OMEGA. A RARE 18K YELLOW GOLD AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH Model: Louis Brandt Date: Circa 2010’s Case reference: 175.0500 Movement: Signed, 17-Jewels, Cal.7750 Dial: Signed, white, black Roman numerals, black outer minute division, gilt sword hands, gilt center seconds hand for the chronograph, subsidiary dial for seconds at the 9 o’clock position, subsidiary dial for 30 min chronograph at the 12 o’clock position, subsidiary dial for hour chronograph at the 6 o’clock position, date aperture at the 3 o’clock position Case: Signed, polished 18K yellow gold, 18k yellow gold snap on exhibition back, No. 43 Strap: Signed blue leather strap, signed 18K yellow gold buckle Size: 38mm In 1848, Louis Brandt opened a small workshop in the Swiss village of La Chaux-de-Fonds at the age of 23. Passionate about precision and quality, and with high watchmaking skills, his reputation for high quality watches started growing throughout Europe. This would lie the foundations for the brand Omega. Unfortunately, Louis died in 1879 and he passed the torch to his two sons, Louis Paul and Cesar. Ignited by their father's passion, they kept on growing the company and in 1880, they changed the name to Louis Brand & Fils, moving from La Chaux-de-Fonds to Biel/Bienne into a larger premise. In 1885, they developed the first series-produced calibre, the “Labrador”. Providing the base for future innovations, such as the 19-Linge calibre, the "Labrador" revolutionised the watchmaking industry. But they didn't stop there. In 1892, they managed to produce the first minute-repeater for the wrist. Finally, in 1894, the brand Omega was born, releasing a new 19-Linge calibre and introducing revolutionary methods. The "Labrador" movement set a new standard for the watch industry: every component could be replaced without modification by any watchmaker anywhere in the world with incredible accuracy, making this model unique at its time.