I feel this in the same way...much more "obvious" and much more "show", it's the historical aspect of it.
I fear that it will get worse, hence this Opus 9, and the 8, may be catching the end of a tide.
On the subject of the Cabestan, yes and yes..it is well worth looking to get one. On the record, I was the first person to convey to the retailer (then), that I wanted to have it. It was Vianney's baby back then. I backed off after Ruchonet took on the work, however, the watch remains well worthy of its place in history.