Omega Railmaster 2503.52 Vs. Rolex Explorer 114270

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. I hope this article will be helpful to those who are considering buying either of the two watches.

The original Omega Railmaster was first launched in 1957 as the successor to a watch created for the British Air Force in 1953. It was designed specifically for scientists, 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.

	Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Railmaster Ref. 2503.52	Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer Ref. 114270
Case	Steel, high-polish and brush finish	Steel, high-polish and brush finish
Bracelet	brush finish, 3piece link	brush finish Oyster style
Clasp	hidden, fold-over, hidden lock	Oyster, flip lock
Micro adjustment	NO	YES
Half link	YES	NO
Bracelet durability	6/10	7/10
Solid end link	YES	YES
Case diameter mm	39.5	36.0
Case thickness mm	11.00	11.35
Bracelet width mm	20	20
Crown screw-lock	YES	YES
Water resistance	150 m	100 m
Dial diameter	31. 8	28.5
See-thru case back	YES	NO
Crystal profile	domed	flat
Crystal	Sapphire	Sapphire
Antireflective coating	inner only	NO
Luminous material	Super Luminova	Luminova
Movement caliber	Omega 2403 Co-axial Base movement Omega Cal 2500	Rolex Cal. 3000
Chronometer Certified	YES	YES
Jewels	27	27
Power reserve	48 hours	42 hours
Auto rotor ball-bearing	YES	NO
Beat per hour	28,800	28,800
List price [ Australian RRP ]	$A 3,725	$A 5,980
Pre-owned in 10/10 condition	$A 2,700	$A 4,700
Resale value	5/10	6/10
Maintenance	5 years	5 years
Manufacturers guarantee (new)	3 years	2 years
Service costs	$350	$500
Supply of spare parts to independent repairers –movement	restricted	restricted
Supply of spare parts to independent repairers – case and bracelet	limited	restricted
Bracelet replacement cost	$400	$900
Timekeeping under normal wear	very good	good, may require tune-up adjustment
Known mechanical issues	bracelet requires re-pinning	auto rotor post and jewel prone to wear
Other issues	low to medium ‘brand exclusivity’	commonly perceived as being ‘too small’
Collectors value	4/10	6/10
Investment value	low	moderate
In-style / fashion	8/10	6/10
Value-for-money	7/10	6/10
Strengths	easy to read, excellent luminescence, fashionable	strong brand name, comfortable for small to medium wrist, classic look