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.
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.