They are pricey but are better quality then the click type or beam type IMO. The Snapon TorqueOmeters were what we were using for years in the manufacturing and testing of locknuts before going to automatic torque testers. These Snapons were calibrated regularly by an outside service for the company.
You can break them if you don't treat them right. Like any torque wrench they are not "breaker bars" and are not meant to be working past the torque rating.
I myself have 100 foot lb. and 30 inch lb. TorqueOmeters. I will admit I use a Craftsman click type on lug nuts though.
All that aside, how much will you use this? Mine have sat in their box probably 98% of the time I've owned them.
And how do you think thay can cost?? I found one very very good condition. It´s about US$ 250,00. They worth it????
Too much. They are all over Ebay for cheap. They are antiques. I found the one I have for like 65 shipped and it torques to 250.
We typically had all our torque wrenches on a six month calibration cycle in my previous job. The Snap-On Torqometer units are very accurate and well worth using. I am sure that most people are aware that the click type should be backed all the way off when not used because the spring will take a set and affect accuracy.
We have one that my dad purchased in the 80s. Looks exactly like the one you pictured. If you keep it in the box and only use it as a torque wrench, then it'll obviously last at least 30 years.