Omega Railmaster Review

In the wide, wild world of hype, steady performers who show up, clock in, get the job done, then wake up and do it all over again are often overlooked.

If watches had feelings and could talk, the Omega Railmaster would probably sigh and say, “Yeah, tell me something I didn’t already know.”

The Omega Railmaster has been on the scene since 1957, reliably tracking time and looking good while doing it. Yet it’s gained so little fanfare that many watch enthusiasts aren’t even aware it exists.

Why? This review will aim to answer that question and demonstrate that “the little watch that could”, while overshadowed by its sexier Speedmaster and Seamaster siblings, still remains a prime option for those seeking a watch with both rich history and modern watchmaking technology.

About the Omega Railmaster

The Railmaster, technically the “Omega Seamaster Railmaster”, is an industrial tool watch with a stainless steel case and strong anti-magnetic protection, making it especially suitable for railway workers (hence the name), scientists, healthcare workers, and others who might be exposed to strong magnetic fields on the job which might disrupt the performance of a typical mechanical watch.

The Railmaster evolved over the years into contemporary references with enhanced anti-magnetic shielding, appealing modern interpretation of vintage design cues, and the powerful and precise timing of a METAS-certified Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement.

History of Omega Railmaster Watches

The Railmaster was born in 1957, the “middle child” of the “Master” triplets that included the iconic Speedmaster and Seamaster 300. Sometimes referred to as the “Holy Trinity” (as if the watch world needed yet another to confuse matters), the broad-arrow hour handed trio are pictured in early print ads with the Railmaster sandwiched between its siblings; ironic, considering the difficulty it would face competing for elbow room with watches that would end up on the wrists of James Bond and Apollo astronauts.

In the heyday of the mid-20th century “Atomic Age”, when the promise of a hover car in every garage and a jetpack on every back seemed close at hand, a robust 38mm diameter stainless steel outer case with a soft iron inner core (essentially, a “Faraday cage”) protecting the movement against up to 1,000 gauss of magnetism probably seemed like a must-have feature for the “watch of the future”. It was also a means to compete with the Rolex Milgauss and IWC Ingenieur, which provided similar safeguarding.

But by 1963, the Seamaster and Speedmaster were soaring in popularity, and the Railmaster had failed to capture the hearts and imaginations of the public, so Omega discontinued it. Today, the relatively rare CK2914 references from that six-year period are highly sought after in the vintage watch market.

In 2003, Omega reintroduced the Railmaster and moved the broad arrow to the minutes hand, and added a sapphire display caseback to showcase George Daniel’s co-axial escapement movement the brand started using in 1999. In 2008, Omega released the ginormous 49.2mm XXL reference, but their seemingly disjointed attempts to revitalize the Railmaster ultimately stalled, and the model was discontinued for a second time in 2012.

In 2017, Omega released limited edition Railmasters, which were part of a 60^th anniversary celebration of the 1957 “Masters” models, along with several Seamaster Heritage model Railmaster references characterized by a mix of vintage and modern styling elements. All 2017 novelties included improved 15,000 gauss anti-magnetic protection and a METAS-certified Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement.

Omega Railmaster: In-Depth Review

Let’s look at the exterior and under the hood of the Railmaster and gain further appreciation for a traditionally underrated but extraordinary watch.

Case Size and Material

Both the 60^th anniversary limited Railmasters and ongoing Seamaster Heritage model references have improved stainless steel cases with screw-down crowns that eliminate the need for an inner core and provide an amazing 15,000 gauss of anti-magnetic protection and a very respectable 150 meters/500 feet of water resistance.

The 1957 references have a 38mm diameter in keeping with the original CK2914, a thickness of 12.7mm, a lug-to-lug width of 48mm, and a lug width of 19mm. The Seamaster Heritage Railmaster references are 40mm in diameter and have a thickness of 12.7mm, a lug-to-lug width of 47mm, and a lug width of 20mm, which makes them quintessential “strap monsters”. Both diameters fit essentially true to size and are suitable for most wrists.

The cases have a round shape with similar design elements such as smooth integrated bezels, the familiar Omega twisted lugs, anti-reflective sapphire crystals, and solid casebacks with the “NAIAD LOCK” feature that ensures the engraved Omega hippocampus and print are vertically aligned.

There are some aesthetic differences between the various models in terms of polished versus brushed finishing, caseback designs, and crown shape that I’ll cover in later sections of the review.

Dials

The limited edition Railmaster references exude a 1957 vintage vibe with tropical black dials and white 3,6,9,12 positioned Arabic numerals and recessed, triangular hour indices filled with SuperLuminova the color of faux patina or “old radium” which glows green in the dark. 

The handset includes a lumed broad arrow hour hand and dagger minute hand with an un-lumed needle seconds hand. There are slight differences in dial print between the two throwback references I’ll discuss in a bit.

Several Heritage model Railmaster references retain the Arabic numeral positioning, triangular indices (not recessed, though), and faux patina lume, while the 2 blue denim dials use white indices and lume. All offer more modern styled stick hour and minute hands and a “lollipop” seconds hand. 

The minute indices are cleverly designed to appear like a railroad track (Woo woo!), and there is a central “crosshair” that segments the dial for additional vintage effect. The dial is printed with the Omega name and logo in the upper half, and a script “Railmaster” and printed “Co-Axial Master Chronometer” in the lower. 

Dial colors include black, gray, and blue “denim” with a vertically brushed finish. The Omega website currently shows only a black dial reference available for sale, but all colors are still obtainable through the Exquisite Timepieces website.

