It's more that Rolex are now seen as status symbols and they charge for that premium. Plenty of mechanical watches can be had for under $500: http://timetrans

It's more that Rolex are now seen as status symbols and they charge for that premium. Plenty of mechanical watches can be had for under $500: http://timetransformed.com/2014/12/27/which-is-the-cheapest-mechanical-watch-for-men/ http://timetransformed.com/2014/12/27/which-is-the-cheapest-... The one I'm wearing retails at $1020 and can regularly be picked up for about $850.