2504.70 Why not more $?

About three weeks ago, I picked up this model. 36 mm case, mother of pearl dial, blued hands. First rendition of the coaxial movement. Limited to I believe only 1500 and sold exclusively to the Japanese market. I couldn’t even find this model on Omega’s official website.

Based on the latest trend of smaller watches, I’m amazed at this one hasn’t become more sought after like the RM36. There’s one on Chrono around 2700 USD at the moment. Mine is currently at the Omega service center getting some much needed TLC, but here are some other images of the model.

I was under the impression that all the major brands a moving away from larger case sizes. Even Rolex is offering their Explorer in 36 again.

I didn't even know this model existed. I knew they made a 39.2mm model with a white dial and blue indices, but not 36.2. I really like it. So legible.

But I'm just not a fan of the Omega 2500B movement. If this came with a non-co-axial 1120 movement I'd buy one.

Short answer: It just looks like any other Aqua Terra in a probably not super popular MOP/blue colour combo. I hadn't even heard of it.

Long answer: The Railmaster has an interesting history, a unique name (even though it is secretly a no date AT redial) and a far more popular dial design. Who doesn't love a plain black symmetrical tool watch dial with gorgeous lume, it's like the greatest hits of dials. Small watches and "GADA" (tool) watches are on trend right now, the Explorer 36 is often considered to be the king of that segment, and which Omega is to this day still the closest to an Explorer 36 and that whole tool watch segment? It's not a MOP AT, it's the 2504.52. Couple that with a cult classic enthusiast following, a lukewarm reception to the new RM generation, a hot market and limited production numbers, you've got a recipe for high prices. Your watch, nice as it is, isn't really taking advantage of the same conditions.

Obviously, that's all heavily opinion and anecdote based. But that's how I see it.


Disagree, anecdotal only but going off watch enthusiast social media (Reddit, forums, Instagram mainly) there has absolutely been a shift towards smaller sizes, either 36 or 39. I suspect it's just a standard cyclical fashion trend though; 36 used to be the norm many decades ago, then massive 44's were in vogue in the 00's and early 10's, now it's 39 or 38 with an acceptance of 36. It may be that the global market is not reflecting the same trends watch enthusiasts are, but considering Rolex dropped their Explorer 36 during the big watch craze and has since reintroduced it, I would bet it's at least partly representative.


This I agree with, it's more of a cult classic. I maintain Omega is partly to blame for this by making the last two generations divisive in design and not in keeping with the Railmaster's history. (Denim dials, gradient dials and polished elements.)

Well, glad I did manage to find this 36RM 😀

$2700 for a decades-old steel watch is plenty of money. 😀

My sense is that the diminishment in watch sizes for men (which I strongly endorse) kind of hits the floor around 38mm. I like 36mm just fine, but it does start to feel small, at least to me, when it comes to modern pieces. (Somehow I don’t mind a 34mm watch when it’s a thin vintage piece on a leather strap.)

All that matters is that you like it—it’s a classy piece. Who cares whether it should be worth more—it’s a watch, not an investment.

Absolutely. Was just curious about the value since so few were produced and only in the Japanese market. I agree that 38 is the sweet spot.

Great deal!
I'm completely out of the modern Omega game because anything above 38mm is too large for my taste. 36 is my personal sweet spot. I do feel that smaller watches are coming back.