LOL sounds like something I've encountered myself. I was excited about a complete Cal. 12 movement with a clean dial and hands that I picked up off eBay last year for a ludicrous buy it now price, thinking I'd be able to find a decent case to match. That hasn't been the case (no pun intended)!

In hindsight, these fixer-uppers do give a sense of satisfaction with resurrecting a watch, but there's also something to be said about instant gratification!

: Are fixer-uppers going for the same as a nice example?

: I don't think so Craig, yeah, the odd one might go for way more
: than it should, but generally not the same amount. I have
: noticed though that they (the fixer-uppers) have increased in
: value in the last year or so.. I will often follow several on
: ebay, with half a notion of buying one at a cheap price, and I
: too have been surprised at the final auction prices. In my mind,
: I guess like you, I've totted up the repair costs and though
: that there can't be any difference in buying a sorted/mint
: example.

: The only explanation I have, is the increased interest in Heuers
: and the less educated in the subject think it's easy to get
: parts etc. As we all know, the parts can be hard to find. A
: Heuer-noob might think they can pic up a crown, a couple of
: pushers and a bezel insert for $100 or so.. but we all know that
: ain't the case. I get dozens of emails a month from people
: asking which shops sell Heuer diver parts and for advice, and I
: have to disappoint them.. suddenly that 'nice pick-up from ebay'
: doesn't seem such a good deal. We've all been there though at
: some point, I certainly have.

: Stewart
: - Heuerville