Rolex - Rolex Milestones: 38 Legendary Watches That Shaped History Hong Kong Sunday, November 27, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: Circa 1979
    Reference No: 1019, inside case back stamped III.68
    Movement No: M711757
    Case No: 6’136’936
    Model Name: Milgauss
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, 1580, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, 180 mm. maximum length, ref. 78360, end links stamped 580
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 37.5 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With Rolex punched guarantee dated 3 September 1990, product literature, wallet, sales tag, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
    Literature: For another example of a stainless steel reference 1019 with black dial, please see 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, page 183.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 1019 was introduced to the market as the successor of reference 6541 and 6543. While the new Milgauss retained its Faraday Cage in order to protect the movement from outside energy, the model also featured a fresh and modern update to its appearance.

    At the time of production, the reference was not particularly successful and production numbers were low. Indeed, the present watch was sitting in the retailer’s stock for over ten years before it was sold. The model is highly sought after today due to its rarity. Reference 1019 was available with a silver or matte black dial, and ceased production around 1990.

    John Goldberger's Opinion

    The present watch is a very exceptional and complete example of the reference 1019. It is amongst the most impressive examples with a black dial to appear on the market so far. It is accompanied with its original punched guarantee displaying country code for Switzerland (014) and stamped for the Swiss retailer Brunati.

    The pristine condition of this wristwatch can be described as astounding. The case is original without doubt, with sharp factory finishes to the top of the lugs, crisp bevels and original bracelet. Even the original Rolex factory sticker to the case back has been retained in crisp condition. Barely worn and virtually untouched, this watch model enables us to admire how a reference 1019 left the factory in the 1979.

  • 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

803

Ref. 1019, inside case back stamped III.68
An attractive and rare stainless steel anti-magnetic wristwatch with sweep center seconds, black dial, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1979
37.5 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 320,000 
$20,000-40,000

Sold for HK$375,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
International Department Head
+85 26 773 93 15

Rolex Milestones: 38 Legendary Watches That Shaped History

Hong Kong Auction 28 November 2016