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Old 8 August 2018, 06:05 AM   #1
AQBill
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Recommendation: Explorer or Omega RailMaster

Dear Fellow Rolex Enthusiasts,

I am perplexed by a (good) dilemma as I am considering which watch to purchase in my ongoing efforts to sustain the Swiss Watch Market and truth, justice and the American Way. I am attracted to both watches and I might, in time, acquire one of each. The Omega is certainly bigger and brighter on the wrist and the Rolex (in 36mm case size) appeals to my more solid-citizen side. I already have both an old school 1945-vintage Omega bumper and a 1993-vintage SMP diver but have yet to dip my toes in the Rolex ocean as of yet.

Please help me resolve my conundrum - and - if you have either one for sale, please tempt me with an offer.

Cheers,
AQBill
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Old 8 August 2018, 06:38 AM   #2
vintageguy
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I vote Exp1
with my vintage Railmaster a close second.
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Old 8 August 2018, 06:42 AM   #3
Colin G
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I do love my Explorer but Railmasters are a pretty cool watch also.
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Old 8 August 2018, 07:37 AM   #4
FTX I
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I love the Railmaster but in a similar price condition I'd get the Explorer no question.
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Old 8 August 2018, 07:38 AM   #5
Yobber76
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I'd go Explorer also
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Old 8 August 2018, 07:41 AM   #6
twitch54
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why is it called 'rail master' if it doesn't have a 24 hr dial ?
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Old 8 August 2018, 07:42 AM   #7
Onequik135i
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Explorer
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Old 8 August 2018, 07:43 AM   #8
Thuilln
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Explorer in 36mm.
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Old 8 August 2018, 07:50 AM   #9
myporsche
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The railmaster is a watch that impressed me in the pictures but was disappointing when I saw it at the boutique, both the 1957 and the new editions. It seemed off, finishing and brushing didn't seem up to par, the fake old lum didn't look good, and the 57 was too shiny. I do like older railmasters.

The Explorer on the other hand, the new lum version was opposite, I didn't think it was a big deal in pictures but I recommend it to a good friend and it's such a cool, well done tool watch in real life. I recommend finding a pre-owned one for a good price that meets your budget and go for that, you will be happy.
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Old 8 August 2018, 08:52 AM   #10
WatchGuy1966
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I'm sorry but the new Railmaster dials look like they were punched out from the inside of a beer can.

I do like the looks in pictures of the 1957 Railmaster, but in person, it did not grab me. I went to the Omega Boutique with intentions to purchase it, but walked out with the Speedy instead.

I think you can't go wrong with a 214270.
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Old 8 August 2018, 08:54 AM   #11
Justindo
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I like the Railmaster but I would (and did) go for the Explorer.
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Old 8 August 2018, 09:48 AM   #12
uniqueMR
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Old 8 August 2018, 09:55 AM   #13
dberman3
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Definitely the Explorer


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Old 8 August 2018, 09:57 AM   #14
SemperFi
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Get the Explorer.
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Old 8 August 2018, 10:02 AM   #15
jasonmush99
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I would go Explorer all day!! By the way, “Vintage guy”, that is a stunning Explorer picture!!


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Old 8 August 2018, 10:13 AM   #16
captainron62
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Railmaster does nothing for me, and I like Omega. I held an Explorer in my hand today before deciding on the Air King. The Explorer is a legit watch and I can see why it has the following it does! I wish it were 40mm though.
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Old 8 August 2018, 11:05 AM   #17
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I was intrigued by the new Railmaster as well until I saw it in person. If you are working around magnetic fields, then I could see getting one. Otherwise, I'd go for the Explorer.
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Old 8 August 2018, 11:21 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AQBill View Post
Dear Fellow Rolex Enthusiasts,

I am perplexed by a (good) dilemma as I am considering which watch to purchase in my ongoing efforts to sustain the Swiss Watch Market and truth, justice and the American Way. I am attracted to both watches and I might, in time, acquire one of each. The Omega is certainly bigger and brighter on the wrist and the Rolex (in 36mm case size) appeals to my more solid-citizen side. I already have both an old school 1945-vintage Omega bumper and a 1993-vintage SMP diver but have yet to dip my toes in the Rolex ocean as of yet.

Please help me resolve my conundrum - and - if you have either one for sale, please tempt me with an offer.

Cheers,
AQBill
Which Railmaster? The new one, or one of the older, caliber 2500 versions?
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Old 8 August 2018, 11:54 AM   #19
AQBill
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The newer ones.
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Old 8 August 2018, 11:55 AM   #20
upsidedownbelt
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I love Omega and have owned a number of them, but they just don’t feel like a Rolex. I own the Explorer and love it.
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Old 8 August 2018, 02:32 PM   #21
Frank McKay
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Rolex every time over Omega, everytime
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Old 8 August 2018, 03:29 PM   #22
Frakis
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Explorer 39mm is a a very versatile timepiece, and gets my vote.
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Old 8 August 2018, 04:09 PM   #23
Beckster
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I have an Explorer so I’m biased. Definitely Explorer.
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Old 8 August 2018, 04:15 PM   #24
SLS
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Explorer would be my choice.
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Old 8 August 2018, 04:23 PM   #25
Totoro
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Explorer of course. Then again this is a Rolex forum so you're going to get biased answers.
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Old 8 August 2018, 04:25 PM   #26
Cheapside Genie
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39mm Explorer. Had one for 7 years. Classy watch.
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Old 8 August 2018, 06:06 PM   #27
Rocket_Man
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In that price range I would sooner consider an Aqua Terra. Nicer IMHO than the railmaster and includes a date complication.
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Old 8 August 2018, 06:16 PM   #28
roosvelt
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The Explorer is outstanding in what it was designed to do !
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Old 8 August 2018, 06:39 PM   #29
mikkolopez
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Explorer for me.

I don’t have much love for Omegas


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Old 8 August 2018, 06:54 PM   #30
Verdi
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Explorer for sure
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