Omega Railmaster vs. Tudor Ranger
I'm currently in my "research phase" for a new watch. I am aiming for a non-diver tool watch for this next purchase, and the two front-runners so far are the Omega Railmaster and Tudor Ranger. I'm pretty torn between the two. I just wanted to take the community's pulse on these watches - what are your likes, dislikes, how do they compare, how will they be viewed in hindsight, etc. I'd especially love to hear thoughts from current owners of these models. Alternatively, are there other watches I should be considering in this space? I briefly considered the IWC Spitfire (great video review from Max over on youtube, btw), but I'm set on having a metal bracelet option. Sorry in advance to Rolex Explorer fans, but for whatever reason, that model does not float my boat, so I would not consider it as an alternative. EDIT: There is definitely a price difference between the two, but for me price is not a deciding factor here.
Dial Lover. Bracelet Fanatic. Seikoholic.
Chief Omega FanBoy says Railmaster, of course. But that Ranger is One Nice Watch & I wouldn't be ashamed to wear it.
In contrast to the above I'm a new Tudor fan boy BUT that Omega is way cool. So sorry no help whatsoever!
I'm guessing without looking the Tudor is quite a bit less expensive than the Omega if that is a factor?
The Railmaster is just about the perfect watch. I aspire to own one one day, over and above a Seamaster or Speedy. Both of which I would love. Yes get the Railmaster, Ranger is actually the only Tudor I would consider owning, but not in favour of the Omega.
Your very lucky to have this problem!
That Railmaster is so over-looked ...I'd absolutely pick that one. It has a great fit on wrist. yeah it's a bit thicker than the Ranger, but the proportions are great. Also the dial wins by a mile. Good hunting man!
Further to my last just checked the UK prices on a bracelet.
Railmaster £4650
Ranger £2630
Just on that basis, for me, that Ranger gives you a lot for your hard earned dough?
I really like them both but I don't like the Omega nearly twice as much as the Tudor..
Railmaster for sure, but I would take the generation from around 2005 (2503.52.00)....I like that one best.....also the Aqua Terra and the Planet Ocean (both the first generations) I find the most beautiful from around that time 2005 - 2006...Omega just nailed it back then.
Railmaster dial all day everyday.
But imo the Ranger has a more harmonious case shape, and I really wonder about the railmaster bracelet. Is it fully brushed, does it taper? The ranger bracelet is class leading at this price point.
I personally prefer the Omega. I feel the Ranger is a bit bland in design. However, the price diff is significant. Maybe wait until after watches and wonders? To see what both brands bring out?
My, this is a tough one. In that i am a fan of both and own some of both brands. If I was buying one of these as a real (wear it everyday) work tool watch I would go with the Tudor. the Omega is substantialy more money and not sure it is worth the difference. JMO
Given this split, I’d go Railmaster for aesthetics. The utilitactiltarianism of the Ranger is less to my personal taste than the elegant dial that this Railmaster has. But if I were to consider other options in this price range I’d search for the right Grand Seiko. But have you considered an RGM? The Model 150 perhaps?
Omega would be my choice
I have seen in the flesh the Ranger and if I have to be honest it lacks of a luxurios feels, it seems to lack details and finishing, it is just flat for me, I personally prefer the Omega or even better (for my taste) the IWC. Even though the IWC shares similarities with the Tudor like printed numerals, black dial and so on it appears better refined (at least at my eyes). So that is my opinion I hope to help you decide and to not create another decision problem between Omega and IWC 😂😂
Wow, this is a hard one. As far as the brands are concerned, I prefer Tutor over Omega. But, if I'm comparing these two watches, I would choose the Railmaster. I do find it interesting that you like the Ranger but not the Explorer. However, this is YOUR watch, it has to speak to YOU. I would suggest that you go and try both of them on and if your mind hasn't been made by then...I suggest you buy either of them and send it to me. 🙂
I think the answer is in your question.
If price is not a deciding factor, Omega 100%.
I went for the Ranger when I was looking for a similar watch. I tried on a Railmaster and it did nothing for me The Ranger fit perfectly, and I prefer it's looks too.
Note that you can get a bracelet for the Spitfire although it will cost you an extra $1500 or so. Max eventually bought a bracelet for his. I did not care for the Spitfire in person, but if you like that model and money is not a deal breaker than you can keep that one in the mix if you are okay ordering the bracelet separately.
