Call me nuts (you’ll need to get in line), but I don’t think we hardly ever get enough female opinions in the horology world. I’m not talking about technical expert opinions. We have several of those (I’m thinking watch guru Elizabeth Doerr, for example), but I mean in the general female population. And yet they matter a lot don’t they?  Because when you think about it, a lot of men watches get sold as gifts. And who buys those gifts? Often times, wives and girlfriends (sometimes both). Additionally, let’s be honest here, it’s nice to wear a watch that gets you some interested looks from the opposite sex. Who doesn’t want to get noticed?

So knowing this, I thought it would be interesting to actually find out what watches women find the most attractive on a man. Because, after all, if we’re going to use watches as social magnets, it behooves us to identify the most effective ones. It’s a mission I was willing to undertake for the benefit of mankind

To pursue this very important research, I went to some of my favorite social networks and also asked people in person:

“What watches do you think look best (read: hottest) on a man?“

I was lucky and got some really interesting answers such as:

“Rolex! Shows that a man has taste…very simple. I also have a Rolex so there would be a connection already then. kind regards”

“JLC will ALWAYS turn my head ”

“It’s not so much a certain brand that will turn my head, but more the look of a watch. I really appreciate men who wear classic looking sleek watches. No crazy colors or rubber straps. I’m a real big fan of Patek Philippex’s Calatrava on a man’s wrist.”

“I think watches like IWC Pilot, Panerai, some Breitlings have a very slick but not over done look doing for them. I love the size i think men should wear a larger watch its much sexier then a thinner smaller watch even if the man wears suits all the time.”

“Patek Gondolo simple elegant or Breguet Le reveil du Tzar …Ulysee Nardin maybe …”

“I personally love Breitling on a man. To me this watch is the epitome of manhood.”

“My hubby’s Marvin M008 of course!”

“I love seeing a Panerai on a man’s wrist, although I have other brands that I love just a bit more. For me, Panerai just screams MAN. I’d say the same for Audemar Piguet.”

“I would be most impressed, however, with a man wearing an IWC (love the DaVinci and Portugese models), anything from Jaeger, although I am enamored with their Master Series, a Patek Philippe Star Calibre, a Ulysse Nardin Freak, a Girard Perregeaux Vintage Series, and almost any Zenith watch. Also, a grande complication from any of these manufacturers would certainly make my knees weak (especially the GP Opera and the JLC Tryptique). While some women judge a man by his shoes, I know everything I need to know about a man from his watch. Wearing any of the above tells me I am dealing with a connoisseur who doesn’t follow trends but chooses what he likes. It also says I’m dealing with a captain of industry that likes the very best.”

“The one and only watch I find extraordinary on a man is Panerai Luminor I find this is the ultimate touch of class for a man.  Although it seems a very sober model it reveals, in my opinion, sophistication, distinction and taste.”

“From an attraction standpoint, I think  it’s more a question of state of mind. In today’s world, a watch is part of our inner self. Because if you decide to wear a watch it’s for the form and not the function (you can get the time of day from so many different sources).  So it has to reflect your personality and style. If the watch is coherent with your look, your style, and your behavior, then it will just re-enforce what makes you unique, and consequently attractive.”

So let’s recap here. It would appear (so far) that the most appreciated men watches (by our lady friends) seem to hover around a consistent set of brands including Breitling, Panerai, Patek, Rolex, IWC, JLC, Ulysse Nardin, and the like. In other words, “power watches”.  Watches that say “I’ve arrived, I’m in control, my tailor is rich”

But supposing you wanted to be a little, shall we say, off the beaten path. And supposing you wanted the same effect without the $20,000 parting fee. You might then want to try these Marvin models (NOTE: comments are purely personal):

The M108 “charcoal” edition.

Simple, unassuming yet elegant. Message: I’m mysterious. Fun: challenging to read in the dark (it’s a feature!) – Social juice: leads to interesting exchanges as in “excuse me, would you have the time? – Oh dear, how do you read that!?!”  It’s easy, let me show you…

The M107

A racy big-boned “testosterone” watch for fast-moving men. Message: physical strength and fast moving. Fun: Hey check out how my chrono works. Social juice: If you can guess the weight, your next cocktail’s on me.

The Malton 160 Round

All the great classic horology codes around your wrist. Message: refined and elegant. Means business. Fun: Can’t stop caressing it. Social juice: You paid under $15,000 for this watch! Get outta here?!  How, where?

I want to thank all the wonderful ladies who took the time to contribute to this post – You remain anonymous, but you know who you are! And for the guys out there, if you’ve had success with a particular watch, Marvin or not, I’d sure love to hear your stories so keep em coming!