Mr Macron, whose opponents have long-accused him of being a president of the rich, was being interviewed as violent protests and strikes take place across France.
French President Emmanuel Macron has been criticised after removing his expensive watch during a television interview about pension changes.
Violent protests and strikes are taking place across France after Mr Macron pushed through a law raising the retirement age by two years to 64 without a vote in parliament.
The clip of Mr Macron taking off his watch during the interview, which was broadcast on French news channels, has gone viral with political opponents suggesting it shows he is out of touch.