This is one way to get a photo of a hovering watch with disconnected strap by using helping hands clamps.
Studio setup
Before setting up the scene I had to figure out what the final image will look like. Gear I used: Fujifilm X-H2, Fujifilm 80mm macro lens, Aputure LED 120d light, Lee white diffusion, silver paper reflectors, orange art papers for the background, table, tripod, "helping hands" clamps, Sirui C-stand, light stands.
I set out to create a photo where the background color matches the orange of the watch strap. While this effect could be achieved in post, I prefer making the scene physically — so I used orange art paper to create the backdrop.
To hold everything in place, I used a "helping hands" tool (from Amazon), which made it much easier to position both the papers and the watch. Finding the right angles took a bit of experimenting. The scene is lit with a single light source behind LEE diffusion. To soften shadows on the background, I added a paper reflector on the camera side, and also directed some light back onto the watch itself. I shot this at f/16 without using focus stacking — though focus stacking would've given sharper detail across the frame.
In post, I removed the clamps and adjusted the background hue slightly toward red to better complement the strap. And added a bit light to the left.
I used AI to expand vertical original photo into horizontal photo to be used in advertisements where text placement is on the left side of the photo.
And this is how it's done!