Because I think the question is worded poorly, let me give my example.
For me it’s the brand name. Not its reputation or history, but just how the name sounds. For example:
Omega - association with ancient greece, and also math and physics. 10/10 would explore space with one
Cartier - sounds french and expensive, is french and expensive; perfect for if I was rich and wanted to feel rich
Baltic - reminds me of the cold Baltic sea, perfect name for a dive watch; probably one of the reasons I love the Aquascaphe so much
Names that end with “ex” - generaly sounds like you’re lazily trying to look cool (Rolex is an exception, I don’t feel strongly about it)
So yeah I know it’s dumb but the brand name is the thing that is always plastered in big letters across the dial, I feel that the name should fit the style of the watch and also myself.
Ngl, they do come as a bit snobby, but I can mostly understand where you’re coming from, and at least you have your taste pinned down.
I just curious about your last point about phones. Phones are not just better at keeping time, they are also better chronometers than your chronographs. So saying you don’t like time only watches because your phone does a better job (if I understood this correctly), and like chronographs instead, doesn’t hold much water.
But it’s not like most watch collectors buy watches for their keeping abilities anyways.
Anyways, nice collection