Railmaster Goodwill find

Eyeontheball · Jan 20, 2020

Found this yesterday at Goodwill while visiting my dad over the weekend. Reference number is 277-2sc with a Calabar 283 movement. I can't find anything online that looks similar to the face. Looking to see if I found the real McCoy or if it's a dud.

Let me know your thoughts

JimInOz · Jan 20, 2020

Omega watch.

Bad redial.

X350 XJR · Jan 20, 2020

Should look like this.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/railmaster-2777-2-1955-find.100687/

redpcar · Jan 20, 2020

I would call this a good candidate to send off the dial and have it re-redone.

kyle L · Jan 20, 2020

Great find! The dial has been refinished which is why you can't find a similar one but it's a real and uncommon one!

kip595 · Jan 20, 2020

I rarely advocate it, but I'd say this could be a candidate for a true, proper restoration. Nice snag!

wagudc · Jan 20, 2020

JimInOz
Omega watch.

Bad redial.

Are the hands wrong as well then? And perhaps the crown too?

JimInOz · Jan 20, 2020

Hands are wrong but I think the crown is OK.

Best part is the movement, the case is a bit corroded. If the dial is original it could be restored, but it would still be a redial.

It'd look much nicer than the current dial though.

gemini4 · Jan 20, 2020

Here is an original 2777-2 Railmaster (circa 1955) example

JimInOz · Jan 20, 2020

gemini4
Here is an original 2777-2 Railmaster (circa 1955) example

I was just going to tag you.
What do you think of the serial number?
Close to yours?

gemini4 · Jan 20, 2020

JimInOz
I was just going to tag you.
What do you think of the serial number?
Close to yours?

Yes

watchyouwant · Jan 20, 2020

With the correct dial and hands ,you look at $20000..... Restore it. Kind regards. Achim

gemini4 · Jan 20, 2020

The 2777-2 Railmaster has, I believe, the same antimagnetic, thick, 1 mm dial also found in the 2777-1 53 RAF. Similar to this 2914 Railmaster dial. You should have the OP dial removed and compared. A normal dial is much thinner, 0.4mm.

Eyeontheball · Jan 21, 2020

Hi everyone, I have an update and a follow up question regarding this post.

First, thanks to everyone for all the insightful information.

So, today I went to Omega in Manhattan to get an evaluation of the statues of the watch and what the overhaul of this watch would entail. I was informed that given the state of the watch case and pictures of the movement they Omega servicing center will almost 100% replace the original movement. Obviously, I am very concerned with with replacing the caliber 283.

Can anyone give any recommendations for trusted vintage repair shop in Manhattan?

I want to pursue the restoration but obviously trying to keep the original movement if possible.

Dan S · Jan 21, 2020

You should send it to a good trusted watch repair shop that is accustomed to working with vintage Omega. We have been through this numerous times on the forum, and there is nothing like that in Manhattan.

gemini4 · Jan 21, 2020

The 2777-2 RM contains a caliber 283 goose neck regulated movement that was only used in this very very limited reference. It is so rare that Omega did not know of its existence. Only through years of detective effort by @Bill Sohne, see my thread https://omegaforums.net/threads/a-g...rototype-black-dial-pristine-condition.47137/ did Omega finally locate the 2777-2 and 283 Goose Neck in the Omega archives.

As far as a restoration, the movement is not the issue. For certain, Omega Service should not be allowed to touch the watch as they will completely ruin it. Other vintage WM can service it with donor parts from a normal 283. The major hurdle is the dial. It is IMPOSSIBLE to find a replacement RM 2777-2 dial and this OP watch will never be a complete 2777-2, unfortunately. To me, the best alternative is using a 2777-1 RAF as a donor, approx $3,000 for a fat arrow version. A 2777-1 is the best place to find a workable antimagnetic dial to refinish, hands and movement parts.

1953 2777-1 “Fat Arrow” RAF

JwRosenthal · Jan 21, 2020

I think if the OP is interested in pursuing a complete overhaul and restoration with a well done dial repaint and sourcing of the correct hands- perhaps a recommendation of a watchmaker that specializes in that kind of work would be helpful. Not just any watchmaker would have the resources to do what we all would expect/want to see done with this watch.

Also, letting the OP know that this kind of restoration will be very expensive may sway his feelings on wether to pursue the restoration or sell it as is to someone who has access to the parts or such a watchmaker that can do the full restoration.

Eyeontheball · Jan 21, 2020

JwRosenthal
I think if the OP is interested in pursuing a complete overhaul and restoration with a well done dial repaint and sourcing of the correct hands- perhaps a recommendation of a watchmaker that specializes in that kind of work would be helpful. Not just any watchmaker would have the resources to do what we all would expect/want to see done with this watch.

Also, letting the OP know that this kind of restoration will be very expensive may sway his feelings on wether to pursue the restoration or sell it as is to someone who has access to the parts or such a watchmaker that can do the full restoration.

Thanks @JwRosenthal. Tbh I'm more interested in servicing the movement and keeping the face as is. I kinda enjoy the idea of having the redial face. Like I'm the only one that knows what's really under the hood

Eyeontheball · Jan 21, 2020

gemini4
The 2777-2 RM contains a caliber 283 goose neck regulated movement that was only used in this very very limited reference. It is so rare that Omega did not know of its existence. Only through years of detective effort by @Bill Sohne, see my thread https://omegaforums.net/threads/a-g...rototype-black-dial-pristine-condition.47137/ did Omega finally locate the 2777-2 and 283 Goose Neck in the Omega archives.

As far as a restoration, the movement is not the issue. For certain, Omega Service should not be allowed to touch the watch as they will completely ruin it. Other vintage WM can service it with donor parts from a normal 283. The major hurdle is the dial. It is IMPOSSIBLE to find a replacement RM 2777-2 dial and this OP watch will never be a complete 2777-2, unfortunately. To me, the best alternative is using a 2777-1 RAF as a donor, approx $3,000 for a fat arrow version. A 2777-1 is the best place to find a workable antimagnetic dial to refinish, hands and movement parts.

1953 2777-1 “Fat Arrow” RAF

Using newer 283 parts is normal? I feel like that destroys the integrity of the watch. I'm fine with a new stem, gasket and so on. But my concern is with the movement. Where do you suggest I draw the line?

JwRosenthal · Jan 21, 2020

E Eyeontheball
Thanks @JwRosenthal. Tbh I'm more interested in servicing the movement and keeping the face as is. I kinda enjoy the idea of having the redial face. Like I'm the only one that knows what's really under the hood

Totally understand your thinking. You have probably figured out by now that you have found the equivalence of a 1955 Porsche Spider that someone put fiberglass flares on and painted hot pink. Of course everyone in the collectors community would love to see it restored back to what it should be...but that is of course your choice as it’s your watch.

Railmaster Goodwill find

Eyeontheball

JimInOz

X350 XJR

redpcar

kyle L

kip595

wagudc

JimInOz

gemini4

JimInOz

gemini4

watchyouwant

gemini4

Eyeontheball

Dan S

gemini4

JwRosenthal

Eyeontheball

Eyeontheball

JwRosenthal

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