On the third hand, it'll still be running after 50 years and fully compatible with all standard issue eyeballs. Amortized cost of $60/year. Will the Apple Watch still be running in 50 years? At around $300/watch right now, each one needs to last at least 5 years to remain price competitive.
That Speedmaster won't run "service free" for that long, though. If you go by this guy's account, it'll cost you over $100/yr to maintain such a thing: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-service-industry-takin.... I think the correct takeaway here is: "don't use famous moon watches as your baseline comparison for 'dumb watch'".
5 years sounds alright, actually. Tech can last that long, despite engineering for obsolescence. But that moonwatch will probably stay in style much longer too.
In 50 years, will it still fit my sense of style? Will I manage to avoid misplacing it or getting lost for 50 years?
I'm not saying I want a Smart Watch (getting even more distracted? No thanks). What I'm saying is that lasting power in a device isn't just about continuing to function.
Fair, but that particular style has apparently already made it 50 years. It's got lasting power at least with a decent sized (or well funded) segment of the market.
It's also an object you can give to children and grandchildren. I have a number of objects like these. I would have zero interest in passing on my 2017 Apple Watch 3 in 20 years.
There's something to be said, IMO, for things that will last generations and not just years.
