AD Watchmaker polished my watch against my express wishes—how to resolve?

I'm so glad the OP got sorted out finally If it were my watch and material was removed against my express wishes I'd want a new case in original condition so I could place my own nicks and wear and tear on it. Case design, shape and originality is extremely important, hence the value placed on unpolished vintage cases as an example. After all people go to great lengths to preserve the integrity of original Submariners etc. by sending them to sympathetic watchmakers rather than RSC. What about if the watch attains some collectors value in the future? That would be compromised surely.

My only question is why you're asking for suggestions here, from people who know much less about the law than you do. As a lawyer, you already know that the sentimental value of scratches (or of anything else, ever) isn't compensable. Also, as a lawyer, I'm sure you already know exactly what the only possible avenue for remedy is: If the vintage watch lost value by virtue of the polishing, that's the measure of your compensable damages. If you want to to teach them a lesson, simply file your claim in small claims court and either pay a bona fide expert to testify as to the diminution in value by virtue of the polishing or do a really good job of collecting that evidence yourself, such as from previous documented sales of the same watch in original vs. restored/polished condition. The latter will be much more difficult; but in theory, those are your only recovery options against Oris.

Exactly.

A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client. Old saying with much truth. If you are that upset, go see outside council and get some perspective.

Yes I noted that after the fact. The advice is still good.