M 115-3
1964–1966 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the M 115-3
Made only in 1964, the M 115-3 is part of Hamilton's M Series lineup, a group of solid gold dress watches that carried some of the brand's more refined case work of the era. This particular model pairs a round 14k solid yellow gold case with a silver dial, applied baton markers, and a sweep seconds hand. The movement inside is the caliber 688, a 17-jewel manual wind that Hamilton used across several of its mid-decade dress pieces. At $115 in 1964, it was positioned firmly at the upper end of what a buyer would spend on a daily-wear dress watch.
Solid gold cases from this period tend to hold up well structurally, but the dials are where condition separates a great example from a so-so one. Silver dials with applied baton markers can show oxidation, spotting, or detached indices after sixty-plus years, so the dial surface deserves a close look before anything else. Finding one with a clean, unpolished case and an unmolested dial is the real benchmark here.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1964 catalog listed this model simply as a 14k yellow gold watch at $115, a price that reflected both the solid gold construction and the caliber 688 inside. The catalog noted the silver dial with applied baton markers, which remains the defining visual character of this reference.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1964
What to Look For
| Dial | Look carefully at the applied baton markers. After six decades, the adhesive or solder holding them can fail, leaving detached, tilted, or missing indices. Check the silver dial surface for dark spots, moisture damage, or uneven aging near the center and edges. |
| Crystal | Confirm the crystal sits flush and is free of deep scratches or crazing. A poorly fitted replacement can let moisture reach the dial, which does real damage to a silver finish over time. |
| Movement | The caliber 688 is a manual wind. Dried-up oil in a movement of this age creates enough friction to stop it or cause erratic timekeeping. Wind the watch fully and observe it for several hours before drawing any conclusions about accuracy. |
| Case | This is a 14k solid yellow gold case, so check the lugs and case sides for heavy polishing. Aggressive buffing rounds out the edges and removes the crispness of the original profile. A lightly worn, unpolished case is worth significantly more than a polished one. |
| Crown | Pull the crown gently to check for smooth winding. On movements of this type, the crown can detach from the stem if pulled too hard or if the stem is worn. Make sure it seats fully and winds without slipping. |
The Movement
The caliber 688 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement made by Hamilton in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It winds via the crown and requires no rotor or wrist motion to keep running, which makes the power reserve easy to gauge by feel. It is a straightforward, well-built movement that responds well to a proper service and holds accurate time reliably once it has clean oil and fresh settings.