If you buy a name brand watch make certain that the establishment from which you purchase the watch is an authorized dealer. If it is not, the warranty may be invalid and the watch may be used. The first watch dates back to 1574. It was a pocket watch whose maker is unknown but it was a superb piece of craftsmanship. It was made of bronze and featured Saint George slaying a dragon.
Nothing is ever maintenance free.
All fine Swiss watches have a one-year warranty. They should be cared for like a fine automobile, and serviced periodically. A watch battery should be changed about once a year as most batteries only last that long. Watches have moving parts that need to be lubricated. When these movable parts dry out, the watch will stop functioning properly.