The Omega Railmaster Chronometer – HOT
Over many years it’s been an Omega tradition to create facsimiles of its iconic models of the past. Amongst the more recent of these offerings is the caliber 2403 Railmaster, a watch of clean simple lines and stark dial contrasts.
Based on the famous and highly collectible Railmaster CK 2914 created in 1957 (see first picture above) as a successor to a watch produced for the British Air Force in 1953, the Railmaster 2803.52.37 at 39.2 mm in diameter is marginally larger than the original 38mm case, although the mid-size at just over 36mm would be ideal for those with smaller wrists.
The new Railmaster case has an angled polished bezel not dissimilar to the original. Whereas the original has a fairly uniform appearance on the rest of the case, its progeny features a satin brushed finish on lugs and case side, interrupted by highly polished bevelling that widens out at each lug and sweeps down the lug end. This creates a three-dimensional effect to the case and adds a level of design sophistication not present in the 1957 model.
So why the Railmaster? Well, putting aside Jeremy Clarkson’s enthusiastic recommendation, the Railmaster’s classic lines and heritage make it a watch that can be worn through various fads and fashions. It’s a watch for life, not only in the sense of its timeless style, but also for its solid work horse movement.. Based on the incredibly reliable ETA 2892-A2, the caliber 2403 has a free sprung balance and George Daniels Co-Axial escapement and is meticulously finished. With a good service at recommended intervals this movement will keep on purring well into, and probably beyond, your old age!
Priced at roughly $3000.00 USD in stainless steel, depending on how generous your authorised dealer decides to be, the Railmaster offers incredible value.
HOT Omega Planet Ocean – Heirloom of the Future
The 42 mm Planet Ocean is one of the finest looking dive watches in the Omega collection. While the Planet Ocean ‘Big’ (2900.50.91), at more than 45mm diameter, may suit those who wish to wear a timepiece that can be easily transformed into a navy SEAL landing craft (there is even space to attach a couple of high powered out-boards), it is the PO ‘Normal’ (2201.50.00) that I believe will ultimately become a true ‘collector’s piece.
The Planet Ocean is powered by an officially certified automatic Omega Co-Axial calibre 2500 movement, which is a beautifully modified ETA 2892 ebauche, complete with free-sprung balance. The movement beats along at 25,200 half revolutions per hour, which, combined with a larger and heavier balance wheel, improves the stability of the movement. The slower beat rate allows a corresponding increase in the power reserve to 48 hours.
Planet Oceans come with a helium release valve (see the second crown at 2200). While this is a boon for deep sea divers who need to release built up helium to avoid serious damage to their watches, please rest assured that you will not need to use this function when you explore the depths of your swimming pool.
So, for the investment of around $3000.00 USD (depending on the discounts you may extract from an authorised dealer) you can own an heirloom of the future.
