Perhaps we need to revisit the original post and take note that someone is willing to spend up to $800 dollars for something that he intends to last a good long while.

We can't presume that he's going to abuse that costly a watch the same way any of us would treat a G-Shock.

My position was simply that for that amount of money, he's in territory that opens him up to a lot more choices.

Don't mistake my intent here. One of my favorite watches is my Casio G-Shock DW-5600. It's original BR2032 battery lasted over 11 years. Yes, it really did. I love that watch. But I've also always loved the simple, efficient, timeless design of the Rolex Submariner. I lot of people (guys) instinctively feel this way too, but then apply a reverse snobbism once they see the price tag.

In the price range the original poster asked about we're not talking about tough, disposable watches. Plenty of easy choices there already.

We're talking about something to treat as if we really do intend for it to last a lifetime. If it's really fantastic looking to boot, is largely hand assembled, and legitimately water resistant, well those are all bonuses.

I don't wear my watches to show off. I don't care what anyone thinks. My simple pleasure is purely selfish every time I look at my Seiko Divers. It would remain that way even if I were the only person on earth.
And that is something you just don't get when wearing something you're considering a plastic "time appliance".