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  1. gvids Jul 19, 2017

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    Hi everyone,

    I am hoping to resurrect a previous debate, which I have a hard time settling! I currently own an Omega Railmaster 2503.52 (the previous re-edition) and have owned it for about 8 months. It truly is a great 'vintage' piece with many unique design attributes. However the rugged and sleek design of the newest Rolex explorer (214270) are tempting me to trade it in.

    I love the refined design and relative rarity of the Railmaster, however the Explorer offers a newer design, with a very robust case and bracelet.

    Thoughts? Any guidance is much appreciated! See pics below.

    Cheers,
    Viddy
     
    IMG_4456.JPG IMG_4457.JPG
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  2. PaulC77 Jul 19, 2017

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    I must admit I love an explorer, but I lprefer the vintage ones. I think the styling of the railmaster in this particular pairing make it a winner for me.
     
  3. Tet I prefer Dilmah do try it Jul 19, 2017

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    I'm with Paul on this one, I'd take the Railmaster every time between these two.
     
  4. sensui Jul 19, 2017

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    Railmaster between these 2.....but if it was a 1016......I would sing a different tune.

    [​IMG]
     
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  5. redpcar Jul 19, 2017

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    Do you only have 1 watch? You need 2 :coffee:
     
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  6. WatchVaultNYC Jul 19, 2017

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    I have gone through this exact route and this is my opinion, even a rare-as-hen-teeth 36mm Railmaster from the 2000s is not a match for a 1016 Explorer. There is just just something about that Rolex, even though you can find and buy them anywhere (if you had the $$$)

    Modern Explorer though, I will go 2000s Railmaster every day of the week.

     
  7. Df13 Jul 19, 2017

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    Railmaster.
     
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  8. blufinz52 Hears dead people, not watch rotors. Jul 19, 2017

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    @gvids. Here's what I picked up from your post (think of me as the Great Karnak). You want the Rolex Explorer 214270, and you're looking for validation. Go with your heart...and get the Explorer :thumbsup:
     
  9. R3D9 Jul 19, 2017

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    I own and love the 214270 (Basel 2016 version) and, for me, it is the perfect watch.

    That said, looking at your wrist size, I'd say a 1016 would wear incredibly well. If that's too much money, the pre-39mm Explorers at 36mm are also fantastic watches.

    I've got a fairly large wrist at 7.25", so 39mm is the right variant for me... if I could shrink my wrist to 6.5" I would still be lusting after the 1016, which is the best of any version of the Explorer or Railmaster.
     
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  10. keepitsimple Jul 19, 2017

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    Unless you can run to getting both, hang onto the Railmaster. I think you would regret getting rid of it.
    They are both great designs, although In my experience with a statistical sample of 1 of each, it is clear that the Explorer has a better and more consistent movement.
    Neither makes you fiddle around with setting the date, which is a plus for me as I swap watches all the time. :thumbsup:
     
  11. Df13 Jul 19, 2017

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    Agreed. I've had many Rolex watches come and go, but the Railmaster/AT 2500 are still my favorite models of the last couple of decades.
     
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  12. Horoticus Jul 19, 2017

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    No wrong choice here, but I agree with @keepitsimple and @Df13 - if forced to choose, then I would keep the RM. :thumbsup:

    p.s. I own and love both watches.
     
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  13. gvids Jul 19, 2017

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    Ohh that 1016 :)
     
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  14. jsg1976 Jul 19, 2017

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    I vote Explorer. To me, the Railmasters all look like Seamaster wannabes, though they are definitely more unique than the Explorer or the Seamaster.

    In any case, as always, the one that sings to you loudest is the right choice.
     
  15. gvids Jul 19, 2017

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  16. gvids Jul 19, 2017

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    Some really good points!
     
  17. Mach Jul 19, 2017

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    Just yesterday, I had the opportunity to try on the Explorer while vacationing in upstate NY:

    Explorer.JPG

    I'm seriously considering this as my next acquisition. However, if I had the opportunity to acquire the pending Trilogy Railmaster, that my change. I have the Trilogy Speedmaster on order. But, seeing some of these photos of the Trilogy Railmaster has definitely got me hoping that I may still have that opportunity.

    If you can make a trade for the upcoming Trilogy Railmaster, then I would say run for it! It may have been the "sleeper" of the Trilogy collection. But, it looks gorgeous! Otherwise, I prefer the Explorer over your current Railmaster. But, as others have stated, go with your heart!
     
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  18. gvids Jul 19, 2017

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    Great pointers, my wrist is around 6.25, but flat-ish which helps. To my eyes I do feel a 36mm is a tad small to me. Unfortunately a 1016 is just not an option, as it would declare 'open season' for my wife to buy anything she wishes ;)
     
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  19. gvids Jul 19, 2017

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    Lucky man!
     
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  20. Horoticus Jul 19, 2017

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    Open season = Happy wife = happy life! :D
     
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