Movement

All modern Railmaster references share a powerful and accurate engine—the automatic METAS-certified Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 8806 . The movement has bi-directional winding and a rated accuracy of +5/0 seconds per day, a free-spring balance wheel and magnetic-resistant silicon balance spring, a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour, 35 jewels, and boasts a 55-hour power reserve.

Strap options

The stainless steel bracelets for the 1957 references are 19mm in lug width with a wide, fold over brushed clasp with a signed “Ω”. The chunky clasp has been panned by some reviewers for its relative lack of comfort. On the bright side, the clasp does have what Omega calls a “comfort setting”, which is an “on-the-fly” micro adjustment activated by a button on the inside of the clasp. The 3-link bracelet design features wide center links with a vertically brushed finish and narrower, polished outer links to match the polished lugs.

The Heritage Railmaster stainless steel bracelet is also a 3-link design featuring wide center links with narrower outside links but is completely brushed to complement the all brushed finish of the case and lugs. 

Another difference is the narrower butterfly clasp (no micro-adjustment) which is signed with both the Omega name and logo. All modern Railmasters feature screw-in links with half links for easier and more precise sizing. Some Heritage Railmaster references also come with herringbone black fabric pin buckle and NATO-style blue denim and brown leather straps.

Most Popular Omega Railmaster Models

Here are 5 noteworthy and popular Omega Railmaster models:

Omega Railmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer 40mm on Bracelet (ref. 220.10.40.20.01.001)

This all-stainless steel Heritage Railmaster has a sporty, all-brushed finish case and bracelet. Still, it creates an almost “faux-polished” look due to the brushed bracelet and varying directions of brush lines on the case sides, bezel, facets, and lugs. 

The vertically brushed finish of the black dial seems to emit different shades of black, gray, or dark blue depending on the light and rotation of the watch. The guilloché facets on the medallion caseback provides a contrasting backdrop for the Omega hippocampus and logo. And let’s not forget the easy-to-grasp, “cupcake” shaped, screw-down crown which opens with a satisfying “Snap!”

Omega Seamaster Railmaster 1957 (ref. 220.10.38.20.01.002)

This 60^th Anniversary 1957 reference is part of a 3,557 piece limited edition and is slightly different from the one in the 557 piece “Trilogy” boxed set. It features an old school broad arrow hour hand, case with mixed polished and brushed finishes that flash impressively when the watch is rotated in the light, and a polished caseback with the engraved limited edition number of the watch. 

A cool vintage detail is the naiad “Mercedes”-like symbol, which originally signified enhanced water resistance, inside the Omega logo on the crown. It’s not shown on the Omega website, but Exquisite Timepieces has you covered.

Omega Railmaster Blue Dial Denim Co-Axial Master Chronometer NATO strap (ref. 220.12.40.20.03.001)

This playful and colorful Heritage collection Railmaster reference evokes visions of the blue denim-clad railroad workers who needed an anti-magnetic watch like this back in the day. The vertically brushed dial finish also provides varying shades of blue when rotated in the light. 

White indices and lume are used instead of faux patina. It comes with a matching denim-blue colored fabric NATO strap. The keepers on the strap, as well as the seconds hand and script “Railmaster” signature on the dial, are a bronze color, providing a refreshing pop of contrast.

Omega Railmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer 40mm on NATO strap (ref. 220.12.40.20.06.001)

Similar in style to the previous model, this Railmaster model has a brown leather instead of denim-blue cloth NATO strap. In addition, the dial is vertically brushed with streaks of variable gray and has faux patina lumed hands and triangular indices, and script “Railmaster” printed on the dial, along with contrasting black “railroad” track minute indices, 3,6,9,12-positioned Arabic numerals, “Omega” name/logo, and “Co-Axial Master Chronometer” branding. The case is also available with a steel bracelet (ref. 220.10.40.20.06.001)

Omega Seamaster Railmaster Trilogy Limited Edition (ref. 220.10.38.20.01.003)

The 1957 “Trilogy” reference was sold along with sibling 1957 Seamaster 300 and Speedmaster models in a limited edition boxed set of 557 pieces and is nearly identical to the ref. 220.10.38.20.01.002. The “Trilogy” sets are available on the secondary market but hard to find and often exceed $20,000. 

What’s different between the two 1957 references? This model has the word “Trilogy” engraved on the polished caseback and printed near the top of the tropical black dial, plus numerals beneath the dial “Trilogy” that indicate which numbered piece it is in the series.

Should You Buy An Omega Seamaster Railmaster?

You don’t have to be a railroad worker or scientist to appreciate the experience of owning a Railmaster. Despite its relative anonymity, it’s a performance beast with a simple but handsome face that you should definitely check out if a blend of rich heritage and modern specs is what you’re after.

Omega Railmaster Pricing & Availability

Once again, Omega appears to be phasing out this interesting watch, but new models ranging from $5,400 to $7,500 are still available from some dealers, including 7 references on the Exquisite Timepieces website. Secondary market prices of many models are in the $4,500 and under range.

Conclusion

Like many “parents”, Omega has sometimes had a hard time explaining and supporting a child that lags behind its siblings. As a result, the Railmaster, despite high performing specs and elegant but simple good looks, has toiled in the shadows and beneath the radar of many watch enthusiasts.

Still, the Railmaster is a vital piece of Omega and horological history, and with it potentially on the chopping block again, now may be the time to show your support and “adopt” a very deserving “middle child” of a timepiece that just might end up being among the favorites you ever own.