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Lot #4337

OMEGA SEAMASTER RAILMASTER XXL Limited Edition 221.53.49.10.01.001 18k RG

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Introduction

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.

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Grade

M 9

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Box and Papers, Hang Tags

Est. value range

$6,000 – $12,000

The Details

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
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
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
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.

Condition

The watch is in near-mint condition. The rose gold case shows signs of careful wear, with light marks on the case sides and case back. All hallmarks and engravings are crisp and well defined. The dial and hands are like new, with some marks visible on the crystal. The watch is fitted with a black alligator strap and rose gold Omega deployant clasp, both in near-mint condition. Comes with inner and outer boxes, warranty cards, booklets, wallet, and hangtag.

Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.

Our Perspective

An ode to one of Omega's most important releases during their golden era in the 1950s, this timepiece combines modern craftsmanship with a vintage-inspired aesthetic to create something special.

Eric Ku

Co-founder