I can well sympathize, my Rolex Submariner has developed two manufacturer faults within the six months I've owned it (and it has suffered no rough wear) I'd have to agree with the comment that people often buy a Rolex for the status symbol of having one (I bought mine as I'm a Bond fan) My fiance treated me to an Omega Planet Ocean for Christmas (my Submariner is still being fixed) and I can honestly say it is a far superior watch. It's easier to read, the case and bracelet are better engineered, and it keeps better time.
Omegas are available with quartz movements, so if accuracy of time-keeping is an issue, I would recommend one of those over an automatic, say a 2541.80 rather than the 2531.80, for example.
If however, you're objecting to paying that much money for the watch (not that you can't afford it, just that you object to it as a value for money issue) you might want to look at the
Casio MTD-1051A-2AVEF
[url] http://www.casio.co.uk/Products/Watches/Others/MTD-1051A-2AVEF/At%20a%20Glance[/url]
It looks very similar to a 2541.80, but will cost about a tenth of the price. (it also has a ten year battery)
Best of luck