notice about the watch on your wrist.

Looks trump tech specs

Women, typically speaking, tend to prioritise aesthetics over engineering. While you’re obsessing over COSC certification and helium escape valves, she’s likely focused on whether the watch looks clean, proportioned, and complements your style. Eleonor, despite her industry expertise, admits to looking at appearance first: “I look at the watch before what’s inside the watch. Even I do too.”

The technical movement matters to maybe 20% of women, she estimates. The other 80% couldn’t care less if it’s mechanical or quartz. But she also notes that this is starting to change as the watch enthusiast and collector base grows and diversifies.

The status symbol trap

Here’s where men get it spectacularly wrong: flashing expensive brands often backfires. Eleonor recounted dinner dates where men wearing obvious status pieces (Royal Oaks, Submariners, Patek Philippes) attracted unwanted attention from other men, completely derailing the evening.

“You wouldn’t be alone,” she warned about wearing flashy pieces to restaurants. “The douchebag at the table next to me would come over asking if it’s a Patek Philippe, and my date would think he’s strange.”

The most attractive approach? Watches with personal significance. Eleonor found men who bought timepieces to commemorate life milestones (first child, career achievements) far more appealing than those who simply show off their purchasing power.

The authenticity factor

Nothing kills attraction faster than a fake. Eleonor’s advice: “Get one you can afford. It’s better than getting a fake one.” A genuine Swatch beats a counterfeit Rolex every time. Women notice authenticity issues, and the conversation around fakes creates awkward moments.

Size and fit reality

Forget the oversized trend. Comfort and proportion matter more. Women approach watch sizing like other accessories, sometimes choosing pieces that aren’t perfectly comfortable for aesthetic reasons, but extreme oversizing often backfires. There’s growing interest in watches that both partners could wear, reflecting broader trends toward androgynous luxury. Eleonor’s partner regularly borrows her pieces, from a Franck Muller to various Cartier models. This sharing dynamic can add intimacy to relationships.

Brand recognition pitfalls

Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet carry instant recognition, but that’s not necessarily positive. Eleonor noted that many women spot these brands without understanding the differences between models, seeing only expensive watches rather than appreciating horological nuance. “A lot of girls don’t know the difference between a new Rolex and a vintage Rolex, but for them it’s still a Rolex,” she observed.

But sometimes the script is flipped in a fascinating way. Some models, like the Royal Oak, have perhaps become bigger than the brand name, Eleonor also noted in her analysis. This applies to anyone not down the rabbit hole, really. Most people in general would not see a Millenary and think Audemars Piguet, and even when the octagonal case and glistening bracelet of a Royal Oak come out from under a sleeve, most simply know it is a Royal Oak, not necessarily an Audemars Piguet.

The bottom line

Most women aren’t paying attention to your watch at all. They’re focused on personality, conversation quality, restaurant choice, and how you treat them. The timepiece ranks far below these factors. If you insist on considering your watch choice, avoid obvious status symbols that scream wealth, skip the technical specifications lecture, and choose something authentic that fits properly.

Most importantly, don’t make your watch the conversation starter; that’s the fastest way to signal that you’re more interested in impressing than connecting. The harsh reality? If your watch becomes the most interesting thing about you on a first date, you’re probably doing dating wrong.

What is A Matter of Time?

What is A Matter of Time all about? It is three watch experts getting together to talk about a subject they love: watches. Three minds. One passion. All the time in the world. A Matter of Time features Eleonor Picciotto (The Eye of Jewellery, The 1916 Company), Kristian Haagen (Author, Scandinavian Watch Extraordinare), and Andrew McUtchen (Founder, Time+Tide).

All full episodes of A Matter of Time will be posted right here on the Time+Tide YouTube Channel.