I do see a few scuffs or marks but this doesn't look like it was engraved. back doesn't feel thin or lite or weird at all and is very even across the back. maybe the light in the photos ?

 

could it be that the back was ground to remove military numbers?

 

Very unlikely

 

please elaborate "refinish the case" ? like repair it ? or just polish it?

 

I'm trying to add more photos with my phone, but can't. sounds like no more photos are even necessary. thank you everyone for all the insight and all of your combined knowledge. so the next hunt starts. case looks great to the naked eye.

upon revival of the (not original but correct) hands and the dial I will let all the gurus here again decide it's fate- thumbs down this time I guess.

so would a used era correct non chronometer dial be better then a restored dial bearing the chronometre label?