Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1980 Reference No: 1019 Case No: 6’136’813 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 180mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee dated 26th June 1990 stamped Blondi gioielli s.p.a., instruction manual, product literature, 1990-1991 calendar card, green card holder, hang tag, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Developed in collaboration with CERN (Centre Européen de Recherche Nucléaire), scientists working in the magnetic fields realized a need for a timepiece capable of withstanding the detrimental environment of these fields.
Initially introduced in 1953, the Milgauss ref. 6543 was the first reference to be introduced for a very short period of time. Two years later, Rolex replaced the model with ref. 6541. Modelled as the Milgauss, the name derives from “Mille” (meaning thousand in Latin) and “Gauss” representing the unit for measuring magnetism, which indicated that the Milgauss was capable of withstanding exposure of up to 1000 Gauss, with regular timepieces withstanding only 70 – 90 Gauss.
In the early 1960s, Rolex introduced the Milgauss ref. 1019 replacing its former references. With a refreshed appeal, the new model featured a contemporary stainless steel Oyster case with an enlarged 40mm diameter similarly retaining its 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 silver dial is offered in “New Old Stock” condition with extremely minimal signs of wear. Bearing a 6.13 million serial from circa 1980, the present example is presented with its original guarantee dated 1990. Stationary for 10 years after its production and tucked away safely in the vault, the present example bears its desirable caseback sticker intact. The present specimen will surely please collectors of vintage tool watches seeking for an untouched example of the ref. 1019.
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.
Ref. 1019 A rare, attractive and well-preserved stainless steel anti-magnetic wristwatch with center seconds, silver dial, guarantee and presentation box
Circa 1980 40mm diameter Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed