I don't think any of the good watch manufacturers can claim "leading the game in engineering and quality" in the sense that it's way better. Maybe Rolex is statistically 10% better quality (measured how? durability? fit and finish? design?) than the classic "beater" automatic Seiko SKX007 ($200, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B5MI3Q ), but then the price of the Rolex Sub is >40x higher.
If you're really after extreme durability (which is one aspect of quality), I think you'd be very hard pressed to find an automatic better than the Marathon GSAR, which is about 1/10th the price of a Rolex Sub.
Totally subjective: the "best" watch is a Grand Seiko with a Spring Drive movement. The smooth sweep of the hands are mesmerizing to me. That said, I'm unlikely to ever buy one--I can afford it, but I'd rather blow money on "dubious" computer equipment--unless I start making FY money.
That Spring Drive is a mecha-quartz movement, no? You can find the same one in several other watches, even non-Seiko ones; look for the VK64 or VK63 movements. This one I like in particular:
If you're really after extreme durability (which is one aspect of quality), I think you'd be very hard pressed to find an automatic better than the Marathon GSAR, which is about 1/10th the price of a Rolex Sub.
https://www.marathonwatch.com