1. I'm rec'ing simply for the fact that you have me laughing and googling econ phrases. 
2. We have talked a number of times on the show about the silliness involved in objectifying watches beyond a timex ironman or g shock. For $100 you can get a virtually indestructible, solar powered, radio synced, highly legible and immanently light G Shock. The objective discussion should stop there. Mechanical watches, at any price, are positional goods. The (silly) justifications are just different as you travel the price spectrum. 

I was about to reply that all your examples are problematic for reasons X, Y, and Z, but instead I'll just enjoy the post. 

Also. I'd rock that 1958 Kenmore toaster in my kitchen. 

I love this kind of post! The increase in prices across the middle and upper end of watches is incredible. I suspect that the proliferation of interest (as evidenced by... Us) contributes more than a little toward the the market's ability to absorb the increases. 

That said, I'd like to, for just a minute, defend Seiko. Seiko has in the last few years completely reinvigorated its affordable automatic lineup. If you look at mid 90s prices, seiko 5s were going for $75-$100, and the SKX was $200.  Adjusted for inflation, that's, like... $160 and $375. The beautiful thing was that those prices never changed. Frozen in time - just like the watches. As amazing as the idea of Seiko 5 was when I was getting into watches, the actual watches left A LOT to be desired. There were a lot of choices, and they were all dated, and... Not great. The 5 Sports line have thus far all been (IMO) a huge improvement. Say what you will about the stylistic decisions, it's hard to say with a straight face, that the watches aren't objectively better (iso certification aside). You can still today get a five for under $200, and a "pro" diver for under $400.  Basically, Seiko Is remaking the line, and catching the prices up to where they were the last time Seiko invested any effort in the entry level mechanicals. 

Oh also. $500 auto GMT. 

I think this is the first result that genuinely surprises me. 

Awesome and very Un micro

Hey buddy!

Gosh this one is close. Ultimately went with a ordain, because as much as I love Serica, I think Anordain is doing something pretty special with the enameling process.