What’s the best way to photograph a watch?

Outside in the sun or some type of light diffuser inside.

Best thing is to be taking a picture in a controlled space using lights that have some diffusion. You’ll find by playing with the angles you put the lights how you can hide the camera from being in a reflection. It will be a lot of trial and error but it’ll be worth it! And it’ll give you the knowledge to get the best outdoor pics if you go that route.

Using diffused or indirect light helps, for sure. Perhaps you have a gauzy white curtain in your home, or maybe a stretch of wall that bounces ambient sunlight into a space. Distance and angle relative the source is a factor as well - think about how much easier it is outdoors, with light falling from the sun in so many places where the sun isn't, if that makes sense. Often you can catch the light in the edge of the crystal just by angling things slightly, a big improvement on having your lamp reflecting from the middle of the watch face. The problem of catching your phone in the shot can be worked around in a similar way: try moving it further away and zooming in, shooting the watch at a different angle, or shifting position so the phone is blocking less incoming light. Also, pleasant, clear photos depend on relatively even lighting: try to work with multiple light sources in a shot if at all possible (you can even use some reflecting white printer paper to the opposite side from a source, in a pinch).

Personally, I like to work with reflected light, instead of just fighting it. Is there a way it can highlight a feature of the piece, or heighten its vibe? Maybe the pattern formed by that row of inset ceiling lights or LED strips can be used to play up the tech-y feel of your GShock. Maybe those long florescents can work as "racing stripes" across your chronograph watch.

One other thing to keep in mind is light temperature. Aim to use lights that are on the "cooler" end of the spectrum (think sunlight or many modern work lamps) rather than the warmer end (the lamp next to your couch). And try not to mix temperatures, although this is sometimes unavoidable. This will result in a more pleasing and accurate representation of the colors on your watch. Most phone cameras have an edit function that adjusts the lighting color cast after the fact, and this can help if you don't overdo it.

Promise me you won't look at the rest of this site

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/how-to-take-better-photos-of-your-watches-without-buying-a-new-camera

In my car, near my crotch. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Thank you!!!

Use a polariser on the lens, you can adjust the reflections in the photo (although lights are harder).

Lights require using angles and flags (things to block the light from hitting specific areas). I would try using lights at an angle that isn’t directly above the watch first. Add pieces of paper or a reflector for fill and see good that hours before you start flagging light out

Source: I’m a photographer (just not watches)