platinum5070,
I think you pretty much nailed the distinction between the broad "luxury" market and the highest-end market, but don't you think the market for the Calatrava/Twenty4/Nautilus lines has some overlap with the board "luxury" market? Moreover, I think the global economic situation gives pause even to the wealthy and the addicted, thereby affecting the rate of spending.
More personally, I think your strategy to get your grail is one of the best stories of the year on the watch boards, and a decision you won't regret.
Park