Omega

• cal. 286 manual winding copper-finished lever movement, 17 jewels, monometallic compensation balance, anti-magnetic dust cap • black matte dial, luminescent triangular and dagger indexes combined with Arabic 12, 3, 6, 9, luminescent dauphine hands, sweep center seconds • large water-resistant-type case, chamfered bezel, screw back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Omega bracelet

The movement is running and was recently serviced by Omega in Biel. It is numbered 20474893. The dial is very nice and clean. The luminescent paint has aged to an even brown color. The hands are original dauphine hands replaced during their maintenance service by Omega in Biel. The case shows light wear and appears to have been reconditioned recently by Omega in Biel. The outside of the back shows the sea-horse and Railmaster and some light surface scuffs. The back of the lugs have some scuffs on them. The bracelet is in nice condition and is pretty tight. The clasp is stamped 2 67 and 1067; the end pieces are numbered 633.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by original presentation box, facsimiles of two original ads for the Railmaster and of the service paperwork from Omega dated June 2008, as well as a zippered fabric service pouch.

Omega confirms production of this watch and sale to a retailer in Sweden on March 11th, 1964.

Released in 1957, the Railmaster, was Omega's response to the growing desire in the market for a watch that would resist high magnetic fields in electro-industrial work.

Originally rated to be safe up to 1,000 gauss (a unit that measures the strength of magnetic fields) due to its double-case construction, use of soft iron, and a dial more than twice as thick as standard dials, it was one of the best anti-magnetic watches in the market at the time. It is said that during this period, Rolex's Milgauss model, whose name comes from its ability to function well up to 1,000 gauss, actually only rated to around 800 gauss.

Part of a trilogy of 'Master' watches, along with the Speedmaster and Seamaster models, the Railmaster had a much shorter production run due to its unusual tool status and its extremely simple aesthetic design.

Today, this model is extremely collectible due to its rarity, style and its part in the history of mid-century technology.