I think we touched on this when discussing the difference between the man who wears a Rolex versus the man who wears an old Heuer. Certainly, the former has an element of status involved, but there aren't too many people who will care, no less appreciate, that it's a Siffert on your wrist. You wear that for your own enjoyment.

As a counter-theory, I think men are fascinated with mechanical objects, and the watch is the only such object one can wear. It's our version of cool, in the fascination sense rather than the status sense. If it was about being a status symbol, then any fool with ten grand could do it, but not too many here have any interesting in running to the store to buy a brand new solid gold watch to flash before your neighbors. My guess is no one here would ever think to point out his watch to anyone, but rather never mention it unless and until someone else noticed and asked. Only then would it be worth saying something.

Scott