In my opinion yes.
Things that are prized for durability or precision can be judged against those metrics. A watch which keeps better time is a watch that is objectively higher quality along at least the core function of the watch. A Roman bridge that is still standing today is objectively higher quality than those that fell from its same time period barring external factors like war etcā¦
Quality can be objectively defined with statistical metrics. Itās a solid scientific discipline forming the foundation of modern production. Without Quality criteria being imposed, almost nothing in modern factories would turn out good. Certainly no car would work and wafer fans will be turning out completely dead chips. Google ASQ, SPC etc. Good stuff.
Some say that because there are different preferences (some prize durability over precision) there is no objective quality. I think this is nonsense because they are not mutually exclusive.
What about for art?
I think in art we have masterpieces which in my opinion are pieces of art that are never done saying what they have to say. The statue of David captivating people in 1500, it captivates people today and it will captivate people 10,000 years from now. The amount of attention a masterpiece draws over the centuries is certainly an objective measure of success.
