That is correct. Apple has classified the original Apple Watch as obsolete, meaning that it is no longer eligible for repairs from Apple or Apple Authorized Service Providers. This includes the $17,000 gold model.
Apple typically considers a product to be obsolete after it has been discontinued for more than seven years. The original Apple Watch was discontinued in 2016, so it has been obsolete for over six years.
Apple stops providing parts and support for obsolete products, so it is no longer able to repair them. This is frustrating for some customers, but it is understandable from a business perspective. Apple needs to focus its resources on supporting newer products, and it cannot afford to keep providing parts and support for older products indefinitely.
If you have an original Apple Watch that needs to be repaired, you may be able to find a third-party repair shop that can help you. However, it is important to note that third-party repair shops may not be able to use genuine Apple parts, and their repairs may not be as reliable as repairs from Apple or Apple Authorized Service Providers.
If you are considering purchasing an original Apple Watch, it is important to keep in mind that it is no longer eligible for repairs from Apple or Apple Authorized Service Providers. This means that you may have difficulty finding someone to repair your watch if it breaks.