The Omega 1957 Trilogy: Seamaster, Railmaster and Speedmaster

1957 was a seminal year for Omega. It was the year they introduced three models that would become timeless classics, spawning three model lines that would continue to this day. That was 60 years ago, and at this year’s Baselworld Omega is celebrating this milestone with the release of the 1957 Trilogy Limited Editions of the original Speedmaster, the Seamaster 300 and the Railmaster. ‘Heritage’ models have been growing in numbers and popularity from all the major (and lesser-known) watch companies in recent years, with some hitting the mark and others not so much. Omega has hit a grand slam with the 1957 Trilogy, these three Limited Edition models are absolutely stunning in their execution and faithfulness to their vintage counterparts.

Omega used a unique digital scanning method on original examples of the watches to obtain cross-sections and accurate dimensions in addition to using original drawings to create design templates for the new models. While remaining true to the spirit and design of the originals, the new trio received slight revisions for the 21st century. All three models have solid steel cases in brushed and polished finishes, and are in the 38-39mm range, which is absolutely perfect in my opinion, and is extremely refreshing in today’s market.

They also all feature black ‘tropic’ dials with darker vintage colored lume. The ‘tropic’ style dials are more of a dark brown, giving them that vintage chocolate patina look that collectors covet. They will all come supplied on vintage style stainless steel bracelets that have been updated for strength. Each bracelet will feature a different retro Omega symbol logo on the clasp.

The three models will be limited to 3,557 pieces each, and will come in a box styled after the original 1957 packaging, completing the vintage look and feel. As a nice additional touch, the packaging will include a leather strap as well as a NATO strap and a tool to change them out.

The Seamaster 300 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Master Chronometer 39mm

The original 1957 Seamaster 300, ref CK2913 is a stunning watch that is highly sought after in the vintage watch community. As Omega’s first true dive watch, it has become a dive watch icon with its distinctive broad arrow hour hand. The new LE model remains extremely faithful to the original, with the same iconic hands as well as the divers bezel that features a thin black elapsed time insert around the outer edge. It will also retain the original Naïad symbol within the Omega logo on the crown. This originally symbolized the exceptional water resistance of 300 meters. The caseback will have the same original Seahorse logo engraved, just like the 1957 version. The Seamaster is powered by the Omega Master Chronometer caliber 8806, and will be priced at about $6500.

The Railmaster 60th Anniversary Limited Edition 38mm

The original 1957 Railmaster was a simple watch designed for scientists, technicians and others that worked near electrical fields. It had a double cased anti-magnetic design to protect the movement. The dial and hands are again faithful to the original, with the same arrow tipped hour hand and vintage style lume. The indices are sunk into the dial to allow for deeper lume plots that can give a stronger glow. The Railmaster is powered by the Omega Master Chronometer caliber 8806, which not coincidentally can resist magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss (the same magnetic field strength as a typical 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner). It will be priced at about $6300.

The Speedmaster 60th Anniversary Limited Edition 38.6mm

The original 1957 Speedmaster chronograph ‘Broad Arrow’ is the grandfather of the modern ‘Moon Watch’ Speedmaster. Distinctive with its broad arrow hour hand and external steel tachymeter bezel. The original was the first chronograph to feature the tachymeter engraved on an external bezel rather than printed on the dial, a design that was intended to benefit race car drivers. Of course, when NASA chose the Speedmaster for its astronauts during the Moon missions, that changed the focus and history of this iconic watch. The new LE is again extremely faithful to the original, and will be powered by the Omega caliber 1861 manual wind movement. It will be priced at about $6700.

For those fortunate enough to have the means to acquire all three of these amazing watches, there will be a special Trilogy presentation box edition limited to 557 pieces. It will feature an oak outer box with an engraved 1957 Seahorse logo on the lid and an engraved numbered plate on the front. Inside will be a smaller vintage style box with containing all three of the watches. Each watch will be marked “Trilogy” and will have the Limited Edition number engraved on the case back. Also included will be a leather watch roll, along with three extra leather and three extra NATO straps and the changing tool.

For more info, head to Omega’s dedicated 1957 Trilogy page.