I have a question for the Hamilton experts: In looking at an ad reprint from 1917, I noticed the price tag on a new 942 was quite a bit higher than a 940, both being 21j, 5 positions, etc.Was the 942 a higher finish than a 940? 940's have a beautiful damaskeen finish on them, but the 942 looks a little more elaborate, that's the only difference I can see between them.Maybe it was meant to be the"990" of 21J 18 sizes? Anyone have any ideas about the difference between them? Thanks, Ted.

The Grades 942/943 were Hamilton's highest grade 21-jewel watches in their day. They had better materials (extra-fine ruby jewels in gold settings and sapphire pallets) and were more finely finished (parts more highly polished, chamfered and fitted to closer tolerances) than the Grades 940/941, hence the higher price.

The Grades 942/943 were essentially equivalent in materials and finish to the top-of-the-line 23-jewel Grades 946/947.

Here's a 942 (movement #459665) I recently purchased:

Thank you Ed, those are a work of art!Thanks for showing them.The damaskeening is similar to the motor barrel-marked 936 I have.I kind of figured the price difference would be in the finish.Regards, Ted.