The Omega Railmaster returns – do we have Cillian Murphy to thank?
Zach Blass- The Omega Railmaster is back with two new references and four configurations.
- One has a grey dial and white lume with centre seconds, while the other goes with brown, with “vintage” lume and a small seconds sub-dial.
- Both models can be purchased on either a strap or a stainless steel bracelet, and are priced at US$5,800 for the grey and US$6,000 for the brown.
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A recurring theme in Omega’s catalogue and branding is mastery. The watches are largely masters of a territory – think Speedmaster, Seamaster, and Flightmaster – and are all driven by Master Chronometer movements. While exploring the seas, sky, and outer space still has rich wells to mine from in narrative and positioning, the glamour of railways is not necessarily what it once was when when the Railmaster first launched. Nonetheless, the Omega Railmaster has remained an under-the-radar fan-favourite, and those who prefer simple executions of Omega watches are in for a treat – or two!
While there have been various Railmaster configurations over the years, there’s been far fewer compared to more flagship collections like the Speedmaster and Seamaster. In fact, like the Aqua Terra, the Railmaster is technically branded within the Seamaster range. In recent years, it has been rather quiet on the Railmaster front, but the stealthy Omega model did get thrust into the limelight at the height of “Barbenheimer” in 2023, when Oppenheimer and Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy hit various red carpets wearing his personal Railmaster. Perhaps this pop culture moment set the stage for the big Omega news today, with the return of the Railmaster via two new references.
The first is a grey-dialled model with a black gradient effect and white SuperLuminova, and more in line with Murphy’s personal Railmaster – modern and a bit stealthy. The second, a beige-dialled model leans into vintage territory with its pumpkin SuperLuminova, tropical-like colour, and uses a small seconds sub-dial in place of a central seconds hand.
On the technical front, the real stage-setter for this next generation of Omega Railmaster is the addition of a 38mm Aqua Terra to the range, with its new case and redesigned bracelet with more compact, rounded links and a 2mm adjustment in its butterfly clasp. The dimensions are nearly identical – the new Omega Railmaster measures 38mm in diameter, 12.36mm thick, and 45mm lug-to-lug. It’s a great set of dimensions that perfectly straddles the worlds of vintage and modern sizing.
There are two subtle, but key distinctions between the Aqua Terra and the Railmaster. The 150-metre water-resistant cases now get brushed flanks, whereas the Aqua Terra has them fully polished. To further suit their vintage inspiration, both the Railmasters eschew the Aqua Terra’s date windows.
As expected, Omega has equipped the Railmasters with Co-Axial, METAS-certified movements virtually identical in look and with 55 hours of power reserve. Despite the difference in nomenclature ultimately boiling down to the difference in central vs small seconds, the calibres 8804 and 8806 both boast the handsome industrial finishes we’ve come to expect from Omega, the arabesque striping being a highlight.
The return of the Omega Seamaster Railmaster does not have the same clear-cut commercial upside for the brand as a new Speedmaster or Seamaster would, but it is awesome to see the Railmaster return. It’s a change of pace from the numerous Speedmaster and Seamaster novelties. This is, in some respects, fan service for those down the Omega rabbit hole; the true appreciators of the Swiss watchmaker’s rich heritage.
From a storytelling perspective, the professional railway origins of the watch do not necessarily have the same strength in romantic narrative in a modern age. But as with all Master Chronometer watches, the 15,000 Gauss rating is 15 times more resistant against magnetism than the 1957 model that launched with magnetic resistance as its original purpose.
The real strength of the modern Railmaster we have today is in its simplicity. With just the hours, minutes, and seconds, it’s a no-frills timepiece that has been executed perfectly, in my opinion. I think it’s really wise that Omega has contrasted one model with a modern aesthetic and centre seconds placement, with a vintage foil that leans into the tropical dial and patina appeal with a small seconds twist. Hopefully, this is just the first wave, and we see more Railmasters come out in the coming years.
Omega Seamaster Railmaster 2025 235.10.38.20.06.001 and 235.12.38.20.13.001 pricing and availability
The two new Omega Seamaster Railmaster models are now available for purchase. Price: US$5,800 (235.10.38.20.06.001), US$6,000 (235.12.38.20.13.001)
Brand | Omega |
Model | Seamaster Railmaster |
Reference | 235.10.38.20.06.001 235.12.38.20.13.001 |
Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 12.36mm (T) x 45mm (LTL) |
Case Material | Stainless steel |
Water Resistance | 150 metres, screw-down crown |
Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
Dial | Grey, black gradient (centre seconds) Beige, black gradient (small seconds) |
Strap | Stainless steel bracelet, butterfly clasp with micro adjustment system Leather strap, steel pin buckle |
Movement | 8806, in-house, automatic, METAS, Co-Axial 8804, in-house, automatic, METAS, Co-Axial |
Power Reserve | 55 hours |
Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds (8806) Hours, minutes, small seconds (8804) |
Availability | Now |
Price | US$5,800 (grey) US$6,000 (brown) |