I guess that's a nice summary, although the quality gap is small and the "more interesting" is quite subjective. The Ranger has a better bracelet for sure - it was one of the things that got me interested in the watch in the first place (Tudor got on my radar for the BB58, but I didn't like it's bracelet).
I have a Ranger and I've tried the 40mm Railmaster and my opinion is that the Ranger is a better value for the money. (although the difference is not huge - something like 3k EUR vs 4k EUR) Yeah, the RM has a better movement, but other than this and the Omega brand equity I don't see it having any major advantages. Both dials are fairly spartan IMO, but this is something, I actually like. I really dislike the fauxtina used by the RM to make it look older, though - I've never been a fan of faking a vintage appearance. That looks OK on the white dial, but it's pretty obtrusive on the black dial IMO. If I ever get a Railmaster I'd probably go for the version with the denim dial and the white lume markers, because of this.
I know the Ranger is widely hated for its "boring" dial, but I totally love it. That's the one watch I wear almost all the time these days. A very understated and comfortable timepiece. Mine runs fairly accurate - it has lost something like 15 seconds in the past 2 weeks. Despite a bad initial experience (the first Ranger I got was defective and had to replace it), I totally my Ranger and it keeps growing on me every day. But again - I wouldn't mind getting an Omega alongside the Ranger down the road, although I find the AT and the Globemaster a lot more appealing than the Railmaster. Again that's just because I really hate artificial aging, and for all that has been said about the Ranger it doesn't actually use fauxtina. (the lume markers are some light shade of green)
In terms of dimensions/comfort I'd say they are essentially the same. Both fit perfectly my 6.7 inch (17 cm) wrist.
I felt the same way about the Railmaster lume upon first impression, but it’s really growing on me actually. I’d argue it’s more of just a choice stylistically than an attempt to fake a vintage look, but that’s my purely subjective take. I think it adds nice warmth to the dial and coordinates well with the brushing which seems to oscillate between black, grey, brown, or even purple in certain light. I can’t help but think the watch would look too sterile if they went with plain white lume with the black dial. As you point out, the Ranger also went with an off-white lume which I agree looks great! And I’m totally with you, love the simplicity of the Ranger dial, not boring at all for me. I’ve read multiple experiences about defective Rangers - as far as you know, is this a widespread issue or isolated incidents?
Before clicking on the post I had a feeling the consensus would be the Railmaster. It's a great watch and I was considering it myself before I bought a Ranger on the day it was released (by accident 🤣). The polishing put me off in the end. And I love the completely brushed finish on the Ranger. It's so tooly. The TFit clasp seals the deal for me. But the real knockout blow is the value. Good thing is, there's no wrong choice here.
I hate it when that happens by “accident” 😂 Seems to be a common problem in the watch community.
I am considering the RM among possible watches to get in the future if and when funds permit. Never did consider the Ranger probably just because I already have the North Flag in the collection being a very similar Tudor. Still a very good watch though and better value for money IMO. My vote goes to the RM here but who cares? What do I really know about watches! 😂
North Flag is a sweet watch. And I agree, already owning that would probably make a Ranger redundant. Then again, I own almost 10 divers, so redundancy be damned!
Looks wise not a lot between them, prefer handset & indeces on the tudor. But I won't reject either if you want to send me one 😉😂
I felt the same way about the Railmaster lume upon first impression, but it’s really growing on me actually. I’d argue it’s more of just a choice stylistically than an attempt to fake a vintage look, but that’s my purely subjective take. I think it adds nice warmth to the dial and coordinates well with the brushing which seems to oscillate between black, grey, brown, or even purple in certain light. I can’t help but think the watch would look too sterile if they went with plain white lume with the black dial. As you point out, the Ranger also went with an off-white lume which I agree looks great! And I’m totally with you, love the simplicity of the Ranger dial, not boring at all for me. I’ve read multiple experiences about defective Rangers - as far as you know, is this a widespread issue or isolated incidents?
From what I've gathered the incidents are not Ranger-specific, but rather some general issues with the manufacture calibers. I'm guessing that overall the defective movements are a small fraction of the total movements produced, but I can't speak to any particular numbers.
