Rolex - The New York Watch Auction: SIX New York Saturday, June 11, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 2007
    Reference No: 116440GV
    Case No: M219’323
    Model Name: Milgauss
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3131, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp, stamped EO7
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex International Warranty card dated November 16, 2007, green leather presentation box, wallet, product literature and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Milgauss is the result of a direct collaboration between Rolex and the Geneva-based nuclear-research organization, CERN - Centre Européen de Recherche Nucléaire (European Organization for Nuclear Research). Their aim was to develop a wristwatch that could withstand intense magnetic fields and thus be worn by the CERN engineers and laboratory workers constantly in highly magnetic environments. Rolex introduced the reference 6541 in 1954 with a secondary, soft iron cage surrounding the caliber 1066M to shield it from magnetic forces of up to 1000 Gauss. In the early 1960s, the newly introduced Rolex Milgauss reference 1019, replaced the original two versions: references 6541 and 6543. Significantly thinner than its predecessors, it was manufactured until 1990 and was available only in stainless steel.

    After nearly 20 years since the discontinuation of reference 1019, Rolex released a new Milgauss model in 2007, the present ref. 116400GV. Its most striking characteristic is without a doubt the orange “Thunderbolt” second hand, an homage to the vintage model ref. 6541. Also noteworthy is the fact that the present model is the only Rolex reference to feature a tinted crystal. The overall aesthetic of the piece is extremely bold, the orange of the hand reprised by the five minute Arabic divisions, Milgauss designation, and orange-tinted luminova for the 3, 6 and 9 hour markers.

    The present lot is offered in near new condition by the family of the original owner, and is accompanied by its warranty card and presentation box.

  • 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.

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Property from the Estate of an Important American Collector

32

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 116440GV
A fine and attractive anti-magnetic stainless steel wristwatch with “thunder bolt” center seconds hand, guarantee and presentation box

2007
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

Estimate
$4,000 - 8,000 
CHF4,000-8,000
€3,800-7,700
HK$31,400-62,800
S$5,600-11,200

Sold for $16,380

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: SIX

New York Auction 11-12 June 2022