I'd like to point out that we are having this discussion at The Survival Forum. A fair assumption is that the original poster will use the watch in harsh conditions on a regular basis. With modern technology, there is no more ruggedness achieved after one has spent about $200 on a rugged watch (e.g., G-Shock). It's important to make this point because perhaps the original poster or others came here unfamiliar with this concept.

I've heard arguments about why it's necessary to spend about $800 or more to get a truly lifetime watch. I have not been convinced because the caveat is that such a watch, if put through the elements, must undergo regular expensive maintenance at a certified jeweler. In the 1960's, I suppose such a watch would pass for being "lifetime". However, I don't consider such a label to be legitimate in the year 2010. By the way, I do own some overly priced, rugged watches.