Ignoring Omega's impressive movement, I still go Omega. The dial, hands, indices, and proportions are fantastic on the Railmaster and the Tudor feels like they submitted their first draft. I apologize if that's harsh. I'm sure I will gush over the Ranger if I see my friend wearing one. I have a BB58 and I am sure this Ranger case is just as great. I do like the Omega case more, especially with the lyre lugs. If price was a factor, it would certainly be a different discussion. It's a shame the Spitfire doesn't have a bracelet (that one would be the winner for me). I feel like there should be some good Germans here as well but I can't think of anything right now (shout out to my sold 556ib). Good luck!
rail master!
Ignoring Omega's impressive movement, I still go Omega. The dial, hands, indices, and proportions are fantastic on the Railmaster and the Tudor feels like they submitted their first draft. I apologize if that's harsh. I'm sure I will gush over the Ranger if I see my friend wearing one. I have a BB58 and I am sure this Ranger case is just as great. I do like the Omega case more, especially with the lyre lugs. If price was a factor, it would certainly be a different discussion. It's a shame the Spitfire doesn't have a bracelet (that one would be the winner for me). I feel like there should be some good Germans here as well but I can't think of anything right now (shout out to my sold 556ib). Good luck!
Sinn is high up on my list of wants for sure, beautiful watch...any seller's remorse? The 556 does fit what I'm looking for, even though it's technically a pilot watch by their account. But the U50 is what has stolen my heart, I think that's the direction I'd go if I went Sinn. You bring up an interesting point about the Ranger being a first draft, and it ties in with something I was mulling over. With the Ranger having just been re-released, there will be plenty of time for the model to be tweaked and evolved over time if Tudor chooses to do that. Whereas the Railmaster has been out for years, the design is set, and it's quite possible Omega will discontinue it altogether. With that in mind, it pushes me toward the Omega and then I can just sit back on the Ranger and let that unfold for awhile. Mind not totally made up yet, but your comment is helping me get there!
No remorse on selling the 556, but I do miss it. That blue dial and case with applied indices were magical. 200m of water resistance on a watch like that makes a great one-watch candidate. The issue was it being a hair too large for me (It’s not big. I just have a small wrist and am super sensitive to watches feeling slightly large). This ib model is definitely not a pilots watch like the a model. I would say it is Sinn’s ‘Oyster Perpetual’.
I am wearing my U50 today after putting off buying it for a long time. I thought I wouldn’t like the hands and size. However, the watch in person feels like a fully realized design and the hands fit it perfectly. I can’t speak highly enough about the design and fit. Funny thing is I really like the 41mm size of this one. I know a lot of people are excited for the T50 as well but this is the one for me. Wrist shot as I sit typing in the coffee shop right now:
I also have a 1 of 1 Sinn 256Ty that I love as well. I might do a write-up soon on what makes it unique.
Aside from my beloved Sinns, I do want to take a step back to your original question. I have read that people who had my reaction to the Ranger wound up liking it when they saw it in the metal. I am guessing these watches should be accessible in person and I hope you will be able to hold these models before you buy.
I should be picking my blue BB58 back up from warranty work in a few days and I will see if the AD has a Ranger. If I feel any different about the Ranger then, I will give you a shout!
Railmaster… But I can’t be objective as I am a Ranger hater. 😂
That Railmaster is so over-looked ...I'd absolutely pick that one. It has a great fit on wrist. yeah it's a bit thicker than the Ranger, but the proportions are great. Also the dial wins by a mile. Good hunting man!
I actually like the Ranger better , I still love the Railmaster but the Ranger’s dial grows on you too , it changes shades of silver in the sunlight . Lucky problem to have definitely, I would try both on though … 🙂
I’d go with the Railmaster personally. Though I’m a little biased as Omega is one of my favourite brands. But ultimately, you’re the one buying the timepiece, so my opinions are irrelevant.
Which watch makes you happier, which would you regret not buying the least?
Has there been a choice made if yes what was it?
Omega hands down
Man this is a real tough one! As the owner of an Aqua Terra I can speak to how high the quality is. It’s an amazing watch full of features and keeps time at about 1/10 of a second per day fast. BUT…I just ordered the Tudor Ranger…maybe because I already have an Omega that looks similar to the Railmaster. But even if I didn’t I may pick the Ranger anyway…there’s just something about that watch I’m really drawn to! And the price…I ordered mine at $2,400 “used” but never worn. But I have heard of folks getting lucky and scoring an RM for around $3,000. I guess what I’m trying to say is you should probably just get both 🤣