Railmaster CK2914-1 or Speedmaster 105.003?

[Ricbo2010]

Hi

I came across these two beauties today, both for sale and I am sorely tempted by both of them (sadly funds won’t allow that). The Railmaster is apparently a drawer find and has it’s original 7077 bracelet and #6 end links. It also has a naiad crown albeit with some damage.

I believe the Speedmaster comes on a period correct bracelet (1106? Need to confirm with MW), DON bezel, straight lugs etc and extract of the archives dating it to 1965.

I know the photos are poor but I was unable to get anything better although the seller did show me hard copy photographs of movement and serial numbers etc.

Throwing this open to the far superior knowledge of the Forum members, I would be very grateful for any thoughts and guidance on which would potentially be the wiser purchase, if any?

Thanks

 

[dan7800]

I don't know much about these watches, but my 2 cents is speedy all of the time 😀

 

[Kali77]

I would vote for the speedy based on the dial. I suppose what they are being offered for and many other accounts will need to be taken into consideration though, I.e your current collection. If the railmasters dial was better I’d be voting that way based on MY collection 😁 the speedy looks heavily polished though based off that one photo FYI.

 

[flame]

Hi

Absolutely no contest based on rarity.....Railmaster all day long 😀

If you pass....double , sorry no triple dibs !

Best - Neil

 

[Vicke]

I'd vote Railmaster.
You'll be able to find another Speedy if you want, Railmasters do not show up regularly.

 

[Beltza]

Hi, speedy is more commun, depend of a detail: can we have a range of price for each one ?

 

[CajunTiger]

a 2914-1 is very rare....I would be all over that.
If you don't want it, let me know 😀

 

[gdupree]

Bigger fan of the speedy myself. Looks pretty polished, but hard to tell in the pic. the hands look extra glossy too and very bright white. Still though, that dial and bezel....

 

[mozambique]

That's a tough call.
Agree that Railmaster is rarer. If value matters, the EW will probably appreciate more in the shorter term.
Btw. the EW would have come on 7912/#6, 1501 or 1035/#6 or 1035/#506

 

[Ricbo2010]

mozambique

That's a tough call.
Agree that Railmaster is rarer. If value matters, the EW will probably appreciate more in the shorter term.
Btw. the EW would have come on 7912/#6, 1501 or 1035/#6 or 1035/#506

Thanks, it's on a 1035 bracelet, can't remember which endlinks but will check.

 

[Ricbo2010]

Beltza

Hi, speedy is more commun, depend of a detail: can we have a range of price for each one ?

Speedy circa £15k and Railmaster circa £21-£23k. Just noticed a ding on the Speedy bezel between 2 and 3pm.

 

[loran]

Both of those two are beautiful! I guess it boils down to personal preference - keep in mind a Speedy is always a Speedy but the 2914 is part of the trilogy. You seem to be based in the U.K.; therefore, I wanted to ask where these watches are available form. This is both because I may be interested in the one you decide against and also because it's always nice to find a new place where to get beautiful vintage omegas.

Thank you

 

[SgWatchBaron]

I feel that the speedy’s hand and dial might’ve been relumed.

 

[chronoboy64]

SgWatchBaron

I feel that the speedy’s hand and dial might’ve been relumed.

That were my thoughts, too.

 

[gemini4]

Need more pics,

Edited: Nov 27, 2017

 

[calalum]

Prices sound high for those examples. JMHO.

 

[CharlesGenta]

All things being equal (condition etc) I’d get the 2914-1. You can always find a 105.003 but if you change your mind and want to get the 2914 it will be difficult to find it.

 

[BenBagbag]

calalum

Prices sound high for those examples. JMHO.

+1 for those prices you'd think you'd get dealer pics too...

 

[gemini4]

You really can’t compare a 1st generation 2914-1 trilogy Railmaster, circa 1957 with a 3rd generation Speedmaster, circa 1966-69 (guessing it’s a 105.003-65). Bezel vs no bezel, Chrono vs antimag, Broad Arrow Hands vs baton. Simplistic radium dial with 3 hands vs (nicely) cluttered tritium dial with 6 hands. Apples and oranges really. Which do you like better??

Edited: Nov 27, 2017

 

[watchknut]

Seems like a pretty penny for either one...if you like the Speedy, I would wait around for a better examples.

The Railmaster is rare as rocking horse shit, but that is a lot of money. The members that ogling it are chasing the reference, me included, but if you are not that into it, then I would probably not put that much money into it.