Not sure how connected this really is, but I've been pleasantly surprised at how many people in the same age bracket as me (20's - early 30's) have at least a passing knowledge and interest of mechanical watches.

It always gets said "young people don't care about watches anymore" but I've had some pretty in depth chats about AP vs Rolex and shit with people my age and I get comments on my own watch too.

The link to what you're saying in the OP is that watches were pretty much reintroduced to younger people through the Apple Watch, Fitbit, and other smartwatches.

After getting used to wearing something on their wrist again, a lot of people were like "fuck this buzzing thing that makes me constantly check notifications, I want an actual watch."

And I'd also say the way people think of watches is the total opposite to tech. An Apple Watch is only good until the new one comes out six months later. Then its value halves.

Whereas people pass down Rolexes, APs, Pateks, etc down through the generations. They last forever and have sentimental value attached to them.

Whereas an Apple Watch is just another disposable consumer good.

I think that newfound appreciation for old school mechanical watches reflects the touch grass vibe if you get me.