The Milgauss is the result of a direct collaboration between Rolex and Geneva-based 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.

The result was the Milgauss, deriving its name from the Latin “mille” meaning a thousand, and “Gauss” representing the unit measure for magnetism. Accordingly, it could withstand exposure of up to 1000 Gauss with no effect on accuracy, whereas a typical watch movement can only withstand up to 70-90 Gauss. In the early 1960s, the newly introduced Rolex Milgauss reference 1019, like the present lot, 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. The reference 1019 of the present lot is Rolex’s second-generation Milgauss model, designed with a much smoother case compared with its predecessor.

An extremely niche tool watch, the Milgauss was never a commercial success and consequently production numbers were low. Being from the late 1980s, its dial features luminous dots placed outside the applied hour markers, and its distinctive hands are in matte finished aluminium.

The present watch is fitted with a black matte dial that permits the desirable red “Milgauss” text at 12 o’clock to stand out. This example is in exceptional original condition as it retains all its sharp edges and bevels. The Rolex sticker on the back suggests that this watch was rarely worn, if ever. Accompanied by its original guarantee, box and hangtag, it is a great find for the connoisseur of vintage wristwatches.