Shop Pre-Owned Omega Railmaster Watches With Bezel
Are you interested in adding an Omega Railmaster watch to your collection? Check out Bezel’s catalog of premium-quality pre-owned watches to find different models of this iconic antimagnetic timepiece. While it is not a diving watch, the Railmaster is a part of Omega’s Seamaster collection. It is a professional watch created for rail workers and engineers, with technical features that allow it to hold up well in these settings. Modern versions of the Railmaster combine this technical capability with a vintage charm. This has allowed them to become a versatile tool watch suitable for professional and casual wear.
The Legacy of Omega Railmaster Watches
The Omega Railmaster is part of the Seamaster collection, a family of water-resistant tool watches that has been a mainstay of the Omega catalog since 1948. The Railmaster was introduced to this line in 1957, debuting alongside two other notable watches in the collection (the Speedmaster and Seamaster 300).
While the Seamaster 300 targeted divers and the Speedmaster was built for professional race car drivers, the Railmaster was a heavy-duty tool watch created specifically for rail workers, electrical engineers, and other professionals who were exposed to magnetic fields, which posed a significant threat to the accuracy of their timepiece.
From the outset, the Railmaster featured anti-magnetic properties that were impressive for a watch from that era. The early models had soft iron inner cages (Faraday cages) designed to protect the movement. This was effective against magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss.
Despite the technical sophistication of this timepiece, the Railmaster wasn’t as successful as one might have expected. While the other two watches released at the same time went on to become a mainstay of the Seamaster collection, Omega eventually discontinued the Railmaster six years after its initial launch.
The watchmaker gave the Railmaster another shot in 2003 when a new version of the watch was released with a modernized design and an updated antimagnetic rating. This version survived for nearly a decade before being discontinued in 2012.
Omega released the Railmaster again in 2017 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its launch. In addition to the limited edition commemorative piece, Omega released the Railmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer as the regular production model. Today’s Railmaster watches offer superior protection against magnetic fields, with up to 15,000 gauss resistance ratings.
How Much Does an Omega Railmaster Watch Cost
The Omega Railmaster collection offers a wide range of options at different price points. Most of the timepieces in this collection are simple time-only watches, which explains why pricing is affordable compared to more complex Omega watches with extra complications. However, their price tag still reflects the quality of materials, advanced magnetic-resistant movement, and the overall prestige of the Omega brand.
Retail Cost
A brand-new Seamaster Railmaster timepiece purchased from an authorized retailer typically ranges from about $5,000 to $7,500. Of course, you will have to pay more for special edition models of this timepiece.
How Much Does a Pre-Owned Omega Railmaster Cost
The cost of buying a pre-owned Omega Railmaster watch in the secondary market is quite attractive. Buyers interested in adding this watch to their catalog can get modern models for an average of $3,500 in good condition.
Vintage Railmaster models in production in the 1950s and '60s cost significantly more due to their rarity and the fact that collectors highly desire them. Depending on the model and condition, you can expect to pay over $10,000 for these watches.
For instance, the Ref CK2914, the first Railmaster model ever made, can sell for as much as $18,000 if you find a well-maintained example in good condition. However, other models from the same era, such as the Railmaster Ref 135.004, trade for about 13,000 USD.
Key Features of Omega Railmaster Watches
Classic Elegance
Modern Omega Railmaster watches are presented in a 40mm case, in a sweet-sized spot. It’s not too little, but it’s also not too large. While smaller and oversized watches are within the collection (including a 49mm variant), most Railmaster models are moderately sized.
They come exclusively in a stainless steel casing with a satin-brushed finish that gives the casing a muted aesthetic, perfectly fitting for a tool watch. Like other watches in the Seamaster family, the Railmaster has its bezel integrated into the case, and the lugs are twisted to give the watch a compact appearance.
Classic Legible Dial
One of the highlights of the watches in the Seamaster collection is their dial. They’re available in classic colors like black, silver, or gray with a matte finish. A few special edition models come with unique dial colors that give them a distinctive appearance. Many of these watches are diving watches, which means there’s a significant emphasis on legibility.
The Railmaster is no exception. Although not a diving watch like the rest, the dial has oversized hour markers and hands, which promote legibility. They’re also luminous, which makes them easier to read in low-light conditions. One unique feature on the dial is the railway track design of the minute scale, which references the collection’s origin.
Magnetic Resistance
This is the defining quality of all watches in the Railmaster collection. Modern models are even more impressive in this regard. The current Railmaster can withstand magnetic fields of up to 15,000 gauss, over 100 times the rating of the original watch in the collection.
Omega has achieved this by using non-ferromagnetic materials such as silicon and titanium for components like the watch's balance spring, pivot, escape wheel, and axles. This is a significant upgrade over the soft iron cage used in the original Railmaster watches. The level of magnetism offered by the Railmaster exceeds what’s needed for everyday situations. This ensures that the timepiece stays accurate even in areas with strong magnetic fields.
Water Resistance
Unlike the other Seamaster watches designed for water-based activities, the Railmaster Omega watch was created specifically to be used on land. Still, this watch offers a water resistance of up to 150 meters (500 feet), which is quite impressive. This depth rating suits basic water-based activities from swimming to snorkeling. The water resistance adds to the utility of this watch.
Popular Omega Railmaster Watches
For a watch created over 60 years ago, the Omega Railmaster doesn’t have a lot of models. That’s because the watch has only been in active production for a few years within this period. Still, several notable models have been produced over the years. Some of the most popular Omega Railmaster watches include:
Selling Your Omega Railmaster is Easy with Bezel
Do you have an Omega Railmaster for sale? Bezel offers an active pre-owned watch marketplace where you can list this watch and place it in front of thousands of collectors and horological enthusiasts.
Selling your Omega Railmaster with Bezel simplifies the sales process while getting you the true worth of your precious timepiece. Our team includes expert appraisers and sales advisors with years of experience who will handle the entire process so you don’t have to do anything alone. Contact us to learn more about how our services work.
Buy Pre-Owned Luxury Watches on Bezel
Want to shop for pre-owned luxury watches with ease? You’ll find an extensive catalog of Omega watches on the Bezel marketplace. Our catalog includes some of the rarest collectible pieces that you can order right away by visiting our online marketplace or downloading the Bezel app.
We also offer special concierge services to help buyers find timepieces that may not be listed on our site right away. Bezel has an extensive network of reliable sellers and industry insiders who can help you track specific watch models. Our modern online marketplace has an intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate for anyone. You can search for a watch or filter based on the brand, model, case size, material, and price. This simplifies your search for the perfect timepiece.
You also don’t have to worry about the quality and condition of any watch you buy on Bezel, as all our timepieces have been meticulously inspected through an in-house authentication process that provides detailed information on their condition. A buyer protection policy also covers your purchase, ensuring you get just what you ordered. Start shopping for pre-owned luxury watches with confidence - visit the marketplace today to get started.
