Midas
1940–1947 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold / 14k Coral Gold Filled · Manual Wind
About the Midas
Made from 1940 through 1947, the Midas was one of Hamilton's more refined rectangular dress watches of the era, offered in 14K yellow gold and 14K coral gold cases with a two-tone dial or coral dial. It runs on the caliber 982M, a 19-jewel manual-wind movement that was among Hamilton's better domestic grades of the period. The dial features applied gold numerals and markers in 18K gold, with numerals at 3, 9, and 12 and a subseconds register at 6 o'clock. A related model, the Coral Midas, shares the same basic platform with a different case finish.
Finding a Midas in honest condition after more than eight decades takes some luck. The applied 18K gold numerals and markers are genuinely fine detailing, but they are also vulnerable to polishing damage and misguided restoration attempts, so inspect them closely for any signs of re-gilding or amateur touch-up work. Known dial variants include a silver dial and a two-tone finish, so the specific dial configuration matters when evaluating authenticity and originality.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Midas in 1940 at $100, describing it as a 14K coral gold watch with a two-tone dial and 18K applied gold markers, numerals, and dots on a 19-jewel Grade 982 movement. That price point put it firmly in Hamilton's upper-tier dress watch range for the period.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1940
1941
1946
What to Look For
| Dial | The applied gold numerals and markers are 18K gold and can loosen or shift over decades. Check that each marker is flush and evenly seated. Look for any discoloration, moisture damage, or signs that the dial has been touched up or refinished. The two-tone finish should have a clean, defined transition with no bleeding or spotting. |
| Crystal | The Midas takes a rectangular crystal, and correct-fitting period or new-old-stock crystals are not always easy to find. Check for chips along the edges and any haze or crazing that might obscure the dial. A poor-fitting replacement crystal can also allow dust ingress. |
| Movement | Dried oil is a real concern on any watch that has sat unworn for decades, and on the 982M that friction can be enough to stop the movement entirely. Ask whether the watch has been recently serviced and confirm it runs consistently across positions before committing. A worn or dried mainspring is also common on movements of this age. |
| Case | The 14K gold case should show appropriate wear for its age without deep gouges or evidence of aggressive polishing. Hooded lugs are a defining detail of the Midas, and over-polishing can soften or alter their shape significantly. Verify the case material stamps are legible and consistent. |
| Crown | Check that the crown is original or at least period-correct in proportion and finish. A mismatched or oversized replacement can affect both the look and the winding feel. This is also a good moment to confirm the case back threads correctly and that the back itself has not been forced or damaged during a previous opening. |
The Movement
The caliber 982M is a 19-jewel manual-wind movement built on Hamilton's 12/0 size platform. It is a well-regarded grade with the added jeweling of the 982 series, giving it good positional accuracy and durability when properly maintained. Like all movements of this vintage, it benefits from a full service with fresh oil rather than just a cleaning.