Omega

• cal. 284 manual winding movement, 17 jewels, anti-magnetic dust cap • matte black dial, Arabic numerals and luminescent dagger indexes, luminescent Dauphine and broad arrow hands • stainless steel case, screw-down case back • case, dial, and movement signed

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its time keeping and therefore a service should be carried out in the near future at the buyer's expense. The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however is may benefit from a service soon. Dial in very good condition. The hands and the inner bezel with corrosion. The case and the crystal with some scuffs throughout. Good general condition. Attractive matching patina of the dial and the hands.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

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.