The 2499 et al are no longer just nice and desirable watches, they are on a par with a Ferrari 250gt swb, and in that sense no, they are not expensive
The Asprey 2499 is akin to Ferrari gto.
Or a Van Gough, or a Ming dynasty vase.
The value is decided by the elite of society who dictate what a “collectible” is worth.
Just my thoughts