Omega’s Long-Overlooked Workhorse Is Its New Best Everyday Watch

The Railimaster has long been the third wheel to the Seamaster and Speedmaster, but this new update makes it the center of attention.

By Brad Lanphear

Published May 15, 2025

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Updated May 15, 2025

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It didn’t take much. A borrowed second hand, a simple dial texture and a little down-sizing made Omega’s long-overlooked workhorse its best everyday watch.

The beautiful new appearance is not the only achievement that makes this Omega the best option for daily wear. It also has a useful feature that has defined the Railmaster since its introduction in 1957.

a steel Omega watch — The new Railmaster has an updated dial and 38mm case.

The Railmaster is equipped with anti-magnetism protection. This was a novel concern in the 1950s and became a selling point through the 1960s, as electronic devices proliferated into every aspect of modern life.

Unfortunately, the Railmaster was not initially blessed with the same handsome appearance as its siblings, the Seamaster and Speedmaster. By the late 1960s, seeing it overshadowed by anti-magnetic watches from Rolex, Tissot and Hamilton, Omega canned the line.

The Railmaster was reborn in 2003 and given a worthy makeover in 2017, as part of the Professional series for Omega’s 60th anniversary, with a dial that matched the beloved Seamaster.

Omega’s third wheel has gotten another update to match the 2024 Seamaster Aqua Terra, which we have boldly proclaimed the best everyday watch.

But unless you spend most of your time in and around water, the Railmaster’s anti-magnetism makes it the more pragmatic option, now that the aesthetic playing field has been leveled.

A magnetic universe

Most people carry on blissfully unaware that we live in a magnetic universe. From the magnetosphere generated by the Earth’s core that protects us from solar radiation, to the smartphone in your pocket and the countless other electronic devices that surround us, magnetism is everywhere. And it isn’t good for mechanical watches.

the back of an Omega watch — The Railmaster’s case and movement are engineered to withstand 15,000 gauss

All electronic devices generate electromagnetic waves, and most of us are constantly surrounded by them. No typical household or smart device will seriously harm a mechanical watch, but the combined forces amplified over years of exposure can alter metallic mechanical movements and harm timekeeping precision.

For example, a smartphone generates less than 20 Gauss while in use, and few standard devices measure higher than that. However, if you fly often, spend time around industrial machinery or live in a city, you’re exposed to stronger magnetic fields.

an Omega watch dial — The small seconds dial is a nod to the original 1957 Railmaster.

The 15,000 Gauss protection offered by the Railmaster, a level first achieved with the 2017 Master Chronometer edition, is way more than most people will ever need. But, very few people are diving 300m below sea level in a Seamaster either. We just like knowing it’s there.

Unquestionably good looks

The dial of the new Railmaster features several minor adjustments from the 2017 Professional reference. The most striking update is the grainy sunburst texture, which is gray on the central seconds and brown on the small seconds.

an Omega watch with a small seconds dial — Both versions are offered with a leather folding buckle strap.

Changes to the hands and track are barely noticeable. The minute track is still dashes and the hour markers look as if someone highlighted them and clicked “Bold.” Conversely, the hour and minute hands are narrowed slightly and given a light bevel, matching the Aqua Terra.

The case resembles the Railmaster Master Chronometer, with lugs that taper inward, but it now has a “Goldilocks” 38mm diameter. It still comes on a three-link bracelet, but the flat “Oyster-style” links have been replaced with rounded “President-style” links.

In addition, both versions are available with a leather strap featuring a folding clasp and wrap-around stitch. The central seconds comes with black leather and the small seconds comes with brown leather.

the dial of a steel Omega watch — The hour markers and hands are painted with lume.

Regarding everyday versatility, choosing between the Seasmaster Aqua Terra and the new Railmaster is less a choice between overkill in water resistance or anti-magnetism, and more about looks.

With its new update, the Railmaster looks like the Seamaster without a dive bezel or date window. In my opinion, that simplification enhances the watch’s elegance, making it the superior option.

Availability and pricing

The new Omega Railmaster is available now exclusively at Omega Boutiques for $5,400 with a leather strap and $5,800 with a steel bracelet.

Which brings up another advantage the Railmaster has over the Seamaster Aqua Terra, it costs about $1,000 less.

Omega Railmaster

Specs

Case Size	38mm
Movement	Omega caliber 8806 automatic
Water Resistance	150m

$5,400 at Omega

About the Author: Brad Lanphear is an associate editor at Gear Patrol covering watches and style. Before joining the publication, he previously wrote for Heddels and Men’s Health. Now, he’s on a never-ending quest to find the perfect pair of Japanese denim.