Rolex - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1967
    Reference No: 1019, inside caseback stamped 1019, II.67
    Movement No: M’210’690
    Case No: 1’636’691
    Model Name: Milgauss "CERN"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal.1580, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex riveted Oyster bracelet stamped “7206”, endlinks stamped “58”, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp stamped “3.67”
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    While the association between Rolex and Comex is widely known and well-documented, the connection between Rolex and the Geneva-based nuclear research organization, CERN (Centre Européen de Recherche Nucléaire), is more discreet. Since the 1950s, the Milgauss lineup was specifically designed for CERN engineers and laboratory workers with the aim of creating a timepiece that could withstand strong magnetic fields.

    In 1960, the ref. 1019 was introduced as the successor to the references 6541 and 6543. It enjoyed a relatively long production run of 28 years, making it one of the enduring models in the Rolex lineup. While this Milgauss retained its inner Faraday Cage to protect the movement from electromagnetic waves, the design also underwent a fresh and modern update, featuring a smooth bezel and a modified dial layout.

    However, this particular example of the ref. 1019 takes things a step further with a highly unusual and distinctive appeal. In very limited quantities, some models were fitted with black inserts on the hour markers and hands instead of the usual luminescent material. This configuration, known as a "CERN" dial, is believed to have been created in collaboration with CERN and designed without tritium luminescence. This choice was made to avoid interference with sensitive radioactivity sensors in laboratory environments, making it a true “tool watch” in the Rolex watchmaking history.

  • Artist Biography

    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.

    View More Works

910

Ref. 1019, inside caseback stamped 1019, II.67
An unusual and very rare stainless steel anti-magnetic wristwatch with center seconds, non-luminous "CERN" dial and bracelet

Circa 1967
37.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 200,000 
€14,400-23,900
$15,400-25,600

Sold for HK$152,400

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024