Disposable Wrist Watches/When & Where?

[BristolCavendish]

Case(s) in point. When the servicing/overhaul accounts for 75-80% of what you paid for the watch, is it a sound use of monetary resources to proceed with the expenditures? Sentimentalities and various 'handed-down' issues aside, sometimes it doesn't seem very cost-efficient.

I was discussing this issue with a friend who has a cigar box full of non-operable watches (some inexpensive, others more noteworthy and/or expensive). Looking through this eclectic mix of brands, here's where he drew the line: (1) a Zodiac Sea Wolf that he paid $100.00 for in 1967 stopped running and required servicing during the mid-1970s. Cost was estimated at $90.00. Result: cigar box. (2) a Seiko 5 ($25.00 at military PX during the late 1960s) conked-out. Repair cost: $60+. Result: cigar box. (3) Assorted Timex watches (either losing time or in need of batteries/watchstraps). Result: cigar box. (4) a mid-1970s Rolex Submariner (about $450 back in the day). RSC overhaul cost (during the 1980's) around $350. Relegated to the cigar box (although its current value in relation to a regular servicing interval is now somewhat justifiable). (5) Assorted analog quartz watches (primarily Seiko/Citizen) that have undergone several battery replacements but no pressure tests/new gaskets due to the service + gasket costs exceeding the initial price of the watches. Water resistance being compromised, they are now used as 'beaters'.

It's kind of like refurbishing older cars and vacuum tube audio equipment. Depending on the make (and its resale desirability), there is sometimes a point of no return. Result: cigar box.