Hey all,

In my search for the perfect everyday tool watch, I picked up the 2503.52 Railmaster, circa 2006. Great watch overall, but I am lured to the Rolex Explorer 1 based on its history of ruggedness and durability. Looking at my Railmaster I believe the caliber 2403 is pretty robust, and with 150m water resistance I suspect the case is also quite solid.

Which leads to my question...how tough is this Railmaster? Is it the sort of watch I could wear hiking, swimming, to the gym without concern?

Cheers!

Gokul

 

I would wear mine hiking and at the gym (I don't swim ). My version of hiking is day hikes so YMMV. I take mine off at the gym just because I take all jewelry off, but I would have no problem leaving it on.

 

I believe it's the same movement that was in the aqua terra and planet ocean. Pretty robust movement. Not sure about the water resistance on the rail master tho.

 

You can do anything you would with an explorer. You can sit on a sofa, drive a car, wear it at the office, shower, shake hands....and then dive, run, climb and. More.

It's a solid watch. Good looking too

 

No such thing as an indestructible watch.

 

I've worn my 2500 AT (similar watch) swimming, golfing, playing tennis, rock climbing, rafting, showering, playing basketball, bike riding, snowboarding and f****ing without issue. lol

It's been over 5 years since it was serviced.

I actually have a G-Shock laying around somewhere, but I challenge myself not to use it. If the Omega breaks, then I'll get it fixed. No biggie.

 

Good to know! Thanks for the input!

 

Watches are very tough. I'd have no issue carrying out any of those tasks in a Patek, never mind a Rail Master. The Explorer is a great watch but is it worth so much more than the Rail Master?

 

Not that much more

 

Depends on which Explorer

 

Sure, and which railmaster.....but apples to apples....not that much more

 

Well, if you did break it doing that, I am guessing you were doing it wrong.

 

screw down crown and case design to protect the movement up to 150m of water pressure, you should be good hiking and swimming my friend, wear it in good health

 

Thanks for the input man!

 

BTW, to continue my point above, I have an Explorer II, and I don't look at it as any more robust than my 2500 AT.

 

Finding the threshold of the durability of a watch can cost you a lot of money. If you smash a watch, be sure it is one you won't mind throwing away.

 

Not really, some watches enjoy being worn. If I followed your rule of watches how many lunches I would have missed over the years ( not knowing the time because watches shouldn't be worn doing rough stuff )

Forum member @JimInOz serviced it for free because he thought it was so cool

 

Have it your way. I've thrown away better watches than the battered Seiko!

 

I wear my RAILMASTER every other day. Its been over 20k feet altitude and been under pressure from shockwaves, Pressure waves in the air due to the nature of my work. It hasnt missed a beat. GREAT watch. Now if only i can get a bracelet instead of my leather band with clasp.

 

Remarkable post....I can say I have cooked steak at high temperatures with my Aqua Terra. And it has survived several bottles of wine...and champagne....and scotch