Really, it isn't.
I think it's an affinity to precision engineering. I've always favoured fairly plain watches with simple stainless straps. My daily wear is a very plain Breitling which is pretty indestructible and always accurate. It looks very similar to your TAG Heuer F1 - blue face, three white sub-dials but without the bezel. I also have an Omega Speedmaster but I find it a bit chunky, having fairly slim wrists. My favourite is a Tissot, also very plain, but it was an alternative to a wedding ring as I don't do jewellery.