Omega has a new version of the Railmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer. The first Railmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer was released last year alongside the widely popular Omega 1957 Trilogy watches. Needless to say, the Railmaster was largely overshadowed and overlooked by the famous trio of classic Omega reissues. Still, it doesn’t change the fact that the Railmaster is a great watch for the money. With its versatile styling, impeccable Omega build quality, and a Master Chronometer certified movement, it was one of the most bang-for-buck watches you could buy. Now, there’s a new version with a denim-inspired dial. This is the new Railmaster ‘Denim’ Co-Axial Master Chronometer.
The basic ingredients are the same. This watch comes in a sensibly-sized 40mm stainless case that has a water resistance rating of 150m. It has a solid caseback with Omega’s Naiad Lock system that does two things: a) ensure a good seal and b) that the orientation of the caseback is always upright. The big change is obviously on the dial. The first Railmaster watches have vertically brushed dials in black and silver, while this new model has what Omega calls a “blue jeans” dial with a brushed finish. Judging from the press photos, it certainly looks similar to denim.
The other change is the color of the lume. The first Railmaster watches have faux patina lume for the hour indices and hands, while this new model has light grey lume that looks much more harmonious to my eyes. The faux patina lume on the first Railmaster watches faced heavy criticism for pandering to the whole vintage-inspired watch trend and, to me, it looked out of place. The orange lollipop seconds hand is a nice touch and adds some much-needed contrast and color.
The Railmaster ‘Denim’ Co-Axial Master Chronometer is powered by the Omega Caliber 8806. This is a self-winding movement that has a power reserve of 55 hours. More importantly, it is resistant to magnetic fields of up to 15,000 Gauss and is Master Chronometer certified. It has a free sprung balance with silicon balance spring, a rhodium-plated rotor, and bridges decorated with Côtes de Genève. At this price, I challenge you to find a more technically capable movement.
To complement the denim-style dial, the Railmaster ‘Denim’ Co-Axial Master Chronometer will come with a matching blue denim NATO strap. For those who want something a little more versatile, the watch will also be offered with a stainless steel bracelet. The model with a stainless steel bracelet only costs $100 more, so it makes sense to go for that since aftermarket denim straps can be found quite easily. The Omega Railmaster ‘Denim’ Co-Axial Master Chronometer is priced at $4,900 on the denim NATO strap and $5,000 on the stainless steel bracelet. omegawatches.com
