Damaged Constellation 168.027 compatible with 168.017 case?

Hi everyone,

I’m new to the forum and have a question about my Constellation 168.027.

I recently had the watch serviced by a recommended watchmaker here in Germany. I did not request any case work or polishing, but unfortunately the watchmaker decided to polish out a few flaws. In the process, the lugs and the polished bevels along the sides of the case were noticeably rounded. The watch has considerable sentimental value to me, so I’m understandably heartbroken about the damage.

I’m now exploring two possible ways to repair it: having a case-restoration specialist rebuild the lost material using additive laser welding and then refinish the case, or finding a suitable donor case, which would likely be the less expensive option.

I have found a NOS 168.017 case. It should accept both the calibre 561 and 564 movements (mine has a calibre 564) but I have not been able to establish whether the gold fluted bezel from my 168.027 can be fitted to the 168.017 case. Were these cases originally designed to accommodate either bezel, or are the bezel dimensions or mounting arrangements different?

I’ve included photographs showing the damage, a “before” photograph (the landscape-oriented image with the dark background) and several photographs of the prospective donor case.

Any advice or firsthand experience with these references and the bezel compatibility would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks!

Case architecture is the same for both models. The only two things that are different are the bezel which you mentioned and the case back that reads 168.017. You should be able to swap the bezel and your case back to the new case.

Thanks for that! I think a donor case is a much better solution than trying to restore the case.