Omega

The present lot is an early example of the celebrated Railmaster. Released in 1957, it was Omega's response to the growing desire in the market for a watch that could 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 and watchmaking.