In terms of hardiness then a lot depends on ensuring that you are using a watch for what it's design for. For example, a Steelfish is designed to be hardy - it runs the B17 movement which is essentially the ETA 2824 which is fairly simple (i.e. no complications other than the date), has been around for 50 to 60 years and is renowned for being hardy and reliable. Additionally the Steelfish case is designed to resist pressure with it's WR rating of 2000m, so the outside is tough and durable as well. Lastly, both the movement and the case are made with great attention to detail using quality components, which makes reliability a far greater prospect that something knocked out for the lowest price in a far eastern sweat shop.
On the Chronograph side, something like the Skyland runs the B13 which is basically a Valjoux 7750, which is again one of the most well known and hardy chronograph movements around. S something like a Skyland is going be able to stand up to repeated wear and tear just fine.
Sure, any polished metal object will pick up scratches from time to time, but that will not compromise the fact that the watches are very hardy as long as you are using the correct watch for the job! By that I mean that purely by virtue of it's construction and intended use, a Navitimer for example is never going to be as tough as a Steelfish. Go diving (or even swimming) in a Navi and you can expect a big bill as a result - but then the Navi isn't designed for that, so you can't really expect otherwise.
So basically, provided you are using the right tool for the job (i.e. a dive watch if you are going diving), follow the manual in terms of when not to change the date etc, and get it serviced when it needs it, then there is no reason why a good mechanical watch can't last a lifetime.
|
). As long as you look after it properly it will last for a long time to come.
