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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic | Automatic | Swiss automatic | Automatic |
| Case Size | 40mm | 40mm | 42mm | 41mm |
| Lug to Lug | 46.5mm | 48mm | 50mm | 47mm |
| Band | Stainless steel, leather, nylon, steel with nylon coating | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Leather, textile |
| Water Resistance | 150m | 100m | 100m | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Jomashop
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Buy Now at AliExpress
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Buy Now at Amazon |
Buy Now at AliExpress
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Omega Railmaster
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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 40mm |
| Lug to Lug | 46.5mm |
| Band | Stainless steel, leather, nylon, steel with nylon coating |
| Water Resistance | 150m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Jomashop
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Phylida Railmaster Homage
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 40mm |
| Lug to Lug | 48mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at AliExpress
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Zodiac Jetomatic ZO91x
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| Movement | Swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 42mm |
| Lug to Lug | 50mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at Amazon |
Corgeut Railmaster Homage
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 41mm |
| Lug to Lug | 47mm |
| Band | Leather, textile |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at AliExpress
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Truly, the Omega Railmaster’s design is one of the most unchanged on the watch market.
Today’s versions are even more visually close to the originals than even modern Submariners are to their ancestors—and Subs are famously unchanging.
You’d think that between its enduring design and historical importance, it would be more popular than it is.
Still, its uncommonness is great for Railmaster fans, who are an enthusiastic set. You guys get to sport a unique and significant model that few others have. The downside is that homages are uncommon too. That’s why we did the work to dig up these rarities.
Read on to see which of these six is the best Omega Railmaster homage for you, or to see if you’d rather go with one of our three alternatives.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
I’ve come across countless Railmasters throughout time. I produced the below edit using my background as a long-time auction professional, along with my experience using my choice homages.
I also consulted with colleagues, watch collectors within and outside of my clientele, and watch specialists in my field. And to ensure I cast the widest net of priorities and experiences possible, I spent countless hours reading and watching reviews, and diving into forums and Reddit threads.
6 Best Omega Railmaster Homages
Image Source: AliExpress
As with any good lookalike, the Phylida also adds thoughtful differences that don’t take away from the Railmaster’s vibe.
With this Railmaster homage, the design elements look exactly like its source material, from the compass-like middle-cross and the cardinal indices to the hand design. The dial colors are a bit different, though.
They come in the same three general colors that actual Railmasters do, which are black, blue, and cream, but get slight remixes for each. The brushing is more subtle on the cream, and virtually non-existent on the black, while the blue is slightly brighter than that of the denim-inspired Omega.
I like this because it infuses the dial with the flatter look of vintage Railmasters without going all the way. It’s such a refined and subtle remix that most people wouldn’t even realize it, but it makes this homage unique from the actual thing.
Functionally, this timepiece runs on one of Seiko’s most esteemed movements. The NH358A is a dependable automatic with hacking, which makes it easier to operate.
What I Like
- This homage looks and wears exactly like the Railmaster, and even goes as far as to emulate the almost pyramidical surface of the lugs.
- The colorways offered uniquely combine both vintage and modern elements.
- Its Seiko movement often stays accurate even after years without regulation.
What I Don’t Like
- The lume on the hands is weak and short-lasting.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Deep-diving into forums and Reddit threads makes it very clear that the two most popular Railmaster homages are the Phylida and the Corgeut (our budget pick).
Though on the quality front, many reviewers and forum-goers agree that the Phylida has the superior movement. And as I mention, there is some disappointment in the lume Phylida uses.
The Verdict
The Phylida Railmaster homage takes the same design elements as modern Railmasters and combines it with more subtle backgrounds. This allows you to have the same wear and feel, but in a variant that Omega doesn’t offer exactly.
Lume aside, this watch has great specs, including 100 meters of water resistance and a tried-and-true Seiko automatic movement.
The Phylida Railmaster homage takes the same design elements as modern Railmasters and combines it with more subtle backgrounds. This allows you to have the same wear and feel, but in a variant that Omega doesn’t offer exactly.
Zodiac is a real if-you-know-you-know brand, boasting Swiss origins and a range of genuine Swiss Made watches. They have a few watch designs under the Jetomatic name, including this Railmaster-inspired model.
