
The Omega Railmaster returns and I'm having trouble picking a favourite
Omega has revived the Railmaster once again, and the new models are some of the cleanest, sharpest takes we've seen in years. They stick closely to the classic formula: minimalist dials, hardy cases, and heritage cues everywhere you look.
But the new colourways – a smoky grey and a warm beige, both with subtle black gradients – make the decision especially tough this time around.
Originally launched in 1957, the Railmaster was part of Omega's legendary 'Professional Line' alongside the Seamaster 300 and the first Speedmaster. It was designed for engineers and railway workers who needed serious anti-magnetic protection – the original could resist 1,000 gauss, which was a big deal at the time. Today's models? They shrug off 15,000 gauss thanks to Omega's Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibres.
There are two main versions: a grey dial model with bold white Super-LumiNova markers, and a beige dial version with vintage lume and a small seconds sub-dial – a neat nod to the 2004 reissue.
Both come in a neat 38mm size, which feels like the sweet spot between old-school proportions and modern wearability. You can get either on a steel bracelet with redesigned links or on leather, black for the grey dial, golden brown for the beige.
As ever, there's some overlap with the Aqua Terra, the case shape and bracelet style carry over, which keeps things consistent across Omega's collections. That said, I do wish Omega had leaned further into the tool-watch look here. A fully brushed case would've been a perfect way to set it apart and double down on the Railmaster's rugged charm.
Still, these watches are properly handsome. The grey dial is effortlessly cool and monochrome, while the beige model has a soft, retro warmth that's hard to ignore.
If you're a fan of clean lines, under-the-radar heritage, and serious watchmaking under the hood, the new Railmasters are worth a look. They're available now on Omega's website, priced from $5,400 in the US and £4,800 in the UK.
Just don't ask me to choose a favourite. I still haven't decided.
Liked this? The retro Girard-Perregaux Deep Diver is a must-have summer watch

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Stuff.tv
2 days ago
- Stuff.tv
Porsche Design brings back a titanium classic with the Chronograph 1
Porsche Design is celebrating 50 years since the launch of its original uncoated Chronograph I with a new limited-edition watch that brings back the stripped-back look in full titanium for the first time. The Chronograph 1 – 1975 Limited Edition revives the brushed-metal style of the 1975 model, itself a follow-up to the now-iconic blacked-out Chronograph I from 1972, but upgrades it with modern engineering and materials. Limited to just 350 pieces, the new chronograph pairs a lightweight uncoated titanium case and bracelet with a matte-black dial inspired by the dashboard of the Porsche 911. There are bold white indices and numerals, a red stop-seconds hand, and Super-LumiNova baton hands to keep things legible in all conditions. A dual-language date window (German and English) and a tachymeter scale on the rehaut round out the tool-watch functionality. Inside, it runs Porsche Design's COSC-certified Flyback Calibre WERK 01.240 automatic movement, offering chronograph functionality with flyback capability. The 42.7mm case is glass bead-blasted for a refined matte finish, and the titanium folding clasp features fine adjustment and the historic Porsche Design icon. The caseback is engraved with the year '1975', the individual edition number, and the 'Flyback Automatic' marking – all nods to the watch's collectable status. The original 1975 Chronograph I was a turning point in Porsche Design's watch history – a move from black-coated steel to a more industrial, uncoated aesthetic. It went on to inspire military versions and became a cult favourite among collectors. This new edition modernises that legacy with lightweight materials and refined detailing, while staying true to the purpose-driven design ethos of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. Each watch is presented in a special limited-edition box with a matching plaque and the signature of F. A. Porsche. It's priced at $9650 in the US and £8950 in the UK and available now through select retailers including Watches of Switzerland stores in New York, Las Vegas, Orlando and Tampa, Porsche Design boutiques in California and Miami, and online. A follow-up Numbered Edition with small differences will join the regular Porsche Design line-up later. Liked this? The Tudor Black Bay 54 Lagoon Blue is the watch of summer 2025, and I don't want to take it off


