Founded by Louis Brandt in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds, Omega’s rich history is not too much like most other watch brands. Of course, it began as a small watchmaker that was eventually taken over by Louis’ sons after his passing, like a lot of watchmakers, but Omega only changed its name to Omega in 1903, after one of its most iconic and successful movements at the time – the only brand to have done such a thing. From there, Omega became one of the world’s premier watchmakers with their timepieces be used in NASA missions to the Moon, to time the Olympics and to help get James Bond out of trouble. To celebrate their founder, Omega launched the Louis Brandt collection as a halo product in the 1980s, which is the collection that the chronograph example we have here comes from. Made of 18kt yellow gold, this timepiece, much like the entire Louis Brandt collection, serves as a vehicle to showcase Omega’s impressive technical talents. Powered by the automatic cal. 1156, this Louis Brandt De Luxe Chronograph boasts a modified Valjoux cal. 7750 that includes some stunning golden parts like its winding rotor and bridges. Featuring a white guilloche dial with three subdials and a date aperture, this chronograph stands as a luxurious take on an everyday timepiece, which serves as a perfect way to pay homage to Omega’s founder and Omega’s heritage as a watchmaker.

Watch is in very good overall condition. Case shows scratches and marks along all the surfaces of the case and bezel. Caseback engravings clear and visible, as are the hallmarks on the back of the lugs. The crystal has some small scratches as well, and the dial is in excellent condition. Watch comes on a generic strap with generic plated buckle.

Technically impressive and aesthetically stunning, the Louis Brandt collection is an appropriate reminder that Omega has always been able to turn up the luxury and craftsmanship they imbue into their timepieces.