I think you've actually just validated my point: you are conscious of the watch you wear, and so I suspect you notice what others are wearing. You and I notice because, to some extent, we're both interested. Your prospect wearing the Daytona probably noticed what you were wearing too, but we're a very small number of data points: most people wouldn't notice. I doubt most people even know what a Rolex Daytona looks like, for example, and why should they?
Of course, when I go to a meeting I'm aware that perception matters, and in certain contexts there's a good chance I'm going to meet somebody wearing a nice watch who might make judgement about me based on what I'm wearing (human nature sucks sometimes). So I'm not going to turn up for a pitch wearing one of my Seikos (even though I love them) because they're probably too affordable and, frankly, too casual (Orange Monster anyone?). What I need is something classy and relatively refined without being flashy or ostentatious. Eventually, specifically to fulfil that role, I bought a used Omega Seamaster (which has become just about my favourite watch because it's so versatile).
I'd certainly think twice about wearing a Rolex for a pitch because there's always the risk it might make you look expensive, but I wouldn't think twice about wearing the same watch in a social context. Why? Because I love a good timepiece, and since none of my good friends are into watches they never notice what I'm wearing anyway, so I can get away with anything within reason. (Btw, I'm talking about stainless steel models here; if you're talking gold that is a different matter because just by its very nature it's attention grabbing.)
Of course, when I go to a meeting I'm aware that perception matters, and in certain contexts there's a good chance I'm going to meet somebody wearing a nice watch who might make judgement about me based on what I'm wearing (human nature sucks sometimes). So I'm not going to turn up for a pitch wearing one of my Seikos (even though I love them) because they're probably too affordable and, frankly, too casual (Orange Monster anyone?). What I need is something classy and relatively refined without being flashy or ostentatious. Eventually, specifically to fulfil that role, I bought a used Omega Seamaster (which has become just about my favourite watch because it's so versatile).
I'd certainly think twice about wearing a Rolex for a pitch because there's always the risk it might make you look expensive, but I wouldn't think twice about wearing the same watch in a social context. Why? Because I love a good timepiece, and since none of my good friends are into watches they never notice what I'm wearing anyway, so I can get away with anything within reason. (Btw, I'm talking about stainless steel models here; if you're talking gold that is a different matter because just by its very nature it's attention grabbing.)