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1954 Omega Caliber 344 ref F6266 help.

T
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I picked this up from my friends jewelry store but can't find any solid information on Omega reference F6266. I'm starting to think I have a Frankenwatch. Especially since the dial fits but the words "SWISS MADE" sit below the watches bezel. However, I'm seeing other Omega watches from the time that seem to be built this way. Is this something Omega may have actually released?

Anyways, the movement serial number is 14121101 which dates it to 1954. The caliber is 344. The inside of the case back has serial #0183075 with reference F6266. The crown for sure isn't original and I suspect the stem isn't correct for the movement either. It runs and keeps good time though. Below the 6 o'clock indice on the case it says "14K GOLD FILLED ROSS".

Any help identifying this reference would be incredibly helpful. This also happens to be my very first Omega.
 
20220127_151313.jpg 20220127_135216.jpg 20220126_185015.jpg PSX_20211217_140219.jpg PSX_20211217_140150.jpg
BlackTalon
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OXO on movement and cased by Ross. So it was essentially 'built' in the US using movement and dial Omega shipped over. I don't think you will be able to connect it to a set Omega reference.
 
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BlackTalon BlackTalon
OXO on movement and cased by Ross. So it was essentially 'built' in the US using movement and dial Omega shipped over. I don't think you will be able to connect it to a set Omega reference.
I missed the OXO mark on the movement, good eye. So this serial combination wouldn't likely be in Omegas archives then? Since it was likely built with parts from Omega?
 
BlackTalon
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That is most likely correct. Others who know a lot more about watches cased by others will hopefully chime in.
 
SkunkPrince
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US Collection, as mentioned. Lug width is almost certainly 11/16" as was common in the US at that time. Usually a 17mm strap will fit, but not always. Crown is likely incorrect, probably a smaller dome crown would be more appropriate.
 
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BlackTalon BlackTalon
That is most likely correct. Others who know a lot more about watches cased by others will hopefully chime in.
Thanks for your help and your comments!!
 
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
US Collection, as mentioned. Lug width is almost certainly 11/16" as was common in the US at that time. Usually a 17mm strap will fit, but not always. Crown is likely incorrect, probably a smaller dome crown would be more appropriate.
It looks like you are right on the money with this. My caliper reads 17.3mm which is close enough. Just turns out that the 18mm strap fits it. Also correct on the crown, this is way not original.

Here's a picture of the crown. Will be replacing it if I can when I get this serviced.

I guess the last thing I'm curious about is if watches such as this one would exist in Omegas archives. Did these serial numbers get reported back to Omega?
 
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SkunkPrince
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T ThePhysicist
I guess the last thing I'm curious about is if watches such as this one would exist in Omegas archives. Did these serial numbers get reported back to Omega?
You have that backwards. Omega sold uncased watches to the importer, Norman Morris, who had watch-cases made here, and the completed watches were then sold. They knew what they were shipping, of course.

In some instances, these cases were unique and in others, they were identical to Swiss cases except the lug width.

eBay has plenty of New/Old Stock 11/16" straps, if you want such a thing. Make sure it's the correct length for you when you buy, as these watches are somewhat small and might not fit you with a "regular" strap.
 
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