I'm in the same boat. I haven't found watchsmith i trust to send my watch to. Granted I haven't looked on the forum in awhile but I remember the many horror stories about watches sent out and this and that happening. I'm lucky I found a local watchsmith who will work on reps as long as they have a swiss movt. I brought my SeaDweller in and he calls the next day letting me know it ain't swiss. He tinkered and got me going but it has left a bad taste in my mouth. This was this week. I pulled up my receipt (Dec, 2012) just to make sure I paid for a swiss movt and sure enough I did.
I know it is part and parcel of the game but the older I get I am becoming a grumpy but and less tolerant to the imperfections. I recently acquired a vintage diver and am getting into vintage pieces. With all that said I have a 21j Exp. II that is over 5 years old and in tip top shape. I have the mindset "I'll pay good money for something because I take care of my things and they will last forever". It just doesn't work with reps for me. I think I am going towards gens and looking at reps for what they are...disposable toys. Buy a 21j and when it goes, it goes. I might even start tinkering since I have always wanted to be able to fix my timepieces.