Servicing a Headwind

[JacksonStone]

I just ordered a Headwind - blue dial, fully brushed case and bracelet, faceted Pilot. It'll be a few days before it gets here. I don't know the service history, but I'm anticipating the possibility of needing to get it serviced. Given its age (originally purchased in 2001 - model disco'd in 2005), is this something best left to BUSA, or an independent? I've not dealt with servicing an older Breitling before, so this is new territory for me.

Two areas of concern: (1) Preserving the hands. I don't mind if they're replaced, as long as the replacements are of the original design. Newer-style hands will ruin the look of the watch, imo. (2) Making sure the brushed finish is original to the watch, and not a custom job BUSA will want to alter. As far as I know, the Headwind came in both brushed and polished versions, so I'm assuming this is a stock finish, but I don't know that. Is there a way to find that out?

Also, if I send it to BUSA, is it advisable to ship it myself, or go through an AD?