I find as I get into rep watches I focus more on the flaws sometimes and don't appreciate the overall beauty of the watch. Many of us want the best version of a watch we can get with our hard earned $$$.
I feel you! I go down that rabbit hole from time to time. I think if you go for the most "gen-like look", you'll find yourself disappointed more often as it will pronounce the flaws primarily. If you go for a more "gen-like experience" and focus on what is so emotive about the watch in the first place, the shortcomings are accepted much more readily. Unless it's a glaring shortcoming by your own standards of course.
Like if you want to date a beautiful lady... if you only focus on if she looks like a model, you'll pretty much always be disappointed. If you focus on the way you feel when your with her, you're much more likely to find her beautiful.