Searching IWC 8531 case

[APD]

Hello Forum,

I am looking for a complete IWC 8531 steel case. Unfortunately, gold prices destroyed many vintage watches and left very cool movements without a home. I restored an 8531 movement and have been on the lookout for a replacement case in steel to use with this movement. So far, no luck. I would appreciate any leads for a genuine IWC case. FYI, the dial is damaged, but I am on the fence about replacing it as its scars show character. 

Thanks Forum

APD

Alan

[mikepilk]

There are many good quality movements+dials/hands for sale on ebay. When watches weren't worth as much, people sold the gold cases. Finding replacement cases is very difficult - I've been searching for years. New ones are very rare (did manufacturers every sell complete new cases?) so the only choice is to look for a donor watch, which for something like an IWC isn't going to be cheap.

Good luck

[APD]

Areed. Unfortunately, In this case, as IWC donor watches are so expensive, it leaves no room for selling. It took me over 10 years to source parts for an Cal 630 to repair a broken 3740 watch I purchased.  Now everytime I see a rare case on ebay, I think twice about passing on them.

Thanks for taking the time 

Alan