In my experience, people who "invest" in fancy watches usually have nothing of value to say. Same goes for people that buy supercars to drive on the street.

If it's the latter point from the purchase list that raised your ire, I've only ever purchased watches for fun. And that list would be a Hamilton Murph (the watch from Intersteller). Gifted to me, but < $1000

A Mondaine purchased from a Swiss railway station ($400)

Not strictly mechanical, but a Casio A168WA, purchased in Tokyo ($25)

Disagreements on the article are most welcome (and encouraged!), but should probably stick to content therein.