Vintage IWC case disassembly

[handwound]

Hello fellow watch repairers,

I recently got this beautiful IWC with the caliber 853:

On the timegrapher it actually performed quite well, but when I looked at the movement I decided that it could benefit from a service. Problem is, that I can't get it out of the case. I removed the clamps that you can see in the following pictures, but I didn't wanted to leave the case. You could turn the whole movement, but apparently there was no way to lift it out. I also checked, if the part around the movement is actually a movement ring, but it seems to be all solid. 

So I guessed, that it might be a front loader and you need to remove the bezel to get it out, but it sits absolutely flush with the case and there is no gap to insert a knife. 

Does anybody have any ideas how I could remove the movement, without ruining the case? Any help would be greatly appreciated  

Thanks in advance!

[watchweasol]

Hi It could be potentialy a front loader  If so remove the bezel (if no notch) use a sharp blade Ie safty razor blade or stanly. Be very careful and wear a protective glove just in case.  Work your way round the bezel untill you either gain entry or make enough headway to insert a case knife.

[rodabod]

Is there a 3-digit case reference number inside the case back? Eg “820”. 
 

The case will very likely be 3-piece, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a front-load assembly. There will possibly be no lip for the bezel ring which I think is done for aesthetics. Try to squeeze a razor blade in to start it lifting. 
 

Separate issue, but I would want to correct that buffed finish as it has rounded the edges and doesn’t look right. Even removing the finish would help. 

[handwound]

7 minutes ago, rodabod said:

Is there a 3-digit case reference number inside the case back? Eg “820”. 
 

The case will very likely be 3-piece, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a front-load assembly. There will possibly be no lip for the bezel ring which I think is done for aesthetics. Try to squeeze a razor blade in to start it lifting. 
 

Separate issue, but I would want to correct that buffed finish as it has rounded the edges and doesn’t look right. Even removing the finish would help. 

Unfortunately not, I already tried to figure out the reference the last days, but no success. 

I will try removing it with a razor blade 

As for the finish: it doesn't really bother me much. Maybe it's also a bit caused by the lighting, in person the brushing is actually really subtle and the edges aren't looking too bad. But in the end it's all personal preference  

Thanks for your answers!

[rodabod]

When you go in with a razor blade, choose a location which is inconspicuous. 
 

If the bezel will not lift, then tap the razor with a very lightweight hammer.