Matt Clymo 
Adding to the Seamaster Heritage model line, the new 2025 Railmaster takes its inspiration from its vintage and modern history with two new models.
The 1950s was a time when the world was going through significant change, and science and exploration were at the forefront of many people’s minds. Frontiers such as space, the oceans and speed were all endeavoured to be explored and humans were testing and pushing themselves and technology to the limit of what was possible back then. As a result of this evolution in science, industry and exploration, Omega created a trilogy of professional watches, aimed at those on the frontlines of each associated area. The Speedmaster for those in racing (and eventually space exploration), the Seamaster for those trying diving and conquering the oceans, and the Railmaster, for those who kept countries moving and running on time. Of these professional models, perhaps the most pivotal to normal day-to-day life was the Railmaster.
A Quick History Lesson:
The railroads in the 19th and early 20th centuries were what allowed nations to flourish and transport goods and people across country. Trains opened up countries and continents to commerce and travel, and the need for a consistent timing convention to avoid accidents and to make sure the trains were on time when travelling across great distances (like the US) is the main reason we have timezones today. As a result, watches were seen as an important tool to achieve this, and one reason why many watch companies were born during this time. Also, accuracy was key, and railway-accurate watches became the standard to which many brands held themselves.
The Omega Railmaster was one such watch that etched itself into history with the release of the Original Railmaster CK2914. It had a simple, legible dial and anti-magnetic protection up to 1,000 gauss. This was a big deal at the time as most watches were not anti-magnetic at all, and could play up especially if the wearer was around objects that gave off magnetic fields. However, like many watches, it was discontinued due to limited commercial success, and not revived again until 2003, which again, only had a short stint in production. In 2017, a 60th Anniversary model was released by Omega, a true vintage recreation and with some success due to vintage revivals now being a thing, Omega re-introduced the collection as part of the Seamaster line in 2018.
The 2025 Railmaster
Today, the Railmaster takes on its new incarnation in the 38mm Seamaster Aqua Terra case, which gives it a synergy with the overall Seamaster line and ties this back to the 2003 re-release that saw it become part of the Seamaster family. While the case and bracelet are the same shared DNA, Omega has ensured the vintage dial aesthetics are clean and minimalist, like the vintage models of the past. For this release, Omega has produced two dial variations. The first is a grey to black Fumé dial, and the second is a beige dial featuring a black gradient and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock and each comes with a choice of the steel bracelet or a black or brown leather strap, depending on the look you want in the watch.
As mentioned, the dials have a clean and minimalist look, with just the Omega wording and logo at the top and “Railmaster” written at the 6 o’clock position on the grey to balance the dial, and under the logo at 12 o’clock on the beige dial. The grey dial has applied indices, numerals made from white Super-LumiNova, and the hands are filled with the same giving it a more modern look.
The second variation is a more vintage-looking Railmaster. The gradient beige dial that radiates from a lighter beige in the centre to a darker brown at the edges has the small seconds dial at 6 o’clock, as the Railmaster that was released back in 2004 did. The indexes and numerals are in vintage Super-LumiNova which gives the watch a very old-school look. While some may not love the Faux-tina style, I happen to like this look from a purely aesthetic perspective. Why? It isn’t all that common to see on people’s wrists outside of those vintage collectors.
Each of the watches comes on a steel bracelet that is found on the current Seamaster Aqua Terra collection. It has a re-designed bracelet from those in years gone and features the three-link style with polished inner links, a double foldover push button clasp that has Omega’s comfort setting for those who want some wiggle room.
Want more of a vintage look? Then each model has the choice to fit the new Railmaster with a black or brown calfskin leather strap. While I find the straps a little on the plain side, they do evoke that charm of vintage watches from the mid-1900’s and even though these are 38mm watches, will slim these down on the wrist when compared to the steel bracelet.
Each piece houses the Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806 and 8804 with Small Seconds. While essentially looking the same from the caseback, the 8804 has been modified to allow for the small seconds function at 6 o’clock. Each has a power reserve of 55 hours, are automatic (self-winding) and beats at 3.5Hz. They also have the benefit of being anti-magnetic to 15,000 gauss like pretty much all modern Omega watches and like their counterparts, has the free-sprung balance to ensure resistance to shocks.
Initial Thoughts
The Railmaster’s lineage goes back a long way, and I can see why Omega has decided to release these new models. It has, however, had some people commenting on the fact this isn’t an original case or design. Yes, Omega has used the Aqua Terra case and bracelet for the Railmaster, but there are good reasons for this. One – it ties the model line back to the Seamaster collection, which references the 2003 releases. Two – it creates efficiencies of scale for Omega, thus keeping costs down (as most businesses try to do in today’s commercial landscape) and Three – when you look at the original 1957, it too took inspiration from the Seamaster line from the early and mid-50s which you can see when you look at them all together.
Outside of this, or personal opinions on the look of the watch which is always subjective, it is honestly hard to fault Omega watches. They make solid, very reliable pieces, and with a range of collections and models within (some could say too many possibly), you can be sure you will find a piece to suit. With this release, Omega is looking once again back to its vast back-catalogue of watches and has landed on the Railmaster to re-engineer for a modern-day enthusiast and has done a good job with the choice of style and colours. If I had to pick, the beige with small seconds would be my choice with the leather strap.
References:
- Grey on Steel – 235.10.38.20.06.001
- Grey on Leather – 235.12.38.20.06.001
- Beige on Steel – 235.10.38.20.13.001
- Beige on leather – 235.12.38.20.13.001
Specifications:
- Case: 38mm, Lug-to-lug: 44.9 mm, Thickness: 12.4 mm
- Case Material: Steel brushed and polished case
- Case back: Sapphire Crystal
- Dial: Gradient grey & black dial with white applied Super-LumiNova markers / Gradient beige with small seconds, applied vintage Super-LumiNova
- Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment
- Water resistance: 150m / 15ATM
- Movement: Omega 8806 / Omega 8804 (Small Seconds) Co-Axial Master Chronometer Certified, beating at 3.5Hz and anti-magnetic to 15,000 gauss
- Power reserve: 55 hours
- Bracelet: Brushed & polished steel bracelet with foldover butterfly clasp with comfort setting. Alternatively, black or brown calfskin leather with stainless steel folding clasp
Australian Recommended Retail Pricing:
- Grey on Steel – AU$9,100
- Grey on Leather – AU$8,525
- Beige on Steel – AU$10,050
- Beige on leather – AU$9,475
