Well, that sort of attitude from the manufacture just creates a niche for the independent watchmaker. So much the better in my opinion. I much prefer communicating directly to the person working on my watch so that he and I understand what is going to be done. Now, the only challenge remains is making sure the independent retains access to parts.

: At least the service was done at a point when the original parts
: were still being returned, so returning to original state is
: still an option. I understand they no longer are returned, so
: this would be a much tougher exercise with a more recent
: service.

: I believe that Rolex Geneva can refuse the service if the customer
: doesn't permit parts like dial and hands to be exchanged, I
: wonder if TH are moving to a similar position. I also understand
: that Rolex customarily polish and refinish cases as part of
: routine servicing.

: It's personal taste but I'm at the opposite end of the spectrum; I
: don't see the point in making a non-mint watch look mint again
: if what you sacrifice is originality. Nicks, scratches even
: gouges I can live with, anachronistic period-incorrect parts not
: so much.