Đồng hồ hỏa xa

The history of trains, railways and watches is more like that of Space rather than motorsports. The influence of railroads on watches has been more strongly felt in the functional improvements of watch design rather than the attractiveness of the finished watch. That’s not to say that the watches aren’t pleasing to the eye, just that in situations involving life and death reliability and accuracy trump looks.

It’s no exaggeration to use the words life and death in this context.

In 1891, in the US, two trains collided at Great Kipton with the loss of several lives. The crash occurred because an engineers watch had stopped for four minutes before then restarting.

The train was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time because of a single faulty watch.

Following this accident the railway company hired Webb C. Ball, a well-known Cleveland jeweller, to investigate how staff were using their watches. He concluded that railroad employees weren’t operating any specific time and watch standard. He, therefore, created a new set of standards for railroad pocket watches. This stipulated that watches must be accurate to within 30 seconds per week, have 15 jewels in their movement, and have a white face with black Arabic numerals. The face should also show each minute around the dial.

The large American watch manufacturers all tended to produce these new railroad grade watches. Waltham and Elgin had both been used as early as the 1860s and 1870s on the railroads and later Hamilton, Illinois Watch Company and many of the other American watch manufacturers also produced railroad chronometers.

However, after the first world war pocket watches were gradually replaced by the more convenient and newer wristwatch. By the 1930’s wristwatches dominated the watch market. Later, with the large scale introduction of diesel locomotives, older steam trains were also replaced. By the 1950’s it was no longer a case of steam trains and pocket watches but modern diesel locomotives and fashionable wristwatches.

This is where we begin. With those wristwatches inspired by or used on the railways.

Omega Railmaster 

The original Omega Railmaster was released in 1957 as part of a trilogy known as the “Professional Line”. This was an era of important progress in science and exploration, and OMEGA was committed to serving the dedicated professionals in their respected fields. The brand therefore designed three highly functional watches, including the very first Speedmaster for racing car drivers, the Seamaster 300 for ocean divers, and the Railmaster for railway staff.

What made the original Railmaster particularly suitable was its superb anti-magnetic properties. Shielded by an inner protective case, the watch was able to resist magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss, guaranteeing reliable precision for any wearer, including engineers, industrialists and scientists who worked around rail lines. By comparison, most anti-magnetic watches at that time offered protection at only around 60 gauss.

The Railmaster collection has remained a favourite amongst OMEGA fans ever since, especially for its vintage style and working-class heritage. Several Railmaster revivals have occurred since 2003, now including this year’s new versions in stainless steel.

To ensure these new watches remain true to the emblematic DNA of OMEGA, the symmetrical cases and linked bracelets are aligned with the same aesthetic style of the Seamaster Aqua Terra collection. This has been true for all Railmaster models since 2003, and helps to create a thread of continuity between the families.

The new models include: A 38 mm version with a grey dial featuring a black gradient. In keeping with the minimalist original, the dial is kept clean of wording, except for the OMEGA logo and Railmaster name. The large indexes and numerals are transferred in white Super-LumiNova, providing excellent readability at all hours. This model is available on a black leather strap, or a stainless steel bracelet with redesigned links, improved integration, and easy comfort adjustment.

A 38 mm version with a beige dial featuring a black gradient. Like the Railmaster that was released in 2004, this model includes a Small Seconds function, giving it a distinctive look. The indexes and numerals are in vintage Super-LumiNova. This model is available on a golden brown Novonappa leather strap, or a stainless steel bracelet with redesigned links, improved integration, and easy comfort adjustment. The cases and metallic bracelets are all crafted with polished and brushed surfaces, ensuring a captivating mix of finishes that add contrast to the designs.

More than 60 years after the Railmaster’s debut, OMEGA remains one of the industry’s leading names in anti-magnetic innovation. Naturally, these new watches are powered by the brand’s most advanced mechanics. The Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806 (and Small Seconds 8804) is 15 times more resistant than the original Railmaster models and is certified at the industry’s highest standard by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). Like all Master Chronometer models of today, the watches are able to withstand magnetism up to 15,000 gauss.

Longines Heritage Railroad Pocket Watch

Hơn một thế kỷ trước, thương hiệu đồng hồ Thụy Sĩ Longines đã mang tên tuổi và kinh nghiệm của mình vào cuộc phiêu lưu đường sắt. Đi sâu vào di sản phong phú của lịch sử lâu đời, thương hiệu này giới thiệu Longines RailRoad (mã them chiếu L7.039.4.21.2) là  một chiếc đồng hồ bỏ túi bằng thép lấy cảm hứng từ các thiết kế được ra đời vào thời điểm mở rộng nganh đường sắt. Thiết kế đơn giản nhưng đặc biệt của chiếc đồng hồ này, được sản xuất theo số lượng có hạn giới hạn 250 chiếc, được thiết kế dành cho những người coi tàu hỏa không chỉ là phương tiện di chuyển, giống như cách đồng hồ không chỉ là công cụ để xem giờ: đó là một cuộc phiêu lưu thực sự bao gồm chuyển động, độ chính xác và truyền thống.

Toàn bộ sử thi về ngành đường sắt lấp đầy trí tưởng tượng của người được cầm Đồng hồ bỏ túi Longines RailRoad trên tay. Vỏ thép, đường kính 49,5 mm, chứa bộ máy lên dây cót thủ công L513.2, được phát triển độc quyền cho Longines. Theo tinh thần chức năng của các yêu cầu về đường sắt, mặt số sơn mài và đánh bóng màu trắng của nó được trang trí bằng mười một chữ số La Mã lớn có thiết kế tương phản, đảm bảo khả năng hiển thị hoàn hảo. Một đường ray phút theo phong cách đường sắt cho biết thời gian thông qua các kim thép màu xanh lam. Một bộ đếm giây ở vị trí sáu giờ hoàn thiện các tính năng báo giờ của nó.

SevenFriday Watch Q2/03 Choo Choo Edition

During the industrial revolution, the invention of steam locomotives brought transportation to another level.

SevenFriday

The black, gray and copper colors found in a locomotive cockpit inspired the colors of the Q2/03. The decentralized disc redesigned to 12-hour disc with AM/PM indicator give a glimpse into the earner working of these iron beasts. The moving minute hand and timer recall the manometers that measure pressure with every move of the locomotive. The railroad track leather strap is wax-treated and gives a worn leather feel with each wear. Leather is a natural material. All straps vary slightly and each will develop a vintage patina from wear adding to their character. Most scratches and scuffs can be wiped away with a slightly moist cloth.

Size: 44.3 x 49.7 mm Case: Sandblasted stainless steel circular case with square edges Bezel: Stainless steel with polished gun metal PVD coating Caseback: Polished stainless steel Glass: Specially hardened mineral glass Straps: Railroad track wax-treated dark brown leather strap with charcoal PVD stainless steel screws. Fast Strap Changer equipped. Quick release pushers located on left side of case Glass:  Specially hardened anti-reflective mineral glass Water resistance: 3 ATM - Splash/Rain resistant - No swimming - No diving Engine: Automatic movement, open balance wheel on Miyota 8219, 40H power reserve