Donor 321 movement

Hi folks,

as I am a bit into vintage Seamaster chronos I am considering buying a 321 donor movement for future use.

By now my watchmaker had all spare parts needed on stock but I fear that this might get harder and harder. (or am I paranoid 🤨?)

Do you have donor movements für your 321 Seamaster or Speedmaster?

What would be a fair price for a 321 movement. (not sure which reference would be the best choice - 145.006?)

I would appreciate your thoughts and input on this topic.
Cheers Duffy

Not sure if no one wants to join in as this topic isn't relevant for you guys or if this is a bit of secret stuff

The issue that you'll have is that all the parts that typically wear will be the same on your donor movement so it's likely to be a waste of money. Many 321 parts are available (somewhere) and the watchmaker you use, assuming they are a vintage specialist, will have contacts to buy these parts. I'm sure Al will let us know if something is completely unobtainable from Omega or elsewhere but I would just leave it to your watchmaker of choice. Hammer springs is one part that people panic about but I've been able to get them and know where I can get more.

Cheers, Chris

@ChrisN i don’t suppose you know if the new 321 calibre parts are interchangeable with the old calibre?

Sorry, I don't know but Al may be able to throw some light on this. I believe the new calibre is called 321B and I would expect the majority of parts to be interchangeable - if not, you'd expect a completely new calibre number.

Cheers, Chris

I have read on the forum previously that they are interchangeable but have doubled / tripled in price and some have new reference numbers to justify that.

I also contacted STS and got the following reply

Dear Daniel,

Thank you for your enquiry.

The Speedmaster reference 145.012 has a calibre 321 movement. Unfortunately all calibre 321 watches need to be returned to Omega as these watches are now categorised as a reserve calibre and certified Omega service centres such as ourselves are no longer allowed to carry out any work on these watches.

The address for Omega UK is:

The Swatch Group (UK) Ltd.
Omega Customer Service,
Charter Court,
Third Avenue, Millbrook,
Southampton,
Hampshire,
SO15 0JA
United Kingdom

I am sorry we are unable to assist you on this occasion.

Best Wishes

Nick Towndrow

Commercial Director
Swiss Time Services Ltd

so, i`d buy a donor caliber. if under US$ 900.