By Jovan Krstevski
Last year, we saw the first Railmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer although I will not blame you if you do not remember it because the watch was overshadowed by the more popular classic Omega reissues. However, to those with keen eyes, it was very easy to see the great value that the Railmaster had on offer. The versatile styling of the watch was impressive and an undoubtedly Omega build quality and with its Master Chronometer certified movement, it was definitely a bang-for-the-buck watch. So if you missed it, there is a new version of the watch that goes with a denim-like dial called the Railmaster ‘Denim’ Co-Axial Master Chronometer.
It comes in a dressy 40mm stainless case with water proofing down to 150m. The solid caseback might put you off but it comes with Omega’s Naiad Lock system that ensures a good seal and proper orientation of the caseback. What this means is that the 150m water resistance of the watch is no joke.
Moreover, everything is the same with the initial release except of course the denim dial. The brushed finished “blue jeans” dial looks clean and it does offer the same texture of a denim judging by the press material. I have mixed feelings about the design though since obviously the initial release had brushed dials in black and silver but this is just me besides the denim-theme looks superb for this watch.
Another noticeable change is the color of the lume which is light grey compared to the faux patina lume for the hour indices and hands of the first Railmaster. Moreover, the orange lollipop seconds hand adds proper contrast to a classic denim-theme. Personally, I like the light grey color since it brings a cooler perspective for the overall design of the watch.
Powering the new Railmaster ‘Denim’ Co-Axial Master Chronometer is an in-house Omega Caliber 8806. The self-winding movement offers an impressive power reserve of 55 hours. What I like about it though is its Master Chronometer certification which means it is capable of resisting magnetic fields of up to 15,000 Gauss thus offering high reliability. The movement also features a free sprung balance with silicon balance spring, a rhodium-plated rotor, and of course bridges that are decorated with Côtes de Genève. Having mentioned that this is a bang-for-the-buck watch, try to find a watch at this price point that offers a more technically capable movement… I think it speaks for itself.
Finally, completing the denim themed dial of the new Railmaster ‘Denim’ Co-Axial Master Chronometer is a matching blue denim NATO strap, however, there is also an optional stainless steel bracelet that costs a $100 more. If it is me though, it makes more sense to go for aftermarket straps. Furthermore, the Omega Railmaster ‘Denim’ Co-Axial Master Chronometer retails at $4,900 on the denim NATO strap and $5,000 on the stainless steel bracelet. Visit Omega here.