It’s slightly dressier, with graceful-looking feuille hands and smaller cardinal numbers. The flat dial and sharp arrow hands, however, ensure it doesn’t lose its tools watch edge.
Even the bracelet it’s paired with looks like a flatter, more industrial take on the jubilee bracelet, further balancing dressiness and sportiness.
The 26-jewel Swiss movement it runs on is undeniably high-quality, with 28,000vph and a swan neck regulator. It’s also quite attractive, with sapphire-colored screws and exquisite perlage throughout.
What I Like
- With its feuille hands and stately onion crown, this watch is slightly dressier than the Railmaster without taking too much away from the fact it’s a tool watch.
- Its STP3-13 caliber is a Swiss automatic that not only works well, but looks beautiful, seen through the exhibition caseback.
- Though discontinued, this model isn’t uncommon, if you know where and how to look.
What I Don’t Like
- Related to the last point above, trying to find this variant of the Jetomatic line can be tricky. Zodiac has a few sublines with the same name, so an eBay search might bring back several results that look nothing like this Railmaster homage. When searching, keep in mind that these sublines have a Z091xx reference (Z09150 and Z09107, for example). Chrono24, Watchuseek, and eBay are good resources.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers enjoy the fact that this timepiece is still a tool watch, but that softer lines make it more versatile.
Regardless, it still works as well and as durably as any professional watch, and this isn’t lost on anyone. Many point out the generous application of Super-LumiNova.
The Verdict
The Zodiac Jetomatic is, in its own right, a true piece of affordable luxury. The Railmaster may be its inspiration, but it goes its own, softer-lined direction. If you’re looking for the same energy as the Railmaster, but want something unique, with a Swiss pedigree, this is it.
The Zodiac Jetomatic is, in its own right, a true piece of affordable luxury. The Railmaster may be its inspiration, but it goes its own, softer-lined direction. If you’re looking for the same energy as the Railmaster, but want something unique, with a Swiss pedigree, this is it.
Image Source: AliExpress
As mentioned, the Corgeut Railmaster could’ve been the top pick, if not for the Phylida’s superior movement.
What Corgeut offers that few other homage-makers do though, is a choice between two movements, to accommodate your priorities and budget.
Both the Seagull and Miyota automatic calibers are perfectly reliable at 21,600 vph, but the Miyota is slightly more expensive since it’s easier to service.
Visually, the Corgeut and the Railmaster are practically indistinguishable, and this includes the strap options. Add topnotch finishing to the mix, and you’ve got a real bang-for-buck buy here.
What I Like
- With its vertically brushed dial, Corgeut offers the closest in design to modern Railmasters.
- The straps are even homaged, with available lookalikes for Omega’s brown leather strap and the denim-like nylon bracelet.
- The finishing on the dial and case is excellent, especially for its price.
What I Don’t Like
- The two available movements make internet shopping for this watch confusing. Not a lot of sellers mention which movement is in the watch you’re getting, so just make sure to get clarity from your seller before hitting the buy button.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Definitely the most video-reviewed Railmaster homages on the internet, Corgeut is a wildly popular model. Reviewers love that it’s basically a legal replica, and also give Corgeut props for the free shipping and 75-day buyer protection, regardless of where it’s going.
The Verdict
If your main priority is close-to-template visuals, then Corgeut Railmaster homage does it best. From its brushed dial and Omega-like straps, few other models on the market get as close as this guy does.
If your main priority is close-to-template visuals, then Corgeut Railmaster homage does it best. From its brushed dial and Omega-like straps, few other models on the market get as close as this guy does.
Image Source: Tissot
Truthfully, it was basically a toss-up between the Zodiac and this Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 for best upgrade pick. The Zodiac just had the rarity-name factor that put it over the edge.
Still, the Gentleman has everything you want in a luxury watch. It’s Swiss made, the finishing and applications are immaculate, and it runs on a truly impressive movement. It’s a sleeker, more modern Railmaster lookalike, though it still has the clean bezel and intersecting lines beneath the hands.
