Rodney (1941)
1941 · 14K yellow,14K coral · Manual Wind
About the Rodney (1941)
Made only in 1941, the Rodney was offered in two distinct versions: a 14K yellow gold case with a gold dial, and a 14K coral gold case with a coral dial. Both share the same rectangular case shape and run on Hamilton's caliber 982M, a 19-jewel manual wind movement. The dial features painted black numerals at the 2, 4, 8, 10, and 12 positions with gold dot indices filling the remaining hours, giving it a clean, restrained look that suits the period well.
Finding a Rodney today means encountering a watch with a very specific material story, and the coral gold variant in particular is something most collectors have never handled in person. The dial-to-case color matching between the coral versions makes condition especially important here, since a faded or damaged dial disrupts the whole visual logic of the watch. Painted dials from this era can show crazing, lifting, or moisture damage, so close inspection matters before committing.
From the Catalog
Hamilton offered the Rodney in its 1941 catalog as a refined rectangular dress watch, available in matched dial and case materials that gave the piece a unified, intentional look unusual even among Hamilton's broader lineup at the time.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1941
What to Look For
| Dial | The painted black numerals and gold dot indices are prone to wear and moisture damage on dials this age. On coral-dialed examples, look carefully at color consistency across the surface. Any crazing, bubbling, or lifting around the numeral areas should factor into your assessment. |
| Crystal | The crystal on a watch this age has almost certainly been replaced at some point. Check that the replacement fits properly without gaps at the edges, and confirm it does not sit so high that it crowds the bezel. |
| Movement | The caliber 982M should be running and keeping reasonable time. Dried oil accumulates enough friction to stop even a well-made movement, and a watch that has been sitting unused for years deserves a fresh service before being worn regularly. |
| Case | Whether yellow gold or coral gold, check the case for dents, deep scratches, or evidence of heavy polishing that has softened the original lines. On a 14K gold rectangular case, the corners and lugs are the first places to show wear. |
| Crown | Confirm the crown is original or at least period-appropriate and threads or pushes in smoothly. A loose or ill-fitting crown on a watch this old is a common finding and worth noting, since moisture can reach the movement easily through a compromised crown. |
The Movement
The caliber 982M is a 19-jewel manual wind movement from Hamilton's American-made lineup, built on a 12/0 size platform that suits the slim rectangular cases Hamilton favored in this era. It winds and sets through the crown in the traditional way, with a subseconds hand running off a dedicated wheel at the lower portion of the dial. The 982M has a solid reputation among collectors and watchmakers, though its small size means reassembly requires patience, particularly when aligning the spacer plate.