This just arrived. A "find of a lifetime" for any Omega collector. Reference 2777-2 Railmaster Prototype in exceptional condition. Black Dial. Caliber 283 with Special Swan Neck Regulator. I don't believed photos of this reference have ever appeared on OF. This watch, a civilian version produced in 1955 and sold in Canada, was one of very few anti-mag prototypes which bridged the gap from the 2777-1 RAF pilot's military watch of 1953 to the first Railmaster production model, 2914-1, a Omega Trilogy watch, of 1957. From what I have studied, there are less than 10 known 2777-2 Railmasters known to still exist.

For those who are not aware, Bill Sohne @Bill Sohne, over years of research from 1999 - 2008,, basically discovered the existence of this reference as it was so rare that even Omega did not know that it had ever existed. His wonderful write up regarding his White Dial Railmaster 2777-2 reads like a horological detective thriller and can be found here:

http://www.watchprosite.com/page-wf.forumpost/fi-677/ti-401501/pi-2398426/

Here are internet available photos of Bill Sohne's Railmaster 2777-2. This watch is featured on page 221 of AJTT





Needless to say, I would never have known the significance of this new watch quest without first studying (a few times) Bill's 2777-2 saga. Additional research and comments were also provided by posts (here and on other forums) by @michael e @Tom Dick , @MSNWatch , @gatorcpa and @watchyouwant who until recently owned a white dial military Ranchero 2777 prototype. Some of these comments were generated the last time a 2777-2 Railmaster appeared which was 5 years ago on EBay.

Below are pics of my new beauty. Railmaster 2777-2, Pristine Radium dial. Proper 2777-2 caseback. Case is unpolished and sharp. The lume of the minute and hour hands is milky white, like Bill's example, and are probably original radium lumed. The crown is original. THe second hand is original but repainted. I believe the strap buckle may be original as well. The caliber 283 movement number is (I believe) less than 10 digits removed from Bill's and carries the Swan Neck Regulator for precision adjustments. The movement is in fine condition and keeps good time. This type of precise regulation, (Chronometer precise) was not known to have existed on any Omega 30mm type movements (Caliber 283, 284, 285). Naturally, a service is needed.

I'm sure I didn't get all of the facts and history correct. Corrections and comments are appreciated as always. And no, this watch is NOT for sale. . Thanks OF!

 

WOW!

 

X WOW to the tenth.

 

Great catch! Now you need the white dial version to complement this one ;-)

 

Holy ----, Spectacular Fine!! Congrats!!

 

Much jealously here , u have the awesome speed masters now all the awesome rail masters.... there is nothing left .... is there ?

 

Spectacular! Now I understand the gentle smackdown on the other thread when I commented on the hands.

 

Not to mention Marc's box of vintage Seamaster 300s. Congratulations on another great find.

 

When someone like @gemini4 puts "grail find" in the title, you know it's gonna be good.

But this is nothing short of amazing. Thanks for sharing!

 

Excellent find and the condition is just superb!

 

Great find , thank for sharing

 

cool find, big congrats to this gem

 

Dial looks amazing under sunlight. Congratz

 

Guys, please forgive me when I use caps this time but I must scream it out:

THIS IS THE CATCH OF THE YEAR!

IMO this is the missing link in the developement of the Railmaster which we were waiting for...

Huge congrats on this rare bird!

It is rare as hens´teeth as they say

 

Wow, this is rare bird indeed! Congrats Marc!

 

When I saw the 2777 thread yesterday, and that 2777 Railmaster sold in Japan, I was thinking WTF, a swan neck regulator on a cal 283??

Now I get it!

That's one helluva catch! Japan seems to be your hometurf, when it comes to landing very nice and rare Omega's.

A big congrats, and thanks for educating the rest of us.

 

That's basically the 6B/542 isn't it?

Your watch's Dad says "hi!"

 

Very impressive by any measure!!!!!!!! Enjoy.

 

Superb catch, a rare bird indeed. Matt Bain had one for sale for a while and there was one that went through auction in the U.K. Last year and unbelibably fetched very little as people (including me) missed it

A great catch buddy, well done you

 

Thank you Tom. I believe these were two slightly different models. The 2015 Matthew Bain 2777-2 version was not a Railmaster as it had a sterile dial.

http://www.matthewbaininc.com/watch-details/1738

The Bonham's auction of December 2015 featured a white Railmaster reference 2777, of military heritage with fixed bars and a normal 283 movement. This piece, seen below, was formerly own by Achim, @watchyouwant and now resides in the Omega Museum.