
OMEGA Railmaster – 220.12.40.20.01.001
In 1957, the Swiss watch brand OMEGA released its very first Railmaster model. Now, 60 years later, the timepiece is making a triumphant return. The new Railmaster follows the same simple and elegant design traits of the original – but with updated touches of style and the very best mechanical movement. For collectors and fans, the re-release signals a long-awaited and exciting moment.
As the name suggests, the first OMEGA Railmaster was built for railway staff or anyone who worked close to electrical fields. Shielded by an inner protective case, the watch was able to resist magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss, guaranteeing reliable precision for the wearer. By comparison, most anti-magnetic watches at that time offered protection at only around 60 gauss.
![]() An advertisement from 1959 |
![]() The Original Railmaster from 1957 |
Today, OMEGA is still one of the industry’s leading names in anti-magnetic innovation and the new OMEGA Railmaster is 15 times more resistant than the original thanks to its Master Chronometer Calibre 8806. Certified at the industry’s highest standard by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), and able to withstand magnetism of 15,000 gauss, this new Railmaster model wonderfully recalls the superb anti-magnetic qualities of its predecessor.

OMEGA Railmaster – 220.12.40.20.01.001
Of course, the upgrade is not only limited to the movement.
The new vertically-brushed grey dial is instantly appealing and includes recessed hour-markers which are all filled with “vintage” Super-LumiNova. The dial also features a railway minute track, OMEGA’s “crosshair” symbol of precision, and a transferred beige “Railmaster” indication which delivers a classic touch. Finally, the baton-style hour and minute hands are complemented by the popular “lollipop” central seconds hand which has a close connection to the railways.

OMEGA Railmaster – 220.12.40.20.01.001 close-up
The 40 mm brushed symmetrical case is made from stainless steel and its wave-edged caseback features a NAIAD LOCK design (patent pending) to keep the wording upright. It is water resistant to 15 bar (150m /500ft) and the closed caseback also includes the famous embossed Seahorse medallion.
Wearers can choose to have their Railmaster presented on a fully brushed and integrated stainless steel bracelet or on a brown leather NATO strap.
A second version of the new OMEGA Railmaster is also available. It follows the same design but with a black dial.
![]() 220.10.40.20.01.001 |
![]() 220.12.40.20.01.001 |
![]() 220.12.40.20.06.001 |
![]() 220.10.40.20.06.001 |