The Art of Time: Watch Photography
Photographing a watch is a game of millimeters. I specialize in capturing the dial texture, the finish of the hands, and the true character of your timepiece without the clutter of unwanted reflections.
The heart of the watch. I love shooting exposed case backs because they reveal the incredible engineering inside. For this Argos Olympus, I used a Hasselblad X2D to capture every gear and jewel with absolute clarity, laying it on a bed of watch links to create texture and context.
This shot of the Argos Olympus was a personal challenge. The goal was to create a high-contrast, dramatic image that emphasizes the watch's sharp lines and textured dial. Using focused lighting against a pure black background makes the steel and details pop.
The same watch, a different personality. Here, we focused on the rich red of the dial, using warm light to bring out the gold accents. This shows how lighting can completely change the mood of a product, from cool and technical to warm and luxurious.
A cool, icy take on the Argos Olympus. The checkered blue dial is the hero here, so I used a softer, diffused light to highlight its unique pattern without creating harsh glare on the crystal. It gives the watch a crisp, modern feel.
Context is everything. Placing this green-dialed Argos watch in a lifestyle setting with leather goods and a wooden surface tells a story of sophistication. The lighting is designed to feel natural, like a sunbeam hitting a desk, making the product feel accessible yet aspirational.
A lineup of the Argos collection, showcasing the different colorways. This kind of shot is essential for catalogs and websites, and the key is consistent lighting that accurately represents each dial color while creating a pleasing, rhythmic composition.
A creative, conceptual shot inspired by the idea of timeless stories. We made these Argos watches appear to float off the pages of an old book, giving them a magical, narrative quality. This is where product photography becomes art.
Creating a sense of space and drama. For this Argos watch, I used a reflective surface and a single spotlight to create this 'on a pedestal' look. The long reflection adds depth and makes the watch feel like a monumental object.
A moody, atmospheric close-up of the Argos Olympus. The deep blue monochrome lighting creates a sense of mystery and focuses entirely on the watch's form and the subtle texture of the dial. It’s about evoking a feeling, not just showing a product.
A macro shot focusing on the beautiful guilloché pattern of the Argos watch dial. This level of detail shows the craftsmanship of the timepiece and my technical ability to capture it perfectly, managing light on multiple reflective and textured surfaces.
About The Art of Time: Watch Photography
Most watch faces act like curved mirrors, which makes them incredibly difficult to photograph without showing the entire studio in the reflection. I handle this by using custom, gradient lighting setups that define the case and dial shape while keeping the crystal looking clean and intentional.
Precision in Every Millimeter
Photographing a watch isn't just about clicking a button. Whether it is a dress watch with a minimalist dial or a rugged chronograph with a complex bezel, the challenge is always the same: balancing light on polished steel, domed glass, and microscopic textures.
Why My Process is Different
My process begins long before the camera shutter clicks. I spend time analyzing the dial texture—whether it is guilloché, sunburst, or matte—and figuring out how to make that specific surface stand out through the crystal. I shoot exclusively on the Hasselblad X2D 100MP system. When you are highlighting a tiny crown logo or the precision sweep of a hand, megapixels are not a luxury; they are a requirement for sharp, print-ready results.
The Realist Approach
Clients often ask if I use CGI to get these looks. I am a purist. Every reflection, shadow, and glint you see in my portfolio is captured in-camera. We shoot tethered so you can see the raw results on a large monitor in real-time, ensuring we nail the perfect dial shot before we move on to the next angle. If you have a new collection launching or need campaign assets that show your watch's true engineering and finish, I am here to get it right.
Ashish Gurbani
I'm Ashish, and my studio is where watches get their real close-up. I don't just click images; I obsess over the light on the bezel until the dial texture actually jumps off the frame. When I partner with a brand, we are not just taking photos; we are capturing the precise engineering and finish that makes your timepiece stand out.
Looking for a different photography style?
Explore other commercial photography services provided at my studio.
More from Luxury Product Photography by Ashish Gurbani