[eo3x0]

Nowadays, there is very little functional purpose. But historically, they were used widely and the robustness of the watch mattered a lot. There's a very good reason the Omega Speedmaster was sent to space.

Today's mechanical watches are a celebration of that tradition. You have to have an appreciation for that as well as the historical significance in timekeeping as part of civilization's endeavors into transoceanic navigation, extreme mountaineering and ultimately into space as a prerequisite for truly appreciating mechanical watches.

The best manufactures today, like Rolex, uphold that tradition in their professional line. You can read about the history of the GMT, the Explorer and the Subminariner (in particular the Milsub) to get a glimpse of the historical significance.

In some way, a mechanical watch is a miniature museum and houses some very significant advancements. Modern watchmakers continue to push mechanical and material boundaries. This is to be appreciated if only as an art, even if outdated.