And both being Swatch brands, Tissot watches have a sort of permission to incorporate Omega-like design elements.
The Powermatic 80 is a 25-jewel Swiss automatic that’s astonishingly accurate and has, as its name points out, a whole 80 hours of power.
What I Like
- The finishing is truly high-quality, seen in the watch’s lustrous sunray dial, cleanly applied indices, and premium brushing and polishing throughout the dial and body.
- Not only is the movement accurate, with a large power reserve, but the exhibition caseback allows you to watch it at work.
- Like the Railmaster, the design is sporty with refined touches making it super versatile.
What I Don’t Like
- The Powermatic 80 is notoriously difficult to service because of the Tissot-specific build. Sure, it’s a premium caliber that likely won’t need servicing. But in the off-chance you end up needing to get it fixed or regulated, you’ll have to find Swatch-specific servicers, and pay that premium as well.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love how premiumly-built this watch is, and consider the sub-1000 price point a real bargain for a high-end Swiss watch.
However, many posters on watch forums agree with me that the movement’s difficult servicing situation is a downer.
The Verdict
The Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 is a high-end Swiss watch inside and out. It has a more contemporary look than the Railmaster, but is equally as versatile. Meanwhile, its Swiss movement is accurate and has a whopping 80-hour power reserve.
The Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 is a high-end Swiss watch inside and out. It has a more contemporary look than the Railmaster, but is equally as versatile. Meanwhile, its Swiss movement is accurate and has a whopping 80-hour power reserve.
Image Source: Invicta Watch
The Invicta 0426 features all of the Railmaster signatures, including the flush arrow indices and the large, Arabic three, six, nine, and 12 markers. This homage is clearly a hybrid though, since it has a lot of qualities from the XXL Seamaster, like the broad arrow hands.
Another XXL Seamaster-esque quality? Its huge 49.55mm case. This is a robust watch. Its popular nickname is the Invicta Railmonster.
With its silky black dial, polished case, and sharp hands and indices, this timepiece is finely built and well-finished.
What I Like
- Though the Railmaster connection is clearly dominant, infusing the design with the XXL Seamaster gives it a striking and distinct look.
- The quartz movement is incredibly accurate.
- Because of its size, the crown is extra graspable, making this watch easy to operate.
What I Don’t Like
- The leather strap is cheap and stiff.
- Unless you’re going for a wildly big aesthetic, this watch is definitely too large for even medium wrists.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
The Invicta Railmonster, as forum-goers have dubbed it, is an oft-recommended Railmaster homage on the internet.
The two complaints reviewers have about it are, unsurprisingly, that it’s too big for small wrists and that its retail price is a little high for a quartz watch.
The Verdict
If you love the look of the Railmaster and the bigger-is-better look, then I highly recommend the Invicta 0426 Railmonster. Plus, it’s skillful finishing and accurate movement makes it a no-nonsense timekeeper, despite being an eye-catcher, style-wise.
If you love the look of the Railmaster and the bigger-is-better look, then I highly recommend the Invicta 0246 Railmonster. Plus, it’s skillful finishing and accurate movement makes it a no-nonsense timekeeper, despite being an eye-catcher, style-wise.
Image Source: Facebook
The Bernhardt Officer has the Railmaster’s arrow indices, sword-style hands, and (most of) the large cardinal numbers. The nine is replaced with a small seconds subdial, which makes it sportier looking and allows for a pop of color via the red subdial hand.
Standing at 15mm tall, an ostrich leather strap tempers its athletic build, providing the same kind of balance between elegance and tool watch leanings.
It runs on a 17-jewel mechanical movement from ETA, the 6497, which is viewable through the caseback. I often prefer a mechanical for vintage style watches over an automatic, because the interactiveness satisfies the horology nerd in me.
The ideal movement is an automatic with hacking, but I’ll take a manual hand-wind over a non-hacking automatic, especially if there’s an exhibition caseback.
What I Like
- Though it’s clearly based on the Railmaster, small touches like the seconds subdial give this watch its own look.
- I love the manual movement, as it makes the watch more tactile and interactive.
- It’s a well-built watch with clean finishing and a sapphire crystal.
