Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1967 Reference No: 1019 Movement No: M612’940 Case No: 1’617’469, inside caseback stamped II.67 Model Name: Milgauss ‘MK1’ Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1560, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped “7836”, endlinks stamped “280”, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “1.71” Dimensions: 38mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex product literature, hang tag, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
In the early 1960s, Rolex introduced the Milgauss ref. 1019 replacing its former references. Refreshed in its appeal with an upgraded and modernized robust stainless steel Oyster 38mm diameter case, the inner caseback retains its formidable anti-magnetic cage protecting the movement. The reference was available in either a silver or black dial and was discontinued in 1990.
The present example Rolex Milgauss ref. 1019 with a 1.6 million serial belongs to the first series of the reference from circa 1967 as it features luminous material sandwiched in between the 3,6 and 9 o’clock indexes. Preserved in original overall condition with no signs of polishing and a very sharp case, this present honest example is one for vintage collectors to look out for.
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.