Omega Louis Brandt Perpetual Calendar Ref. 175.0300 Guide
Reference Guide

Omega Louis Brandt Perpetual Calendar Ref. 175.0300 Guide

By quattro · May 9, 2026 · 10 replies
quattro
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Emmanuel (quattro) delves into the fascinating history of Omega's 'Louis Brandt' Perpetual Calendars, a collection dedicated to the brand's founder. This post builds upon a previous discussion of a prototype, offering a comprehensive look at the second generation of these significant timepieces. His detailed presentation, complete with various dial and case configurations, provides invaluable insight into a lesser-known chapter of Omega's complicated watchmaking heritage.

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The Perpetual Calendar Prototype to which I dedicated a thread yesterday made me want to learn more about the “Louis Brandt Perpetual Calendars.

Louis Brandt (1825-1879) was the founder in 1848 of what became Omega in 1894 under the direction of his sons.


credit: wiki.grail-watch 


In 1984, Omega launched a collection dedicated to its founder: the Louis Brandt collection.

This collection was followed by a second generation of timepieces between 1991 and 1997.

It is with the timepieces of this second generation that I propose to begin our exploration of the perpetual calendars in the collection.


I. LOUIS BRANDT II DE LUXE - SECOND GENERATION PERPETUAL CALENDARS (1991 - 1997)

Case: 34 x 11 mm

Caliber 1118

A/ REF. BA 175.0300

1/ BARLEY GRAIN STAMPED DIAL & “LOUIS BRANDT” SIGNATURE AT 6 O'CLOCK






















credit: Stories of Time (1-7), Sam Hewitt on old-omegas.com (8-9) & californiaJewelry&Coin (10-11)


2/ BARLEY GRAIN STAMPED DIAL & “OMEGA” ONLY AT 6 O'CLOCK






credit: uhren-miquel.com


3/ SMOOTH DIAL & APPLIED ROMAN NUMERALS & MARKERS

First regular example









Second example gifted to someone by racing driver Michael Schumacher (born in 1969): “Thank you for your support, Michael” engraved on the caseback






credit: Roy & Sacha Davidoff (1-4) & Christie’s (5-7)


B/ REF. BA 175.0302  

Probably the exact same reference despite “175.0302” instead of “175.0300”, but this is how the watch is referenced on Omega's website.



credit: Omega


C/ OPENWORK SKELETON VARIANTS

Same dimensions

Caliber 1117

1/ REF. 5349.80.83












2/ REF. 5349.80.00








3/ GEM-SET BEZEL MODEL “Louis Brandt, Skeletonized Quantième Perpétuel QS 59”




credit: Ponti (1-5), Breguetcamera (6-8), omegaforums (9) & Antiquorum (10)


II. LOUIS BRANDT I - FIRST GENERATION PERPETUAL CALENDARS (circa 1984)

Here is how the Louis Brandt collection was presented by Marco Richon in his book Omega , Biel 2007, p. 494:

Launched during the World Congress of Omega Agents held at Inter-laken (May 20-24, 1984), this high standing collection was named "Louis Brandt" to equally honour the company founder and Omega's tradition of fine craftsmanship

Inspired by Fernando Fontana, director of the Italian case manufacturer Lascor in Sesto Calende, the series consists exclusively of handmade complicated mechanical watches. 

The scratch-proof sapphire glass back of the watertight cases lets the viewer admire the precious engraved movement and the reflections of light on the polished surfaces. 

Two characteristics are shared by the entire collection: the gold winding crown with seven brilliant cut diamonds and the gold buckle of the leather bands with its diamond-adorned prong.”

Case: 34 x 11 mm

Caliber 716

A/ BA 156.769 BZ 01 (dedicated page on Omega's website)
















credit: Watches of Knightsbridge (1-6) & Antiquorum (7-8)


B/ GEM-SET BEZEL - REF. UNKNOWN


credit: Auktionen Dr. Crott


3/ BRACELET MODELS - REF. UNKNOWN












credit: Cambi (1), Bonhams (2), Antiquorum (3) & Christie’s (4-6)


I personally like the 2nd gen examples with a solid barley grain dial very much. And I prefer the variant with “Omegaonly at 6 o'clock.

I find the case and lugs, in particular, very nicely designed.

What about you

Do these watches appeal to you?

Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel



Review of ref. 175.0300 by Tim Mosso



About the Horological Meandering Mare Nostrum Ref. 716

The Mare Nostrum reference 716 is a notable chronograph within the Horological Meandering collection, distinguished by its specific design elements and technical execution. It represents a particular period in the brand's output, offering a blend of traditional watchmaking techniques with a focus on functionality. This reference is recognized for its robust construction and the integration of a chronograph complication, catering to collectors who appreciate mechanical complexity and a purposeful aesthetic. It stands as an example of the brand's commitment to producing instruments with a clear horological identity.

This particular reference features a case crafted from stainless steel, housing a manual-winding mechanical movement. The case diameter measures 44mm, providing a substantial presence on the wrist. The movement is known for its reliability and precision, offering a power reserve of 55 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, ensuring durability and clear legibility. The construction emphasizes a balance between form and function, characteristic of the brand's approach to tool watches.

For collectors, the Mare Nostrum 716 appeals to those interested in chronographs with a distinct historical lineage and a focus on mechanical integrity. Its design and specifications position it as a significant piece within the broader landscape of collectible timepieces. The combination of its movement, case dimensions, and overall presentation makes it a subject of interest for enthusiasts who value the technical aspects and the heritage of Horological Meandering's chronograph offerings.

Specifications

Caliber
OP XXI
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
44mm
Dial
Blue
Water Resist.
30 meters
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
DR
Dr No
May 9, 2026
Senescence is setting in. I'd forgotten about the skeleton refs . . .

. . . and unaware until now of the unique bracelet model. (Btw, Sam Hewitt posted on this Omega forum a few times when it was launched eighteen years ago.). Thanks for posting these Omega perpetuals, Emmanuel . . . there's a lot more to Ω QP history than I thought! Art

QU
quattro
May 10, 2026
My pleasure, Art.

I really like the 2nd gen design and it was another opportunity for me to admire some of Omega’s hidden gems. Hopefully Sam Hewitt will post again here someday! Best, Emmanuel

TE
TeutonicCarFan
May 10, 2026
Unknown to me!

Nice clean layout. Very interesting how the correctors are inset into the lugs, can’t think of anything like that off the top of my head. The open work with blue accents; the first you posted; is very appealing.

QU
quattro
May 10, 2026
Yes, the case design

and engineering of the 2nd gen is really special. And I like it! Best, Emmanuel

SA
SALMANPK
May 10, 2026
Fantastic Post 😊👍, never knew, the Barley Grain dial is a Joy, see shades of AP in them as well

QU
quattro
May 10, 2026
Thank you, Salman!

Like you, I really like the 2nd gen with barley grain dial. The case design is very appealing too. Best, Emmanuel

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