I agree with the "use it and abuse it" camp. Get your stuff out and use when you don't need to. Test drive it like mad so wou will know if it will of use in a "must" situation.

On the watch front I ask this: Why would you have a watch that requires batteries? I have an automatic that is great. Just a hand motions keep it wound up. Also, look at the solar options by some of the manufacturers. I am not particularly concerned about timing, day/date or any of the other things. Actually, the time of day is almost irrelevant. When its dark I sleep; when its light I work.