Does the Omega Railmaster still satisfy working people?

While it may not have landed on the moon or ticked away on 007's wrist, the Omega Railmaster is a practical, work-appropriate watch. Here, we take a closer look at the 2017 Railmaster Master Chronometer.

　While the original Railmaster was originally designed for electrical workers, the current Railmaster Master Chronometer is a modern take on the style-forward timepiece, featuring Master Chronometer certification from the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).

　The indexes and baton-shaped hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova. During the day, the color changes over time, but as night falls, they emit a beautiful blue glow, revealing a bright dot that glides effortlessly between the hour markers. The "lollipop"-shaped second hand is reminiscent of the clocks displayed in Swiss railway stations, highlighting the Railmaster's connection to rail.

　When it was introduced in 1957, the Railmaster represented Omega's longstanding connection with railways. Omega first supplied pocket watches to railway companies in 1895. Nearly 60 years later, the Railmaster was designed for railway workers, as well as scientists, electricians, and others working in areas with strong electromagnetic fields. It featured a special double-walled case to protect the movement from the effects of magnetic fields of over 1000 gauss.

　This classic model underwent a change in 2003, but was already equipped with a modern Co-Axial movement in the late 1990s. However, this version was soon discontinued. The Railmaster was relaunched in 2017 as part of the limited-edition Omega 1957 Trilogy anniversary collection. While faithfully recreating the original 1957 design, it features the in-house automatic caliber 8806. This combines vintage aesthetics with modern Master Chronometer technology, and the movement boasts high magnetic resistance of over 15,000 gauss. This allows the Railmaster to continue its history, one that began over 120 years ago.

　Unlike the original and anniversary models, the dial of the Railmaster Master Chronometer used in this test has vertical hairlines, giving the watch a modern look. The indices at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock use a different font than the original. Meanwhile, the "railway-style" minute scale evokes a nostalgic atmosphere, providing a subtle contrast to the dial.

　The crosshairs in the center of the dial indicate that the current Railmaster achieves its high precision through the Master Chronometer Caliber 8806. A COSC certificate clearly certifies that the movement complies with chronometer standards, and a METAS (Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology) certificate confirms that the Railmaster exceeds COSC's quality standards and is a tested Master Chronometer, able to withstand magnetic fields of over 15,000 gauss. Finally, this current Railmaster is covered by a four-year warranty.

　Like other current movements manufactured by Omega, the caliber 8806 boasts the highest accuracy and magnetic resistance by current standards. While it doesn't operate as perfectly as the Master Chronometer we've tested in the past (the caliber 8900 in the Seamaster Planet Ocean), it still keeps time with a high enough degree of accuracy. While the measuring device showed deviations in some positions, this model performs better in wear tests than in measurements taken with the measuring device.

　Since 2017, the Caliber 8806 has become the standard three-hand movement for Omega's Master Chronometer models. While its basic structure is the same as the Caliber 8800, released in 2016, the Caliber 8806 lacks a date display. This beautiful movement, featuring arabesque Geneva waves, is hidden within a steel caseback embossed with a seahorse design. The seahorse and inscription on the caseback are kept in place by the new, patented Naiad Lock system. This Naiad Lock system is similar to a bayonet-style caseback, and Omega has been gradually shifting away from the traditional screw-back system in subsequent models.

　The case is 40mm in diameter and water resistant to 150m (15 bar). The Naiad Lock system keeps the caseback in place and adds to the aesthetic appeal. The leather on the underside of the strap enhances comfort, while the herringbone pattern on the fabric and the metal eyelets on the small holes evoke the look of high-quality workwear.

　The Railmaster Master Chronometer is undoubtedly a trustworthy companion. While its design doesn't exude sophistication or innovation, its timekeeping performance has been well-received. It's a casually elegant and versatile watch that proves itself to be a companion not only for work but also after work.