Stuff.tv
10-07-2025
- Stuff.tv
TAG Heuer's new Carrera brings back the spirit of the Seafarer, just in time for summer
TAG Heuer has unveiled a new summer-ready spin on its iconic Carrera Chronograph – and it's channelling serious seaside energy. Limited to just 500 pieces, this new edition blends the legacy of Heuer's classic Seafarer models with a fresh, colourful look built for summer. At its heart is a 42mm steel case (not the popular 39mm Glass Box, which is one of the best watches around) housing a deep opaline blue dial that's anything but boring. Turquoise highlights on the 3 o'clock subdial and zesty yellow chronograph hands bring it to life, nodding to the vintage marine timers Heuer once made for Abercrombie & Fitch in the 1950s. Like those originals, this Carrera plays with regatta-style timing – just look at the blue quarters on the subdial and those distinctive triangular markers around the flange. Despite its nautical cues, this Carrera is still very much a motorsport-inspired chronograph. It retains the clean lines, sharp lugs and symmetrical layout that have defined the collection since 1963. But here, those heritage design elements are softened by summery tones and a sense of laid-back elegance. It's a watch for weekends… on a boat, preferably. Inside, you'll find TAG Heuer's in-house TH20-00 calibre – an automatic chronograph movement with bi-directional winding, an 80-hour power reserve, and a shield-shaped oscillating weight, all visible through the sapphire caseback. The caseback also carries the 'LIMITED EDITION' engraving along with the individual number out of 500. The dial itself is a masterclass in subtle contrast. Rhodium-plated indices and hands (with Super-LumiNova for low-light legibility) sit alongside silvered subdials and a colour-matched date window at 6 o'clock. The lacquered yellow central seconds hand pops against the cool blue background, adding a dash of summer spirit without overwhelming the design. Rounding things off is a perforated blue calfskin strap with light blue stitching and a sturdy folding clasp. The watch is water-resistant to 100m, comes with a matching travel case, and ships in a special presentation box reflecting its vibrant colour scheme. The new limited edition Carrera Chronograph will be available later this month, with an RRP of €7350 (approximately US$8600 / £6500). Liked this? The Seiko Speedtimer has gone purple for the Tokyo World Athletics Championships


Stuff.tv
15-05-2025
- Stuff.tv
The Omega Railmaster returns and I'm having trouble picking a favourite
The Railmaster has always held a special place in my watch-loving heart. It's not as shouty as the Speedmaster or as showy as the Seamaster, it's not included in any best watch lists, and that's the charm. A no-nonsense tool watch with working-class roots and proper anti-magnetic chops. And now, it's back. Omega has revived the Railmaster once again, and the new models are some of the cleanest, sharpest takes we've seen in years. They stick closely to the classic formula: minimalist dials, hardy cases, and heritage cues everywhere you look. But the new colourways – a smoky grey and a warm beige, both with subtle black gradients – make the decision especially tough this time around. Originally launched in 1957, the Railmaster was part of Omega's legendary 'Professional Line' alongside the Seamaster 300 and the first Speedmaster. It was designed for engineers and railway workers who needed serious anti-magnetic protection – the original could resist 1,000 gauss, which was a big deal at the time. Today's models? They shrug off 15,000 gauss thanks to Omega's Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibres. There are two main versions: a grey dial model with bold white Super-LumiNova markers, and a beige dial version with vintage lume and a small seconds sub-dial – a neat nod to the 2004 reissue. Both come in a neat 38mm size, which feels like the sweet spot between old-school proportions and modern wearability. You can get either on a steel bracelet with redesigned links or on leather, black for the grey dial, golden brown for the beige. As ever, there's some overlap with the Aqua Terra, the case shape and bracelet style carry over, which keeps things consistent across Omega's collections. That said, I do wish Omega had leaned further into the tool-watch look here. A fully brushed case would've been a perfect way to set it apart and double down on the Railmaster's rugged charm. Still, these watches are properly handsome. The grey dial is effortlessly cool and monochrome, while the beige model has a soft, retro warmth that's hard to ignore. If you're a fan of clean lines, under-the-radar heritage, and serious watchmaking under the hood, the new Railmasters are worth a look. They're available now on Omega's website, priced from $5,400 in the US and £4,800 in the UK. Just don't ask me to choose a favourite. I still haven't decided. Liked this? The retro Girard-Perregaux Deep Diver is a must-have summer watch