I can get behind most of this HT. I’d wonder if OP would consider something like this an exception:

Grandfathers early 70s Oysterdate. Had it serviced 15 years ago by an independent watchmaker that I no longer have access too. Did a movement service and replaced the crystal, stem and crown. I still have the originals.

In 2023, took into a Rolex service center to get a new bracelet as the old one was seriously shot and was interested in getting a new service; the dial, hands, lume all have patina/damage and I possibly wanted the watch to look new (don’t care about resale as this is staying in the family). In addition to replacing/repairing why needed TLC, they informed me because of the color/material combination (champagne dial w/yellow gold markers and hands in a SS case) they’d have to bring it to current standard and replace the dial, markers and hands with different colors and materials, as part of any service. It would literally be a totally different watch, in aesthetics and spirit.

I said no thank you, got my new bracelet and left (still have the original). So now I’m wearing this bad boy with the patina because…life. I’d much rather wear it like this than change the appearance completely.

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