Omega

. . . the anomalies? [photo source: eBay, 5/29/22] The watch is a ref 2576. Art ...  

Hi Art, movement cal. 344 is correct for this reference but there are wrong parts on this calibre: ratchet and crown wheel and special regulator. They belong to the chronometre cal. 343

. . . and a swan's neck regulator. My quandary is that the balance bridge looks exactly like all the other bridges and plates. I would normally expect a movement with a mish-mash of parts to show at least a slight variation in color. Is it possible it's a... 

More pictures would help

. . . between the balance cock and the other bridges, it would be a shade darker, in which case it would be more likely to be older than the rest of the movement. Thanks for adding your thoughts, Edward - much appreciated. Best, Art

It's certainly new to me if it's original. I agree, it doesn't look like a chop shop movement but I've never seen one like this before. It is an interesting theory that it is a transitional movement, but an odd one, and it isn't really a "transitional" mo... 

. . . but I couldn't think of another description. Perhaps 'metamorphosis' (or metamorphosed) or 'transmuted' would be more fitting. In any case, I don't think it's realistic a cal 344 would be modified with both wheels and regulator enhanced to chronomet... 

I don't know what the seller is asking for it, but it is about what a "normal" version of the cal would go for, it's almost worth buying it and sending it to Omega just to see if it's factory-stock. If it is, I think you've found something very unusual.

. . . on the dial, which were reapplied. 😖 Otherwise, I would've bought it. Art

I think it is original from factory. And I don't trust the books too much.

. . . a swan's neck regulator with chronometer regulator, but winding and barrel wheels as well? Not very likely, in my humble opinion. Cordially, Art