Originally launched in 1957, the OMEGA Railmaster was a design icon of yesteryear. Its clean and functional design made it perfectly suited to a role in working-class life: as its name suggests, a high-precision timepiece meant to aid railway conductors. In recent times, OMEGA updated and face lifted the fabled timepiece with three dial iterations: a handsome brushed grey, a striking matte black which we’ve covered here, and an all-new denim-inspired blue which proudly pays tribute to its industrial past.
Although they are now a fashion item, denim jeans were once manufactured purely for the benefit of hard-working labourers in the American West. For a long time, the robust cloth was the choice of miners, factory workers, farmers, and of course, those on the railroads. And their sturdy trousers or overalls would’ve gone hand-in-hand with the watch on their wrist.
OMEGA Railmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer 40mm “Denim”
Dial and Case
To link the iconic material with this new Railmaster, the new watch dons a striking vertically-brushed “blue jeans” dial that features indexes and hands with light-grey Super-LumiNova. There is also a beige lollipop central seconds hand and transferred Railmaster indication that are both reminiscent of the coloured stitching found in denim jeans.
Most uniquely, the model is beautifully presented on a genuine blue denim NATO strap with brown leather used on the underside and for the keepers. The same model is alternatively available on a stainless steel bracelet.
Following the design of the Railmaster’s modern facelift, the 40 mm brushed symmetrical case is made from stainless steel and features a signed conical crown. Turning the watch over, we find a wave-edged case back with OMEGA’s proprietary NAIAD LOCK system, keeping the wordings in perfect alignment.
Movement
OMEGA is perhaps well-known for their anti-magnetic innovations – a trait which stays true in the Railmaster. The new watch houses the brand’s Master Chronometer Calibre 8806: a movement Certified at the industry’s highest standard by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). It boasts a 55-hours power reserve and an impressive 15,000 gauss rating.
Price
The new OMEGA Railmaster (ref. 220.10.40.20.03.001) “denim” retails for SGD 6,750 (denim strap) / SGD 6,900 (metal bracelet).
