A thing is certain : Education is an important factor which may bring you to a change or an evolution on your perception of watches.
There were very simple, minmalist watches I didn't ever seen at the very beginning of my Passion for watches.
Now, I love them.
An Example?
I sold my Royal Oa Alinghi from 2003, to buy a Royal Oak Jumbo Vintage.
I pay more and more attention to some Vintage models, like Diving Watches, fior example.
But, on another side, there were watches I always ( and still ) admire, like the PP World Time, the UN Freak, The Panerai Logo, the GP Tourbillon under 3 Golden Bridges, etc...
You may have an evolution or vhange in your perception on watches, but you're not alone, as even the brands change!
Like you, sometimes I look at these Catalogues of the Past, let's say 10 / 15 years old, and it is funny and interesting to see how things changed.
Best,
Nicolas