FWIW, I've worn a GMT Master II aprox. 7x24 for the last 25 years or so without a single service. While it is true I may be pushing my luck, they don't necessarily self destruct.

OTOH, while my GMT has been good to me, I prol would get an Omega Seamaster if I were to do it again. A lot of what you are paying for with Rolex is the name IMO.

OTOOH, it's a tough watch. I will never again buy a watch w/o a sapphire window. I've smashed the watch into a concrete wall w/no scratch. In fact, after 25 years of abuse, the window is nearly perfect (can't say the same for the rest of the watch. bezel is deeply faded, needs a re-lume, etc).

That, compaired to my last watch, which was a Casio G Shock. Deep scratches all over the window. And I did kill that one. Or at least, the housing broke in such a way a strap could not be attached and thus was unwearable.

But your point is fair. Folks sometimes don't realize how much it costs to have these watches properly maintained. I certainly didn't.

-john