Omega Railmaster CK 2914-1, Steel

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Brand: Omega
Model: Railmaster Ref. CK 2914-1
Movement: manual-winding Cal. 284
Case material: stainless steel
Case size: 38 mm
Crystal: plexiglass
Bracelet/strap: Cognac brown buffalo leather strap
Functions: Time-only: Hours, Minutes, Center seconds
To Note: Service Replacement Crown
Water resistance: N/A

This rare, vintage Omega Railmaster CK 2914-1 from 1958 has recently been serviced, and has excellent mechanical functionality. It is a rare first execution Railmaster, featuring broad-arrow hands, and is guaranteed for authenticity. The watch comes with extracts from the Omega Archives, confirming its production date of 13th March, 1958.

The Railmaster CK 2914 was part of a trilogy of offerings by Omega in the late 50’s, with the Seamaster 300 CK 2913 and the Speedmaster CK 2915, in an attempt to offer increasingly niche and high performance watches. These three watches have now become the most collectible and sought-after vintage Omegas, with the Railmaster being the rarest, as the model was made for a short period only between 1957-1963. Meanwhile, the others continued to be produced with newer and updated references.

This particular Railmaster is an even rarer 2914-1, denoting a first execution model, evident through the broad-arrow hands, which were used only for a short period between 1957-1958. It is far more common to find Railmasters with Dauphine or baton hands. Together with the early Cal. 284 movement and the serial number of 158XXXXX, the watch dates to 1958, confirmed by Extracts from the Omega Archives. 

The purpose of the Railmaster was to create an antimagnetic tool watch, and this was achieved through several factors. The dial, a very important aspect for an antimagnetic watch was made 1mm thick, far thicker than the usual 0.4mm thickness Omega used for their normal dials. The Staybrite stainless steel case, sized at 38mm and made by Huguenin Frères, has a double-constructed case, with a screw-in caseback. Furthermore, it has a MuMetal inner plate that creates a Faraday cage, protecting the movement. As a result, the Railmaster is shockproof and can withstand magnetic fields of up to 1000 Gauss. Interestingly, it was released before its more famous rival, the Rolex Milgauss. This is a true tool watch, that has everything a vintage collector would love - beautifully aged patina, a utilitarian stainless steel case and the classic Omega broad-arrow hands.

The Cal. 284, used in the Railmaster only between 1957-1958, is a manual-winding movement, famed for its accuracy and reliability. The watch comes on a Cognac brown buffalo leather strap, that matches the yellow patina perfectly. It also has a vintage, stainless steel tang buckle.

Curiously, this Railmaster has military provenance, as denoted by the caseback markings. These denote the original owner’s name - P.G. Clarke, his army number, his position as ‘CPO’, or Chief Petty Officer, and the fact that he was in the Royal Navy. A Chief Petty Officer is the highest non-commissioned rank in the Navy, and the authenticity of the markings can be attributed to the rough, tattoo machine-like style of engraving, reminiscent of many self-made military markings. The watch was in fact delivered to Malta.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
Year: 1958
Condition: vintage
Warranty: 12 months limited
Box: N/A
Paperwork: Extracts from the Omega Archives
Availability: now
UK Delivery: free next day
Overseas delivery: 3-5 working days
Returns: 14 days
Price: £ 10,500