[javadog]

I have owned umpteen watches for the last 25 years, most of them automatic winding, mechanical watches. Lot's of different manufacturers, from Casio to Patek Phillipe. Maybe half a dozen Rolexes. In my experience, mechanical watches can be quite accurate, if maintained and regulated properly. The most accurate one I own happens to be a fairly new Rolex Explorer. It is good for about one second per week. Most of my other Rolexes are good for a second per day, or less. I have a 5512 Submariner that is over thirty years old and it does just as well as the others. They have all been regularly serviced by Rolex in Dallas. I have never had a problem with any of their work. Most people that ***** about poor performance from a watch get them serviced by local watchmakers and therein lies most of the problem. Even the large national independent repair shops turn out lousy work. I used one once, and never will again. You generally get what you pay for. What a surprise.

Other watches I own are not as accurate. Most are within 3 to 4 seconds a day. I have a few quartz watches and, while they are pretty accurate, even they do not keep perfect time. I find myself adjusting them a couple of times a year, when they are a minute or two off.

Like Dean, I don't understand how people that enjoy airplanes or cars don't also like watches. I tend to like anything mechanical, or really, anything made by the hands of another, from fine wines to fine art, cameras, clothing, leather goods.....etc.

JR