You know i had the same impression when i looked at theses. Apple watch while interesting and impressive, seems more like a temp gadget than a lifetime tool.
I was looking at the list saying who in their right mind would pay 1-10k for one of these.. then realized i was wearing my submariner.
The difference is as you said, this watch from Apple will be irrelevant in 2-3 years (new versions, bad batteries, out dated software).
Where a high quality pure mechanical watch will last more than a lifetime (mine is a 62, its more than 20 years older than me, i'm the 3rd owner, and i plan on passing it to my son).
There are people who buy high end things for the "status" there are others that buy them because they understand value. Not all high end has high value, i would count the Apple watch in that group (high end low value) the same way i would compare a diamond encrusted submariner (used for people to show status, no one would ever go diving with it).