I would suggest you check out the 162+ page thread on all 3 of the Trilogy pieces for some wonderful photos:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/ome...00-speedmaster’57.55120/page-162#post-1036408

 

Hey Vids, I just had to make this choice and, in the final analysis, I selected a 36mm 114270 Rolex Explorer over the Rolex 214270 and the Railmaster. Even though I have a 7.5-inch wrist, I much prefer the understated, classic look of the smaller Explorer.

 

Congratulations. Excellent choice indeed. Wear it in good health...

 

Same here, I recently sourced a NOS 114270 Explorer. The current iteration with the larger case, fatter lugs and polished centre links on the bracelet just isn't quite the same for me as the classic 36mm size.

I'd also like the LE Railmaster of course, but had to make a choice!

 

This thread made me put my Railmaster back on the bracelet. And it's a welcome and comfy feeling. I love it, but the beautiful polished straight lugs do disappear especially since they blend in with the polished side links of the bracelet; whereas a leather strap emphasizes the lugs and the case design more effectively. But the bracelet does make it a more sporty watch, and more convenient to wear, especially with the micro-adjust.
If only this bracelet tapered by 2mm to the clasp it would be unbeatable!....

 

Here are some comparison shots of these 2 beauties:

 

Thanks @DIV, great comparison shots. Love the double wrist shot with the Railmaster and Explorer, never seen that before! I think it really does nail the fact that both of them are completely compatible in a collection.

 

I've got the older early 2000's "Aqua Terra" Railmaster and the 214270 Explorer (first version). I like that version of the Railmaster (although it's the 42mm version and wears to big for me as it's all dial and very narrow bezel). It was and remains a great design though.

Sadly, despite looking forward to them, I'm not a huge fan of the current Railmaster reissues. The black dial non - LE version could grow on me I guess (although I've now made a decision not to buy any more Omegas anyway) but the LE version definitely not. I don't have a problem with historical homages, but that just looks like pastiche with its attempt to look period.

Rolex, however, have kept the Explorer up to date with gradual modifications over the years, but have retained its original stand out design concepts.

It's the last watch I'd let go if I were forced to sell them all.

 

Can't forget a lume shot:

 

explorer for me! but it's more expensive.

I love the new reissue 1957 railmaster though - so so so nice. the closest you'll get to a vintage explorer/railmaster for 1/4 or less of the price

 

That’s perhaps the best way to sum up the factual position of various alternatives we can argue here...

Yes I agree with you.

 

Correct!...it's great being able to ignore listings for 2914's with 5-digit price tags and just look down at my wrist and smile

 

Pastiche? You are of course welcome to your own opinion, I happen to strongly disagree. It is one of the most coherent designs that Omega have produced in my opinion. That is not based on armchair expertise, rather based on ownership of the actual watch in question (and too many) other Omegas, both modern and vintage.

On the Explorer I agree with you. Rolex have indeed kept it up to date with yet another turgid „who ate all the pies“ designs that has progressively distanced itself from the sublime original. It‘s still attractive, but right on the limit.



If I had to sell them all I would be .... happy and free; they’re just watches.

 

Wow, gorgeous shot @Longbow , probably the best Railmaster dial shot I have seen so far

I think the very fact the Explorer has become larger and more sporty in its current form has opened up space for the Railmaster 60th to assume the 1016 / 2914 heritage classic look. I really see no clash between the two modern designs and as stated before, I think they complement each other beautifully. We are all very fortunate indeed to be within that small group of the world's 7 billion to even consider the "challenges" of one or the other or both.

On a more humorous note, if you belong to the group of "naughty" husbands that need to "hide" new acquisitions from your significant other... I think the addition of a Railmaster to an existing Explorer in your collection (or vice versa), would fly under the radar.

In my case I feel no need to hide this sort of acquisition, but would probably sweeten the expense with a romantic luxury train trip in Europe.

 

Thanks for the photo compliment @Riviera Paradise . It makes a great mobile phone home screen by the way.

 

I could have purchased a new non-LE Railmaster, but I've wanted the 2nd Edition since I first saw it. As far as the quality of the products, Rolex and Omega are comparable. Brand recognition is the only difference to me, and I prefer subtle elegance to a raging billboard.

 

The Explorer is hardly a raging billboard. jmo

 

Both nice. Buy the one you like most!

 

love the 2nd edition RM, such a versatile piece that is pretty accessible. the 39 wears big, but not too big. Good luck