As timekeeping devices, the Casio G-Shock devices with solar charging and WWWV setting are hard to beat. Rugged, waterproof, etc. Prices start around $55. All they do is tell time, without requiring any attention or maintenance.

I love mechanical watches too and have been looking for something that combines some smartwatch functionality with a good mechanical watch; have you seen Chronos?

https://wearchronos.com/

that's actually very intriguing! The only thing that worries me is, I'd be concerned about tapping my mechanical watch dozens of times a day. Tapping can exert surprising amount of force to tiny movement pieces.

Agreed -- same worries for the vibration. But for something like light notifications alone...

I'd have to get one and try it out first, though; it seems like a reasonable compromise.