In a nod to its rich history, Omega has reintroduced the Railmaster, a model originally launched in 1957 alongside the Speedmaster and Seamaster as part of its iconic trilogy. After celebrating the trilogy’s 60th anniversary in 2017 with limited-edition releases, and following intermittent catalog appearances, Omega now presents the Railmaster in two fresh executions that seamlessly fuse vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge technology.
While never achieving the widespread acclaim of its Seamaster and Speedmaster counterparts, the Railmaster carved out a unique niche. Designed initially for scientists, technicians, and railroad workers exposed to intense magnetic fields, it was a pioneer in antimagnetic wristwatch technology—alongside contemporaries like IWC’s Ingenieur (1954) and Rolex’s Milgauss (1957). The original Railmaster featured a magnetic resistance of 1,000 gauss, accomplished through a copper-finished movement, a double-case construction, a thick dial, and iron dusting. Despite these innovations, it ceased production in 1963 due to modest commercial success.
The latest releases, part of Omega’s Heritage Series, respect the original’s minimalist ethos. Two versions are offered: one with a central seconds hand (ref. 235.12.38.20.06.001) and another with a small seconds display (ref. 235.10.38.20.13.001). Both share a 38mm diameter stainless steel case, 12.36mm thick, water-resistant to 150 meters, featuring a blend of brushed and polished finishes, a smooth polished bezel, and a domed sapphire crystal.
The watches’ subdued earthy dials set them apart. The gray dial model honors the original with central seconds, while the beige dial variant offers a small seconds complication. Signature Railmaster features remain intact: a clean, no-date dial, Omega and Railmaster logos, elongated triangular hour markers, precise minute tracks, Arabic numerals at cardinal points, and broad arrow hands—each element finished with matching Super-LumiNova for visibility in low light. Omega introduces a subtle gradient effect on the dials, lending a contemporary flair while preserving the vintage spirit.
Under the hood, the two models differ in movement: the central seconds edition runs on Omega’s caliber 8806, while the small seconds houses caliber 8804. Both are Master Chronometer-certified by METAS, ensuring stringent standards of accuracy and durability. Magnetic resistance reaches an impressive 15,000 gauss, vastly surpassing the original’s capabilities, and power reserves stand at 55 and 60 hours respectively.
The watches reveal their finely finished movements through sapphire crystal case backs, showcasing rhodium-plated bridges with Geneva Waves in Arabesque patterns, red-filled rotor engravings, and blackened screws and components.
Pricing begins at $5,400 for the gray dial on a black leather strap, while the beige dial paired with a cognac leather strap starts at $6,000. Both models offer an optional stainless steel bracelet for an additional $400.
With these releases, Omega reaffirms the Railmaster’s status as a cult classic that combines timeless design with modern mechanical excellence.
