IMO, this is certainly not worth the effort for a rep. A much easier way to accomplish the same "look", would be to purchase a short length of stainless wire in the correct diameter, drill the case, cut and polish a short length of wire, and then glue it into the case. You can probably do the whole thing for five bucks.
For those who want something better, buy the real thing! (or at least a Viet case)