I read the arguments about the watch cases and "authenticity" as a whole. I agree with Mark Moss. I like to point out that in the 1970's with the Quartz invasion, many companies had to cut back production or stop operation all together and close shop. Breitling for one stopped operation and sold their inventory of watch parts. Completed watches disappeared into Vaults and reemerged many years later as new old stock (N.O.S.). Olech and Wajs bought some of Breitings inventory, movements, parts, cases etc, assembled them an sold Navytimers under their own name (check their web site for the history, pictures @ www.chronotime.ch.) During this time, many smaller companies bought "surplus" parts at reasonable prices and assembled them and sold them under their own name. The manufacturers were glad to sell them to recoup their cost with their future hanging in the balance.
Example: I have a Ollech-Wajs chronograph with a Valjoux 7730 movement and a Min./Hour bezel. I had a spare 12 Hour bezel from Heuer Autavia 1960's model before they changed to the compression case. The Heuer bezel is easier to read so I tried to swap it onto the O+W chrono. The Heuer bezel fits perfectly onto the O+W case. The O+W case is identical to the Heuer case, tapered lugs and the 7730 movement (also used by Heuer at this time ) fits perfectly. O+W put their own back on the case and their own logo and hands onto their watch. I have also seen the identical watch produced by CANDINO , different hands , logo but identical case.
Now, does that mean Heuer sold their surplus cases to other companies once they decided to go to the compression cases ? Was there a surplus at the stamping company and they sold the cases to anybody to reduce their inventory during those uncertain times ? Was there a warehouse that wanted to get rid of the cases ? You be the judge.
I think it is silly to argue about this without knowing the history and what took place in that industry. Any feed back is appreciated. Heinz Rengel.