For fans of the celebrated James Bond franchise, a new thrilling spy series has just launched on Binge in Australia. A TV adaptation of the famous 1963 novel, The Day of the Jackal is a gripping cat-and-mouse chase between an elusive assassin, played by Eddie Redmayne, and a determined British intelligence officer, portrayed by Lashana Lynch.

For some time now, Eddie Redmayne, who is an OMEGA ambassador, has been one of the big names touted to take on the iconic role of 007 following Daniel Craig’s departure after 17 years and five feature films… and if his wrist game is anything to go by, this could just be his first audition.

Eddie Redmayne stars as the elusive Jackal in this TV remake. Image: Peacock

What Watch is Eddie Redmayne Wearing in The Day of the Jackal?

Spotted on the Jackal’s wrist is a discontinued OMEGA Seamaster Railmaster: a watch that’s not just a relic of the past but one that has a rather layered backstory which makes it the perfect tool for any would-be assassin (away from the obvious James Bond links).

The Railmaster first debuted in 1957 as part of OMEGA’s legendary “Professional” trilogy, alongside the Seamaster 300 and Speedmaster. Designed to withstand magnetic fields, a common danger to the precision of early mechanical watches, the Railmaster was aimed at engineers, scientists, and, rather poignantly, spy types who needed a timepiece that could be a reliable tool whatever the situation required.
Eddie Redmayne was spotted wearing a discontinued OMEGA Seamaster Railmaster on The Day of the Jackal. Image: Peacock/OMEGA
From close-quarters combat to covert operations in electromagnetic environments, the OMEGA Railmaster’s no-nonsense design boasted clean lines and clear markers, making it the perfect tool for an intelligence officer who requires heightened legibility, when, perhaps, time is of the essence.

OMEGA has since rereleased this classic for the contemporary horological market; a perfect blend of modern innovation and the Swiss brand’s timeless design. The updated Railmaster stays true to its 1957 roots with a symmetrical 40mm stainless steel case and simple dial design but incorporates advancements that make it even more capable in today’s world.

Why was the OMEGA Seamaster Railmaster Discontinued?

OMEGA discontinued production of the Railmaster after a limited run, partly because tastes in design shifted, and the watch’s specific niche for anti-magnetism became less of a pressing need as newer materials emerged.

But while it may be no longer in circulation, the Railmaster’s legacy lives on – especially in its strong ties to OMEGA’s larger association with spy culture. After all, if the new Bond (whoever he may be) ever needed a low-profile timepiece for his secretive operations, the Railmaster would be his quiet, but capable, sidekick.

Parachute regiment veteran Paul Biddiss helped Eddie Redmayne portray the elusive assassin, the Jackal. Image: Paul Biddiss
Of course, OMEGA and James Bond have enjoyed a fruitful partnership for nearly three decades, ever since Pierce Brosnan first rocked the OMEGA Seamaster in GoldenEye in 1995. OMEGA CEO Raynald Aeschlimann told DMARGE that the decision was a natural one, with the Seamaster proving to be the perfect timepiece for Britain’s most iconic intelligence officer. Since then, Bond has worn various OMEGA models in every film.

So, while Eddie Redmayne’s Jackal may not be crashing across the rooftops quite like Daniel Craig’s more abrasive style of Bond, he certainly has the perfect watch for his calculated, precision-driven moves. If a future Bond role is on the cards for Redmayne, this might just be the wristwatch audition we didn’t see coming.

What Other Watches Does Eddie Redmayne Wear in The Day of the Jackal?

In The Day of the Jackal, Eddie Redmayne switches his Railmaster for two exquisite OMEGA timepieces, matching the varying tones of his character’s disguises. For his more “civilian” scenes, Redmayne opts for the versatile 38mm steel OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades (ref. 220.10.38.20.09.001). This piece features a neutral hue that subtly complements his character’s low-key, under-the-radar style.

OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades (ref. 220.10.38.20.09.001). Image: DMARGE / OMEGA
However, when portraying Thirsk, one of his alter-ego personas, Redmayne sports a more luxurious OMEGA Globemaster in 18ct Sedna Gold with a brown leather strap. The elegant touch of Sedna Gold elevates his character’s appearance, adding an air of sophistication and gravitas, perfect for someone trying to pass as an influential, polished figure.

These carefully selected OMEGA watches add depth to Redmayne’s portrayal of the elusive Jackal, blending style and function while enhancing the mysterious layers of his deadly character.