Do people care about date wheel color match that much?

I think a color matched date wheel is a sign of, I don't think quality is the right term, but maybe it is.

If you're thinking about the color of the date wheel, then you're probably thinking about other details as well and that generally makes for a better watch.

However, any yahoo can match a date wheel to the dial and then skimp on other details.

So, it's one sign of further quality, IF the other stuff like polish/brushing, strap & bracelet fit & finish, etc. are at par with other similar watches

I personally don't mind them matched or unmatched.

I care. 

Stick with white dials and it's generally not an issue though.

No. If I like the watch enough I'll buy it anyways. 

Yes. 
 

ok, fine I’ll get into it. Almost always, color matched or at least black on a dark dial is better than just white. There have been a few times I’ve actually liked the date standing out more, but it’s really rare. 
 

Date just tends to screw up the symmetry of the watch, and I don’t think it’s worth it. For whatever reason, Icheck my watch for the time even though I have my phone, but when it comes to date, I’ll just check the phone. I guess it’s that you probably check the date 1 or fewer times a day. 

For me, all Three watches you posted look good. Seiko is color matched. Rolex gets a pass because of the cyclops. If you’re ok with calling attention to the date with a special window (and for some reason I am), then why hide it by color matching?  Omega looks good because the date is at 6 where the good lord intended. 

I generally prefer a colour matched date wheel, but I can overlook it on tool watches if they use a white date wheel for legibility. 

On a dress watch, or an old lady's broach I think a non-colour matched date wheel is ugly. 

I like it. It is a nice little detail.  However, on the one watch that I own that has it the wrong color choice for the printed numerals renders it unreadable:

White on red would have worked so much better.

I like a mismatched date wheel if it is in place of an hour marker, but only if the watch has lume on the markers. If it is between indices then color matched is best. 

That definitely looks like a case of wanting to do something "cool" rather than something practical. 

I am a no-date person, but if it is going to have a date, make sure it works design wise. I usually do not care if it is color matched or not, except where the contrast is thrown off. I do not personally always think it is a cost cutting exercise, but sometimes it can be lazy.

For example, I love this watch, but having a white color wheel against an off-white dial, just looks odd. They should have matched here.

Whereas with darker colors, like this, white just works:

(Monochrome Watches)

 Overall, I think it depends on the over design aesthetics.

white date wheels are the easiest to read because of the contrast to the black numbers and dials of most any color. They are small and hard enough to see without matching color to the dial and hiding it.

I am a no date person, but if I have a date I would prefer color matched unless it's done like Helm does it and uses the non color matched to be symmetrical with the lume.  That's a good look. If I really like a watch I wouldn't pass because it isn't matched. 

Doesn't really bother me if it matches or not as long as it fits with the overall styling of the watch.

think it depends on the specific watch. it wouldn't stop me buying if miss matched date/dial colour

As long as the date is easy to be seen at a glance, I'm alright with it. I figure a mismatching date wheel is just something to live with. What really gets me het up is when it's either sunk in too deep or otherwise near unreadable. 

Don't put dates if people can't read it!

Dugong shakes flippers in anger

I feel like it's important to note that although it's more aesthetically pleasing to have the date wheel being the same color as the dial, from a functional standpoint, black numerals on white background is about as visible as it gets. So while we all want the timepieces to be beautiful and pleasing to the eye, let's not forget that they do (sometimes) serve an actual purpose.

There's many a watch out there that's been spoilt by a glaring date window 🪟 😳 

It depends on the watch. Sometimes contrast look cool 

Unmatched date wheels are a nogo. 

I am the same way. I am pretty easy to please.

100% agreed

Yeah, I am an equal opportunity watch enjoy-er 

Yeah the contrast is a plus for me.

Yeah, you cant go wrong with a white date wheel.

I agree. A bit of contrast is a good thing if you ask me

Haha yeah I like that way of thinking. 

I like it as long as it doesn’t hinder legibility. It’s not a deal-breaker in most cases for me.

Maybe its my OCD, but the mismatch in color throws me off 🥺

For me I care more about date placement then color match date.  I love all the watches you posted, for me 3pm or 6pm date windows are the best.  I hate absolutely hate the 4:30 date window, for me a 4:30 date can ruin a watch.  

Yes, the date window is often a dealbreaker for me.

This Grand Seiko would be perfect to me if the date window matched the dial. Now I'll just wait for GS to release something else...