Originally Posted By: barbakane

The advantages over other watches that cost a tiny fraction, is the fact that the automatics take no batteries, their water resistance is usually greater than the cheap watches. If the watch says is 200M WR, and it costs $50, it probably isn't.

There are also fairly cheap automatics (Seico sells some around 100€).
Seico, Casio and Citizen sell quartz watches with solar panels and radio control for accuracy. Those watches also start around 100€. Their water resistance is sufficient unless you are a scuba diver. A mechanical watch can hardly compete with their accuracy. The components could be sealed in solid block of resin. That would provide total WR without relying on gaskets. And it would not depend on gaskets.
Rolex watches are still an excellent design. With modern manufacturing methods their movements are not as outstanding as they used to be.
I am still a fan of mechanical movements. I wear them daily. I keep a couple of pocket watches running too. However I came to the conclusion that a Rolex does not offer enough function for the money. I do not envy anyone who owns one.

Originally Posted By: barbakane
Try reslling a $30 Casio.

That may offer quite a surprise. In the GDR they used to make a pocket watch that sold for 5 Mark (which was really cheap at that time). If you can get one, you might have to spend around 500$. Try to match that quota with a regular Rolex.
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