John,
It's the same story the world over.. and it's down to us watch geeks to try to figure it out.
Funnily enough, unless there is bone-fide proof of a watches originality, then most watches histories are unknown. Who's to say that a dial wasn't replaced by Heuer in the 70's while at service, or had hands replaced etc etc. Or if you got all the correct parts for a 1163 Orange 'Orange boy' and put it together - then who could tell - no-one.

I guess it's why communities like OTD etc are so important, and it's about trust. There are many people on here that I would buy a watch from unseen - yet I've been offered great watches in the past from 'unknowns' and I've turned them down. Buy the seller, as they say.

Stewart
- Heuerville