But, other than precious metals, why should one of these cost more than a Timex to make?
Those tiny synthetic rubies are cheap.
Precision to high tolerances is also cheap these days.
NOTHING in them is expensive except for the names.
DFM
https://www.quora.com/How-much-does-it-actually-cost-Rolex-to-make-a-watch-i-e-aside-from-the-stones-and-precious-metals-themselves-what-is-the-manufacturing-cost-and-what-is-the-profit-marginIf Rolex were only able to construct the same model year after year at the same costs reported by smaller volume but comparable watch makers, Rolex’s manufacturing costs can be estimated at $300.00-800.00 for fabrication.
[I think it is MUCH lower because they have amortized machinery and engineering cost.]