Anyone have a King Midas?

[Incroyable12]

Originally Posted by 77T

Less were made but I don’t see their prices being elevated per se.

Condition matters most.


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I guess the appeal of the King Midas is all about the yellow gold bling.

In most other cases, white gold/platinum versions of the same watch are several times more expensive

[INC]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

All those issues could have been remedied by a service by a good independent. Case looked unpolished.

Maybe, but this kind of look is more than strange for a WG model. Such a watch is not used for horse cleanng, nor is it treated like trash. It is certain, however, that the dial is either an aftermarket one, or some monstrous repainted, perhaps someone removed the "Cellini" and faked the "Midas" text there.

This most resembles a frankenwatch, although most the parts are probably original. But I can't imagine how this watch could have ended up in a junkyard, from where it was pulled out in such a condition.

[Incroyable12]

Originally Posted by INC

Maybe, but this kind of look is more than strange for a WG model. Such a watch is not used for horse cleanng, nor is it treated like trash. It is certain, however, that the dial is either an aftermarket one, or some monstrous repainted, perhaps someone removed the "Cellini" and faked the "Midas" text there.

This most resembles a frankenwatch, although most the parts are probably original. But I can't imagine how this watch could have ended up in a junkyard, from where it was pulled out in such a condition.

Well a lot of these 1970s gold dress watches were treated almost like scrap metal after they fell out of fashion.

You'd see trays of these things in dusty pawnshops and Diamond District dealers.

[WatchEater666]

In my opinion, a lot of these vintage watches photograph well sometimes under certain conditions, but look awful IRL. The king midas is one of them lol

[Incroyable12]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

In my opinion, a lot of these vintage watches photograph well sometimes under certain conditions, but look awful IRL. The king midas is one of them lol

I thought about getting one a while back but then tried one on and it looked terrible on my wrist in real life.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

I thought about getting one a while back but then tried one on and it looked terrible on my wrist in real life.

I imagine they might be hot for a minute among clueless people with too much money, and then go the way of the Bubbleback.

I'd class the Midas more as antique (like those old ladies' cocktail watches) than vintage. No more than scrap gold value for me.

[holroale]

I recommend this guide form Watch Brothers London if anyone is interested in learning more:

https://www.watchbrotherslondon.com/...nly-references

[Incroyable12]

Here's what appears to be the exact same watch in YG:

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item...tage-watch-box

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

I thought about getting one a while back but then tried one on and it looked terrible on my wrist in real life.

Yeah, the construction/build quality on older watches like that really does just outright suck compared to what is possible nowadays with modern technology.

[miamiclay]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

Here's what appears to be the exact same watch in YG:

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item...tage-watch-box

Unless the photo has been flipped, that appears to be a “right handed” Midas - !

I think I recall reading that some right-handed Midas models were made, but idk if I’ve ever seen one.

[BigBlue1]

I went thru the faze where I wanted one. Not anymore but they are cool looking.

[aiif]

I need to do a research on this

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Now there's a rare piece!

[miamiclay]

That YG diamond case “right-handed” KM (if that’s indeed what it was) sold for $13K.

It occurs to me - Could one convert any KM to right-handed by simply reversing the dial and clasp?

I guess the case and bracelet engravings (the KING MIDAS text surrounding the crown and the number on the reverse of the bracelet) might then be upside down, but idk - My 3D spatial sense is … well, it’s not the best.

[CTech]

Originally Posted by miamiclay

It occurs to me - Could one convert any KM to right-handed by simply reversing the dial and clasp?

I guess the case and bracelet engravings (the KING MIDAS text surrounding the crown and the number on the reverse of the bracelet) might then be upside down....

This link from holroale above (https://www.watchbrotherslondon.com/...nly-references) mentions this rotating of the dial in the section about the 9630 Key Characteristics.

The King Midas text alongside the crown will still be the right way up but the engravings on the bracelet and the hallmark on the back of the case will be in different positions. It might be possible to disassemble the bracelet and fit it back onto the now rotated case, but I don't really know anything about these models and what modifications you have to make to get the rotated dial to fit or try and disguise what has been done.

[Steele]

Originally Posted by Incroyable12

Here's what appears to be the exact same watch in YG:

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item...tage-watch-box

This auction is very close to me and I considered bidding on this but there where a few warning signs I didnt like about the watch

1- THE CROWN IS WRONG
2- The Dial does not look correct its missing text every MIDAS out there has Geneve or Swiss is missing

I have bought a watch from this auction before and there where issues with the watch! Franken Watch

[Incroyable12]

Originally Posted by Steele

This auction is very close to me and I considered bidding on this but there where a few warning signs I didnt like about the watch

1- THE CROWN IS WRONG
2- The Dial does not look correct its missing text every MIDAS out there has Geneve or Swiss is missing

I have bought a watch from this auction before and there where issues with the watch! Franken Watch

Yes the crown should be star shaped.

[buddenfan]

In the last year vintage market has blown up because
1) Collectors are tired of large sized watches
2) Collectors are tired of the same ol’ watches.Many vintage pieces look nice and also you wont see them on many wrists unlike say a Batgirl GMT or DateJust. I’m also jaded as I am in New York where everyone seems to have a Rolex.