Apple Watch Ultra broken ambient light sensor and disappointing support

I noticed that my display was not readable outdoors and overly bright when dark. Contacted Apple support via chat, a remote diagnostics was performed and verified that the ambient light sensor was defective. I was presented with 2 options, send the watch in for repair/replacement, or go into Apple Store. I chose Apple store because I did not want to be without my watch and miss out on completing fitness rings.

I went to the Apple store this morning, only to be told that they would need to send in my watch, that an immediate swap was not possible. What was the point of giving me a choice to go to Apple Store if they were going to have to send in the watch anyway?? Plus the ambient light sensor was verified to be defective through their diagnostics.

Unfortunately I do not have a backup watch, but then I should not need one.

Anyone ran into similar problem, with possibility of not having a watch and breaking fitness streaks?