Omega Railmaster 221.53.49.10.01.001

OMEGA SEAMASTER RAILMASTER XXL Limited Edition 221.53.49.10.01.001 18k RG

First released in 1957, the Omega Railmaster was part of Omega’s infamous “Masters” trilogy of tool watches, consisting of the Speedmaster for race car drivers, the Seamaster 300 for divers, and the Railmaster for railway engineers, scientists, and electricians. While the Railmaster may not have reached the hallowed heights of its siblings in terms of popularity, it endeavored to solve one of the most legitimate problems facing watchmaking at the time, magnetism. With watchmakers across Switzerland vying to produce the most anti-magnetic watch possible, Omega employed an ingenious idea by using a Faraday cage to encase the Railmaster’s movement and protect it from magnetism – which is still one of the most common solutions to the problem today. Thanks to its relatively niche role within the public, Omega pulled production of the Railmaster in 1963, just six short years after launching the collection. However, following 40 years of radio silence, the Railmaster was reintroduced in 2003 when Omega released their new co-axial movements. With history repeating itself, this model was then discontinued in 2012, only for it to be reintroduced in 2017 for its 60th anniversary as a launch of 3557 pieces. Offered here we have the limited edition Railmaster XXL ref. 221.53.49.10.01.001 from 2003 with only 157 units made. Boasting a rather sizeable 49.2mm 18kt rose gold case with a glossy black dial and golden inscriptions, the resulting timepiece is a vintage-inspired ode to one of Omega’s shortest-lived yet most impactful offerings. Powered by the manual-wind cal. 2201 movement, this is where vintage and modern watchmaking converge. Brand : Omega Dimensions : 49.2mm Model : Railmaster XXL Movement : Manual-wind cal. 2201 Reference : 221.53.49.10.01.001 Bracelet : Leather strap Year : Circa 2003 Condition : Near mint Material : 18kt rose gold Included : Watch, box, and papers Dial Color : Black THE DIAL Sporting a large black dial with golden inscriptions and the Railmaster's signature 3-9-12 layout, this example's display is rooted in vintage ideals. THE CONSTRUCTION Fitted with an oversized 49.2mm 18kt rose gold case, this example's size is imposing, but not entirely overwhelming as its twited lyre lugs prevent the case from wearing too large. THE PROFILE Boasting a thin profile thanks to its manual-wind cal. 2201 movement, this timepiece sits close to the wrist. While in working order and appearing to keep good time, we were unable to get a timing machine readout.