Earlier quoted context omitted.
With this mindset, we would risk the rich to be completely free of criticism. They are already the decision makers not taking the right decisions for the environment. They are the ones choosing not to be on my side. We need to spend a lot of efforts fighting their carelessness and bad decision-making. I want to be able to mock them. (though I don't usually do it, it does not bring joy in me, mostly bitterness). If so…
What is the environmental problem with a gold watch? Aside from a little extra effort in manufacturing, I fail to see it. Jetting everywhere for the sake of it, yes, this is worth critizicing( and mocking), but a golden luxory is harmless I think and not worth a class warfare.
Somebody focusing so much on status so as to need to spend this much money is merely out of my understanding. Yes, it's some form of intolerance on my side and I fully admit it.
Now, gold is both rare and needed, and implies mining, and possibly underpaid people with awful work conditions. I find building such short-lived and futile items with it irresponsible. It's fortunate it's mostly anecdotal. This is what, among other things, I see in a gold watch. I also see how most of us need to work for years to save this amount of money, and that we'll have to use it on essential things like housing and still have to use a loan to buy, and they will spend it without thinking much about it. It's unfair, yet, they are proud of it. These people are so out of touch with the realities of our world.
Showing status is a double edged sword.
Of course, it works both ways. Someone wearing a gold watch probably wouldn't care for me. At least the relation is likely symmetrical.