nick@clockmaker.com.au
Omega Railmaster 2503.52 Vs. Rolex Explorer 114270
Written by Nicholas Hacko, Master Watchmaker and Watch dealer
Enclosed below are some technical notes and my highly opinionated comments on
two legendary watches (or more precisely their current versions): Omega Railmaster and Rolex Explorer.
This is still 'work in progress' with the final web version to be published in week or two.
I hope this article will be helpful to those subscribers who are considering
buying either of two watches.
The original Omega Rialmaster was first launched in 1957. as the successor to a watch created
for the British Air Force in 1953. It was designed specifically for scientist, technicians,
electricians and railway workers as it had a special double anti-magnetic case
to protect the movement from harmful effects of strong magnetic fields.
Created in 1953, the Rolex Explorer was intended for rugged expedition use.
It was issued for use on many notable expeditions - including
the one led by Sir John Hunt which successfully ascended Mount Everest in May 1953.
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Omega Railmaster 2503.52
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Rolex Explorer 114270
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Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Railmaster
Ref. 2503.52
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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer
Ref. 114270
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Case
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Steel, high-polish and brush finish
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Steel, high-polish and brush finish
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Bracelet
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brush finish, 3piece link
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brush finish Oyster style
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Clasp
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hidden, fold-over, hidden lock
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Oyster, flip lock
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Micro adjustment
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NO
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YES
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Half link
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YES
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NO
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Bracelet durability
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6/10
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7/10
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Solid end link
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YES
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YES
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Case diameter mm
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39.5
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36.0
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Case thickness mm
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11.00
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11.35
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Bracelet width mm
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20
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20
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Crown screw-lock
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YES
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YES
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Water resistance
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150 m
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100 m
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Dial diameter
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31. 8
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28.5
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See-thru case back
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YES
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NO
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Crystal profile
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domed
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flat
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Crystal
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Sapphire
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Sapphire
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Antireflective coating
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inner only
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NO
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Luminous material
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Super Luminova
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Luminova
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Movement caliber
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Omega 2403
Co-axial
Base movement Omega Cal 2500
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Rolex Cal. 3000
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Chronometer Certified
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YES
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YES
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Jewels
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27
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27
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Power reserve
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48 hours
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42 hours
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Auto rotor ball-bearing
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YES
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NO
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Beat per hour
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28,800
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28,800
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List price [ Australian RRP ]
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$A 3,725
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$A 5,980
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Pre-owned in 10/10 condition
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$A 2,700
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$A 4,700
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Resale value
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5/10
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6/10
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Maintenance
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5 years
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5 years
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Manufacturers guarantee (new)
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3 years
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2 years
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Service costs
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$350
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$500
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Supply of spare parts to independent repairers
–movement
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restricted
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restricted
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Supply of spare parts to independent repairers
– case and bracelet
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limited
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restricted
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Bracelet replacement cost
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$400
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$900
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Timekeeping under normal wear
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very good
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good, may require tune-up adjustment
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Known mechanical issues
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bracelet requires re-pinning
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auto rotor post and jewel prone to wear
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Other issues
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low to medium ‘brand exclusivity’
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commonly perceived as being ‘too small’
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Collectors value
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4/10
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6/10
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Investment value
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low
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moderate
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In-style / fashion
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8/10
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6/10
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Value-for-money
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7/10
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6/10
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| Strengths |
easy to read, excellent luminescence, fashionable |
strong brand name, comfortable for small to medium wrist, classic look |
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nick@clockmaker.com.au
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