The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Erotic watches are a turn-off for Luke Benedictus because, in his view, their concealed sexual imagery turns luxury watchmaking into an awkward social stunt and reinforces the dated idea that watches are “boys’ toys.” That is the argument of his opinion essay for Time+Tide Watches, published on 22 January 2021—not evidence that all watch enthusiasts share his reaction.
What makes a watch “erotic” in Benedictus’s examples?
The watches in Benedictus’s essay build a reveal into the object: a concealed dial compartment, an erotic image on the caseback, or shutters that open over the dial. The mechanism is part of the appeal for some owners, but it is also what makes the imagery a potential talking point when shown to someone else.
His examples illustrate three different approaches. The essay names these pieces and reports historical details; it does not establish whether they remain available today.
| Example | How the image is revealed | What the 2021 essay reports |
|---|---|---|
| Jacob & Co. Rasputin Diamond Erotic Minute Repeater | A slider opens a concealed dial compartment. | Benedictus says Conor McGregor bought one. The essay reports a price of $1.5 million USD and nearly 30 carats of stones; these are figures reported in 2021, not independently verified current pricing or specifications. |
| Blancpain dress watches | The classical dial is paired with erotic imagery on the caseback. | The essay says Blancpain has made such watches and estimates that some one-off custom pieces are believed to fetch up to CHF 1 million. This is an attributed estimate, not an independent appraisal. |
| Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso à Eclipse Erotica | An external wheel opens shutters over the dial to reveal erotic imagery. | The essay describes it as a specially commissioned watch; it does not establish current availability or a price. |
Why does Benedictus find them embarrassing?
The reveal can feel like a social performance
Benedictus considers the concealed image and taboo reveal as possible sources of appeal, but says neither makes the watches worthwhile to him. He imagines an owner using the reveal as a conspiratorial “talking point”—a move he regards as undignified. That is a judgment about taste and social behavior, not a measured finding about owners or audiences.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
He objects to the gendered message
His strongest criticism is that erotic watches help keep alive the idea that watches are “boys’ toys,” a framing he says excludes women who also enjoy watches. In his words: “But the thing I find most objectionable is that these pieces feed into that old assumption that watches are ultimately ‘boys’ toys’.” The line states his view; it does not establish how the wider watch community sees these watches.
He questions the purpose of the concealed imagery
The essay acknowledges the long history of erotic art, then argues that a secret sexual image has little functional purpose in a contemporary world where visual sexual material is readily accessible. The objection is less about whether erotic art can exist than about the point of putting it behind a luxury-watch reveal.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Is “the ultimate turn-off” a consensus?
No. The title and the essay’s subheading—“Can we all just admit that ‘erotic watches’ are cringeworthy and embarrassing?”—are rhetorical expressions of Benedictus’s opinion. The essay does not report a consumer survey or establish how common his reaction is. A reader may share his discomfort, enjoy the mechanical surprise, or see the watches as an unusual form of erotic art.
The article’s examples and figures should also be read in their original context: they were reported by Time+Tide Watches in 2021. They are not current market quotations, independent appraisals, or confirmation that any named commission can be bought now.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
