They sure don't make things like they used to.
Ain't that the truth! I bet those timers costs a pretty penny when they were made, allowing for the greater value of a dollar/pound/whatever back then.
Now people go and buy a plastic wrapped pack of three Made-in-China timers for $5.95 at the local bargain store and expect it to be something other than cheap plastic junk.
None of it is ever likely to be around long enough to be eligible for any sort of longest-service competition. Warranty? Yeah, we guarantee it won't fall apart until you get it out of the store.