What I Don’t Like
- This watch is discontinued and often difficult to find. At the time of this writing, there was one listing on eBay and one on Chrono24. I’ve seen some sold posts on Watchuseek, so it might be worth asking there and other watch forums where posters often sell their used watches.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love how sporty the Officer is compared to the Railmaster. Many agree that it’s also incredibly practical, one reviewer mentioning that it’s one of the most legible watches he’s ever seen.
The Verdict
The Bernhardt Officer’s dial face has a more tool watch-leaning aesthetic, thanks to the extra small seconds subdial, while the mechanical hand-winding movement allows for a fun interactivity. Overall, this watch has an excellent build, with its high-polish case and sapphire crystal.
The Berhardt Officer’s dial face has a more tool watch-leaning aesthetic, thanks to the extra small seconds subdial, while the mechanical hand-winding movement allows for a fun interactivity. Overall, this watch has an excellent build, with its high-polish case and sapphire crystal.
3 Quality Omega Railmaster Alternatives
If you’re in the market for an Omega Railmaster or homage, check out our worthwhile alternatives first.
An homage is built as a visual tribute to a more expensive watch, while an alternative is a comparable model. It isn’t always less expensive, and is often a competitor’s counterpart or a similar option within the same brand.
Rolex’s scientist watch, the Milgauss is the crown’s answer to the Railmaster. And while it isn’t nearly as antimagnetic, the Milgauss arguably has a more instantly recognizable design since it’s pretty unconventional—especially for Rolex.
Visually, this watch is known for its orange lightning bolt second hand and its model-specific green sapphire crystal. Functionally, as with all Rolex watches, it runs on an in-house COSC-certified Master Chronometer.
Image Source: Omega
Since the Seamaster has evolved and broken off into so many different variants, it’s no surprise that the very first version, reissued as the Seamaster 1948, looks a lot like the modern Railmaster, which hasn’t changed as much.
This limited edition line has a versatile and classic 38mm case, which is made of stunning platinum. The opaline dial is lustrous and accented with 18-karat gold applications. Of course, it runs on a Master Chronometer movement, so while the look is vintage, the functions are state-of-the-art.
Image Source: Chrono24
This non-chronograph version of Breitling’s Navitimer 8 is as legibility-forward as the Railmaster, but goes all in on the pilot watch aesthetic.
All of the indices are Arabic numerals, with a railroad outerdial surrounding them. It has a distinct a black steel case that gives it an authoritative tone, as does the contrast-stitched leather strap. As with all of the alternatives, this watch runs on a COSC-certified automatic movement.
Which Omega Railmaster Homage Should You Get?
With its combination of different Railmaster elements, the Phylida is our top pick homage.
The Phylida Railmaster homage takes the same design elements as modern Railmasters and combines it with more subtle backgrounds. This allows you to have the same wear and feel, but in a variant that Omega doesn’t offer exactly.
If you want to go the affordable luxury route, the Zodiac Jetomatic and the Tissot Gentleman are both Swiss-made stunners.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Corgeut is a bang-for-buck offering that fully embodies the exact details of the Railmaster.
If your main priority is close-to-template visuals, then Corgeut Railmaster homage does it best. From its brushed dial and Omega-like straps, few other models on the market get as close as this guy does.
If you can manage to get your hands on them, the Invicta Railmaster looks like an extra large Railmaster, while the Bernhardt Officer leans harder into a sporty look.
Even if you’re looking to get a Railmaster one day, it’s sometimes worth trying out some of the cheaper homages before making the investment.
FAQs
What’s more antimagnetic, the Rolex Milgauss or the Omega Railmaster?
The Railmaster can withstand up to 15,000 gauss, while the Milgauss can handle 1,000.
Is the Seamaster the same as the Railmaster?
No. Technically the modern iteration of the Railmaster is a Seamaster subline as its water resistance was upped, but it has its own distinct design, and debuted in 1957 as a separate professional model from the original Seamaster.
Ever since I received an Omega Seamaster for my 16th birthday, I fell in love with watches. Professionally, this led me to work for New York and LA’s leading auction houses. Personally, it led to a life as a collector, my Seamaster and my Explorer II being my favorite timepieces.
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