Railmaster - most watch for the money in Omega’s current catalog?

I think it is. I looked at a Railmaster as my potential 2nd Omega purchase, but I decided it was too close in style and purpose as my Aqua Terra, and I wanted something different for #2.

but the Railmaster gives you a huge bang for the buck. Pretty much the exact same case shape and twisted lugs as the AT — only real difference is more high polish on the AT case, bezel, lugs. Railmaster also has a less dressy or blingy dial and printed, not applied, markers — it really is a blue jeans (literally, for the RM I was looking at) versus nice business casual comparison.

Both the AT and RM have the METAS certification. Both watches have comparable machinery inside. But the retail price on the standard (not the unique 1957) RM is about 5-6 hundred less than the AT. And you can get a new RM from the gray market or excellent condition used from reputable dealer for around 3700. That is a super low price point for the machinery involved.

I’m extremely happy with the AT I got (a calibre 8500 COSC) and how I plan to wear it, and it’s keeping great time, like +3 spd. But the Railmaster for me was a close second and I do think it’s the best value watch for the quality that Omega is currently offering.

Definitely good points. I was probably considering gray market and preowned prices in ranking the RM ahead of Diver 300 in bang for buck. They have pretty much the same retail price. Also, I only have one data point, but my AD was willing to do a bigger discount on the RM than SMP300.

I love the Railmaster and I find it actually wears better than my AT. One of my requireds when getting a luxury watch was a date window, so this ruled the RM out...but I didn't think long and hard on that piece.

It's also worth noting the lack of see-through caseback on the RM.

I prefer the dark slate grey dial vs. the blue jeans dial.

I don't really have room for it in my collection but it's Omega's most no nonsense watch and I love it. Not too big, clean dial, no date, thick visible hands with great lume, thin and with good water resistance.

That is probably the main reason, besides the lack of the crystal case back, why they are cheaper than the ATs. I once opted for the RM "Denim" too, however finally went for the Globemaster instead. I don't find the dials of the RM cheap looking at all.

I really like the RM as a design, and have weighed buying one a few times. The main problem for me is that the straight-up tool watch vibe is so well catered to by the likes of Sinn, Damasko, Archimede and Stowa in tiers below, and by IWC and a few others at around Omega prices. I find the idea of buying an RM at just under 6k CAD a bit daunting given the competition, whereas the SMP and a few others seem to offer stronger value or at least distinctive value prop, like the GM series.

Having said that, they're excellent, robust designs, and if they returned the older 39mm models I'd be on that straight away. Great designs.

I love mine. Not too big but substantial feel. Clear, excellent lume. Oozes Omega quality.

I totally concur, the Railmaster is just such an awesome watch, it is a strap monster and if you get a few tan straps you can have a different look every other week.

It should also be pointed out the the RM and it’s Metas standard movement is stunningly accurate. A damn good and very underrated watch. IMHO of course.

From what I've seen reading various articles, the Railmaster has always been an underrated watch right from the beginning in 1957 when it first came out. Somehow it just hasn't had the same appeal with the watch buying public compared to other watches in the Trilogy. Maybe the Seamaster and Speedmaster appeals to our fantasies more than the Railmaster (scuba diver adventurer and race car driver astronaut, compared to an engineer or railway worker). Personally, I think it's rather cool that the Railmaster was originally designed for superior magnetic resistance than ordinary watches. Pity they don't make a 36mm diameter model any more as that one fits my wrist perfectly.

I really wanted to like the Railmaster and bought the black dial. However, it was rather underwhelming on the wrist with that flat printed dial. It's a nice tool watch but just didn't justify its luxury watch price. The black and vintage lume made it look pretty dull in low light. And the lume was a bit too orange in some light So eventually just returned it for a refund (bought from Joma).

I have a Planet Ocean 8900 and I was expecting a bit more from the Railmaster. But I do get the appeal of the watch, it just didn't do it for me. Also really like the jumping hour hand on the PO, something the RM doesn't have.

I have an Aqua Terra on the way and I think that one is more watch for the money, even though it is slightly more expensive (about +10%).

I vote for the railmaster especially this reference, to my taste
https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/...axial-master-chronometer-38-mm-22010382001002

but the globemaster may have similar or more value for the money, in the secondary market