Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra “Railmaster” Hands-On


Alongside the debut of the 1957 Trilogy Limited Editions, at Baselworld 2017 – including a 38 mm Railmaster model – Omega also launched the all-new Seamaster Aqua Terra Railmaster collection.

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra “Railmaster” Co-Axial Master Chronometer comes in a stainless steel case measuring 40 mm x 12.65 mm with symmetrical brushing, brushed bezel, and sandblasted crown with embossed Omega horseshoe emblem.

A domed sapphire crystal protects the dial. The caseback is solid and features a special (patent pending “NAIAD LOCK” manufacturing technique the keeps the back oriented, which in this instance means the embossed Seahorse medallion stays upright everytime it is screwed-in. Water-resistance is 150 meters.

Available in either black or stainless steel, each dial is vertically brushed and features recessed hour markers filled with “vintage” luminous material with blue emission. The hands are in brushed stainless steel with “vintage” lume that matches the hour markers. Beige transferred “Railmaster” print and cross hair marking (with 12, 3, 6, 9 markings) further complement the retro theme.

Notably, like the Trilogy Limited Editions, the date has been omitted, which we are sure many purists will prefer.

Underneath the dial is in-house automatic caliber 8806, which winds in both directions, and runs at an unusual rate of 3.5Hz (25,200 vph). The watch is a Master Co-Axial Chronometer, which means, in addition, to being adjusted to a very high level of rate accuracy, is also anti-magnetic to an impressive 15’000 Gauss. Each movement is equipped with a Si14 silicon balance spring, Omega free sprung balance, Co-Axial escapement, and NIVACHOC shock protection.

The watch can run autonomously for 55-hours. Behind the solid caseback are rhodium-plated bridges and rotor, along with Geneva waves in arabesque, and blackened screws, barrel, and balance wheel.

As mentioned above, there is a choice of a black or stainless steel dial. There is a new full brushed steel bracelet with Omega patented screw and pin system and butterfly clasp with pushers on the cover that measures 20 mm/18 mm for a retail price of $5,000. Additionally, there is an option for a 20 mm/20 mm Nato style strap in either brown leather or a two-tone gray textile, for a retail price of $4,900. A 4-year warranty and Master Certification card are included.

Final Thoughts

The Seamaster Aqua Terra “Railmaster” Co-Axial Master Chronometer comes in at a very reasonable price, and in a conservatively sized 40 mm case, which makes sense considering the vintage inspired design. Moreover, the patinated luminous technique they used on this particular is some of the best “faux” aged lume to date, from any company. Add to that the matte vertically brushed dial, and the brushed case and bezel, and the overall aesthetic is quite appealing.

Learn more at Omega.

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