1042

Rolex

Ref. 1019

Milgauss

A well-preserved, rare and attractive stainless steel anti-magnetic wristwatch with center seconds and bracelet

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 200,000
€13,400 - 22,300
$15,400 - 25,600
HK$152,400
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Rolex
Year
Circa 1970
Reference No
1019
Movement No
M885’296
Case No
2’623’393, inside caseback stamped III.68
Model Name
Milgauss
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 1580, 26 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “78360”, endlinks stamped “580”, max length 195mm
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “A”
Dimensions
38mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Read Conditions of Sale

Catalogue Essay

With a long and esteemed history of producing top-tier professional tool wristwatches, Rolex introduced the Milgauss in 1954. The design of the Milgauss was tailored to meet the needs of scientists and engineers working in magnetic environments. To achieve this, Rolex collaborated with the Conseil Européen de Recherche Nucléaire (CERN) to develop a watch capable of withstanding strong magnetic fields. The name Milgauss reflects this capability, with "Mil" denoting 1000 and "Gauss" being the unit used to measure magnetism, indicating that the watch can endure magnetic fields of up to 1000 gauss.

The Rolex Milgauss ref. 1019 was launched in the early 1960s, featuring a slimmer case than its predecessors while still incorporating a soft iron cage inside the case back to protect the movement from magnetism. This particular watch, produced circa 1970, is an early example of the reference that continued until 1990. Earlier models like this one have a seconds track marked with 1/5 second increments, while later versions feature ½ second increments.

Presented in excellent overall condition, with an attractive case and dial, this is a wonderful opportunity to acquire an important piece in Rolex's history.

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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