Omega experimented with anti-magnetic wristwatches as early as 1924, but it was not until the release of the Railmaster in 1957, that the manufacture serially produced an anti-magnetic watch incorporating the culmination of their research and technical advancement. The Railmaster had however relatively little success, due to its niche target market as well as strong competition. The direct consequence of this is a short production run of only 6 years (1957-1963), making Railmaster watches from this era especially rare.
The first Railmaster was manufactured with anti-magnetic capabilities (up to 1000 gauss) specifically for those in professions required to withstand magnetic fields beyond what is considered normal. Omega targeted the watch specifically toward, according to advertisements of the time, “scientists, technicians, electricians, etc., who worked in close proximity to electrical currents.” Additionally, the Railmaster was water-resistant to 60 meters, or 200 feet.
If early Railmaster watches are a rare find, examples in condition so impressive as the present piece are close to impossible to come along. The classic "broad arrow" hands, sharp dagger-like luminous indexes, and beautiful matte black dial are flawlessly preserved. Among the three Omega “tool watches” of the time (Speedmaster, Railmaster and Seamaster), the Railmaster featured the simpler dial design, with no diving or tachymeter bezel. This grants to the entire watch remarkable purity and legibility. The case measures a generous 38 millimetres in diameter, thanks in part to the presence of a soft iron inner case, held in place by a thin metal gasket inside the back. The inner case providing anti-magnetic protection of the movement, was made of "mu-metal" a nickel-iron alloy, acting as a Faraday cage.
The movement as well is noteworthy: sweep seconds caliber 285, used only from 1957-1958 and considered extremely reliable.
As an intellectual note, the connoisseur will notice the lack of caseback engraving, a trait typical of these early watches.
Given its superb condition, this specific watch was selected to be included in John Goldberger’s “Omega Sportswatches”, a bible for the enthusiasts of the field.
Despite its humble beginning, the model is today an icon, with modern revivals being released. In fact, reference 2914 was the template used by Omega for the reissue of the 1957 Trilogy 60th anniversary limited edition piece, released in 2017 to worldwide acclaim.
