Rolex - Geneva Watch Auction: TWO Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2015 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1958
    Reference No: 6541
    Movement No: DN910'746
    Case No: 412'041
    Model Name: Milgauss
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1066M, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 7206, end links stamped 80, max length 195mm.
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed, case back stamped IV.1958

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1956, the 'Milgauss' reference 6541 is one of the most iconic Rolex sports watches. It was designed to be used by scientists and those working in areas where high exposure to magnetic fields was a concern, as the watch was designed and guaranteed to resist magnetic forces of up to 1,000 oersted.

    The influence of radiation on the balance work results in loss of accuracy. These effects can be reduced by using the principles of a Faraday cage, i.e. by placing the movement inside an iron inner case, shielding the movement such as this present watch has, which are often missing.

    The black honeycomb dial is in excellent condition, completely unrestored, and features wonderfully aged warm beige luminous hour markers. The originally red 'Milgauss' designation has turned, as it should, into a medium pale pink. The watch sits within a steel case still retaining good proportions and is fitted with a period correct Oyster bracelet featuring the desirable "big logo" clasp.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

    View More Works

175

Ref. 6541
A very rare and attractive stainless steel anti-magnetic wristwatch with bracelet

1958
37mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed, case back stamped IV.1958

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 200,000 

Sold for CHF179,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

Geneva Watch Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 7 & 8 November 2015 6:30pm