This is a classic case of what happens when watch nerds are let loose in society. To the ordinary guy, this is an attractive model at the Ferrari stand of a major autoshow.

To a watch nerd it’s a perfect opportunity to take some pictures of the watch on her wrist, post them on Watchuseek and try to find out the model (of the watch, not the girl).

The ultimate conclusion was that she is wearing a US$140 Fossil with a white strap. There then developed a debate as to whether the watch suited her outfit.

Of course had she and the stand organisers thought things through a little more they would have insisted on her being brand loyal. Instead of white she would have worn a little black dress and demanded the icon of sports watchmaking, the Panerai Ferrari Scuderia Chronograph 40 mm watch with automatic winding. Its precision is guaranteed by a chronometer certificate issued by C.O.S.C. The timepiece also boasts 100-meter water-resistance.

The Panerai Ferrari Scuderia Chronograph, launched in 2007, would have been the ideal choice because it pairs two Italian thoroughbreds, Ferrari and Panerai, in a relatively small case (just 40 mm in diameter) to provide comfortable wearing for every wrist, even a female one.

The squared case with rounded corners is crafted in steel with a polished finish and brushed edges. The bezel also features a brushed finish. The screw-down chronograph push-pieces and winding crown are embellished with the Ferrari logo and rims with square-grid pattern.

The Panerai automatic calibre OP XXIII vibrates at a frequency of 28,800 alternations per hour. The mechanism comprises 37 jewels and offers an advantage of 42-hour power reserve.

The automatic calibre is embellished by Cotes de Geneve decoration and the blued screws. The rotor of the movement is engraved with the famous Ferrari prancing horse. This choice of watch would have pleased both the ardent watch nerd and the casual admirer. Of course at around US$8000 as opposed to a mere US$140, the chances are the Ferrari stand would have wanted the watch back after the event, but when image is everything this choice would have stolen the show.