VPI's new "Vanquish" Ultra High-End turntable is a STUNNER!

At this level, I don't understand VPI's failure to design around two inherent compromises that VPI is infamous for implementing; 1) a junction box instead of continuous wiring from cartridge pins to connector of choice and 2) ridiculously lengthy armboards cantilevered from the plinth. 
As to 2), I don't care how thick the aluminum or alloy or whatever the armboard is constructed of, I don't care how tightly and securely it is clamped to the plinth, it will be susceptible to resonance that would not be present with a better design. 
When one looks at how the expense of production is allocated, I see bling predominating over ultimate performance.

My understanding is that the Vanquish does not use a junction box, but instead has concealed wiring and a built-in phono stage. So you might want to check your facts on that.

Check your eyeballs. The second arm on the longshoreman's pier of an armboard as pictured clearly relies upon a junction box. 

Like Rolex, maker of the world's finest $800 dive watch, which they somehow manage to sell for $8k,

I hope you know more about audio than about fine timepieces. Granted, 10K (the actual starting price of Rolex's after sales tax) is high, but the quality of materials, finish, and the built-in-house movement set them apart from all but their very finest competitors. No $800 divers watch with a mechanical movement is master chronometer certified. 
Your analogy breaks down in another key area-Rolexes, alone with PP and the AP Royal Oak, hold their value and even sell for more than original MSRP often. Try that with just about any piece of current production audio equipment known to mankind (note my emphasis on the words "current production" to exclude the likes of the Vendetta Research phono stage or the Thorens TD124, Garrard 301, etc).