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.