Aqua Terra (8500) or Railmaster (8806)

Morning all.

Considering my second Omega acquisition to compliment my 2008 Bond LE SMP 2226.80.00. After (probably) ruling out a nearly new De Ville Prestige (gorgeous but is a bit too dainty/dressy for my wrists and wouldn't get the wrist time it deserves), so I'm now deciding on two grails that are currently on offer:

- Big grail: Aqua Terra, 41.5mm, black, bracelet, previous model (with 8500 calibre, date at 3 o'clock (without surround) and vertical teak lines on face, etc) ..full package, nearly new, from an AD..

Or..

- Lesser grail: Railmaster, brand new on a bracelet..having tried this on it's far more gorgeous and subtle/sporty in the metal than I was expecting. 30% discount off RRP from an AD.

Both are more or less the same price, give or take £100.

I've yet to see the former (a grail for numerous years) yet having recently tried on the Railmaster I love its simplicity and symmetry, plus the fact it is nicely reduced and has the latest Master Chronometer movement. That said, I have always loved the previous shape AT and the exhibition caseback showing off the beautiful 8500 movement (which the Railmaster does not offer).

The iconic twisted lugs and mix of polished and brushed accents on the AT beckons too, as well as raised/applied dial markings. I have seen and read that the RM's dial printing (only) and faux patina lume markers rubs some purists up the wrong way (yet, currently, I quite like this look). Worrying what others think isn't a big deal for me but if I was to flip one day is it likely to be a less desirable watch to gauge interest in years to come should I change my mind about long-term ownership?

Either at full price previously have been unaffordable, yet the current discounts are putting one of them within grasp now. My heart says AT (nearly new), but the attraction to the (brand new, newer movement) RM has pleasantly surprised (and confused) me.

So, Omega fans/experts, what would you choose and why, please?

Thanks! 😀

AT for me.. it has all the features that really attract me to Omega:
- the interplay between brushed and polished surfaces on the case,
- the detail, and particularly depth, in the dial

The Railmaster feels quite “flat” by comparison as the bracelet / watch case are all brushed and the dial lacks the almost 3D depth of the AT’s hour markers etc.....

I feel the RM is a watch i could get quite bored with rather quickly.... caveat to this is that this was just my impression from handling this watch at a dealer. I have and do own the AT on the other hand...

I should add, i also prefer a date function and would typically not consider a watch without a date.

Cheers
Jeelan

AT for me. The Railmaster is a nice watch to add to a collection, the AT is a daily watch. I do remember reading about the Railmaster leaking as well. The AT is rated for 150m. Good luck with your choice.

Railmaster for me, although I did think about an AT before getting the RM. I also thought about the previous RM (2503) before this one popped up.

Personally I like the fact it's all brushed, it seems to fly under the radar a bit more. Too many watches these days have polished parts/sides of case/CL etc
The dial is a thing of beauty in my opinion, from a flat black to dark grey to light grey depending on the lighting, even more so in sun light. It is classed as brushed black, lovely and varied lines throughout the dial.
8806 movement, silicone balance spring, co-ax, master chronometer - METAS certified. The only downside is it is hidden behind the caseback which I think? they went with that rather than exhibition due to keeping the thickness down - I may be wrong but sure I've read that somewhere..

Couple of my pics over the last couple of months:

Railmaster. Black or denim

Haha. Thanks..

AT, 2 RM, 2

😀

8500 AT. For me one of the best dial/handset combo ever made by Omega.

Lovely photo

Unfortunately the AT I was keen on has gone.🙁

Have seen a couple of 38.5mm versions on Watchfinder. Any 38.5mm owners out there? I'm wondering if that'll be too small.

Maybe the Railmaster is meant to be after all.

Hi there,
I have a 38.5 mm blue vertical line AT (231.10.39.21.03.001) and just love its size and presence.
IMHO it hits a dial design and size sweet spot that will always look great. The narrow bezel and that specific blue dial makes the watch appear larger.
Check the FS , I have seen one that was available recently to get a picture of what it's like since learning to attach photos is still on my to do list.
Good Luck in your search.

Thanks. What size wrist is yours please? Mine's 7.3"

My wrist is about 6.75 but it's fairly wide versus thick.
I also have a couple of mid size, 36mmm SMPs and a couple of Speedmaster Pros at 42mmm and the 38.5mm AT wears bigger than its actual size.
Hope this makes sense.

BTW, yodamastah's photo is incredible.
Just beautiful.
But, until you actually see one, it's difficult to appreciate.

I lean towards the Railmaster, but I own the denim model. I bought it with the bracelet and currently have it on a brown leather.

That's a stunner. 😀

There doesn't seem to be alot of love for the Denim, which just goes to show it's all subjective.

With the nearly new AT (8500) 41.5mm that I was keen on now having gone, I have seen a couple of 38.5mm versions, on leather (8500s albeit with date surrounds), for sale at Watchfinder for sub £3k (2017); the 41.5 variants there seem to be considerably more costly and clearly the more popular choice. In the pictures one has 2 cards, the other (slightly newer one) 3 cards. I gather that Omega doesn't always produce/issue Chronometer cards anymore although the COSC pictogram will be there on the other card? There is a £200 difference between the two, the more expensive one having 1 extra year of Omega warranty remaining (and the extra card), ie. when warranty was 3 years, vice 5 now I guess.

Yet, feeling impatient (and indecisive), the brand new black Railmaster for sub £3k on bracelet or herringbone is just a few miles away at an AD, is calling me! It is a good saving, which is a big pull.

So, 2017 AT (8500), black, 38.5mm on leather, or the brand new Railmaster is now my short list. I'd love the 8800 AT, but getting one of these sub £4k is going to be near impossible unless it's via the grey market, and way over my realistic budget anyway. Heading well in to Tudor Black Bay territory, which is another grail, but Omega v Tudor, I'd always put Omega as priority.

My (first world) fear is that any forthcoming price hikes from Omega will affect such prices in the near future so probably need to be quick(ish).

£3k+ is a huge amount of money for me to spend on a second high-end watch so it needs to be a near perfect choice (but realise only I can make that).

Thanks again for all your comments and help.

I must admit, in my earlier reply, when I saw Railmaster, I was thinking of the trilogy version not the new one. I think this is a great watch as long as you’re ok without a date. I saw them at the AD a couple of weeks ago. Nice watch.......

Thanks again all.

After a pleasant visit, several coffees and a nice chat in my local AD, I eventually came home with this:



The dealer was so helpful, even showing me around their service lab and the technicians providing an insight in to their work.

A happy and successful day. 😀

Congrats!!! I love my Railmaster. I waffled back and forth between my Denim and the Trilogy. My wife told me to get the Denim, so I did and couldn't be happier. I actually like it more and more as wear it.