No need to worry. I've had a bag with GHW for over 10 years and it's still perfect. Also, I there are ever issues with anything including hardware, zippers, Chanel repair is amazing.
I would get he black with GHW... A gorgeous and elegant combo. I would also get the regular size, not the XL. The regular shape is more elegant to me vs. the XL which looks more like a big work bag and not as much as a handbag.
Just my two cents.
Singaporean, the gold hardware seems to be a bit tarnish how much is the repair?