Personally, I think its worth it (although I think it was $388 not $488). THe movement is great, it accepts gen parts and looks perfect. Many movements, even the ETAs, are not in "tip top" shape. Also, there are quality control problems as some here have said. The extra money gets the movement taken apart, cleaned, lubed, put back together and gets the who watch tested to be water resistant to like 30m (or maybe 30 ft), either way, I believe the extra money is WELL worth it, if even just for peice of mind.