The truly sad fact is, outside of a wrist mounted sundial, there is no watch I have yet found that is guaranteed to last through your lifetime and become an heirloom.
I have a Seiko 7N43-6111 that has lasted over eight years on the battery in it, but it still needs a battery on occasion. It seems to handle water just fine. I have dived all the islands in Hawaii as well as multiple swimming pools, lakes and water-skiing trips with no ill effect. It was a giveaway when I completed 15 years of employment with a previous employer.
It holds the record for longest life of any watch on my wrist. But to be fair, I no longer do any technical rope work, nor do I shoot magnum handguns or otherwise expose it to extraordinary shock forces.
Luminescence is marginal, it's probably good for about twenty minutes after light exposure. The date is impossible to read with my 50 year old eyes without the benefit of my cheaters. But it's still a pretty decent looking watch and I can wear it with a suit or shorts.
Edited by Tarzan (05/23/10 06:10 PM)
Edit Reason: can't spell