Looking at an old Chrono (2276-1) but has a 321 movement

[Merdoc]

Hello Omega Friends, New user here, could do with a little help...

I have my eye on expanding my Omega collection to include my first proper vintage piece. Looking at a very clean 1959 Chronograph with the two sub dials. The ref on the case back is 2276-1. But the movement clearly has 321 on it, is this right? I thought the two dial versions were 320 movements, at least all the ones I have seen so far. Want to confirm its all original/authentic before pulling the trigger. What a good price to pay for one in the UK?

As a follow up question, does getting an extract from the archives add value to the watch/help improve its authenticity?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Vitezi]

Hi @Merdoc and welcome to the forum!
Could you please post a few pictures of the subject watch and the movement?
https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-posting-guide.383/

 

[Merdoc]

 

[Scarecrow Boat]

Admittedly I don’t have the knowledge for this reference but I would have expected a 320 calibre as well. Maybe the original movement was swapped during a much older servicing, for whatever reason? According to ilovemyspeedmaster, that serial falls in line with the CK2998-2 & -1 Speedmaster.

 

[Dan S]

Scarecrow Boat

Maybe the original movement was swapped

Or a balance cock.

 

[Caliber561]

Pretty sure just the balance cock was swapped. If the movement was swapped, the hour recorder yoke (part 1774) would be present, and the hole for its mounting screw would be visible on the operating lever spring (1730). Also, the operating lever spring would have countersinks for the screws.

 

[Scarecrow Boat]

Dan S

Or a balance cock.

Leave it to me to over complicate it. That makes way more sense 👍

 

[Risto]

I guess a good price for this would be ca 2000 GBP.
The dial seems original and the hands are definitely from the 1950s.
This dial was also used in the early 1960s.

My 1959 2872 says hello.

 

[Merdoc]

Hey Guys, thanks so much for this info. I had a hunch something was not right about a 321 being in this model so im really glad I posted. I’m still determined to get one of these models but will stick to looking for the standard 320 movement.

 

[Peemacgee]

Risto

I guess a good price for this would be ca 2000 GBP.
The dial seems original and the hands are definitely from the 1950s.
This dial was also used in the early 1960s.

My 1959 2872 says hello.

snap ( any excuse to post)

 

[kaplan]

The dial is in incredible condition, make sure to ask specifically whether it's not a redial here, otherwise on most threads the "this is a redial" posts come too late

I assume finding the 320 marked part wouldn't be too hard down the road, you might even do a free swap with someone on the other side of the coin and make them very happy

 

[kaplan]

It's also available and open for offers: https://www.ebay.com/itm/OMEGA-320-...pid=5338899135&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

 

[Merdoc]

I have decided not to go ahead with this purchase. here is the original listings by the way.

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/omega/om...-steel-men-vintage-1959-watch--id22405536.htm
https://www.finewatchclub.co.uk/listing/1168023155/omega-chronograph-calibre-321-pre

I would prefer to find an honest listing that’s more affordable with original parts. The hunt continues...

 

[kaplan]

I think you did a good thing by not supporting a business that marked that watch as a 321, it should be a minimal requirement to have some idea