Rolex Milgauss Ref.1019 Men's Steel Vintage Watch

A well-maintained example of the Rolex Milgauss Ref.1019. This stunning vintage piece belongs to one of Rolex's classic tool watch lines: the magnetic resistant Milgauss.

Launched in 1956 the Milgauss is another tale of Rolex creating a watch for a specific group of people, namely those who needed a watch that was antimagnetic.

Before the launch of the Milgauss, watches exposed to a magnetic field of more than 50 – 100 gauss would not run correctly. The Milgauss solved this with CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) determining the Milgauss could withstand up to 1000 gauss. In fact, the Milgauss name makes direct reference to this with “Mille” (thousand) and “Gauss” (a unit of magnetic induction).

The Milgauss made its debut with the reference 6543 which was produced in low numbers and believed by some to be more of a prototype. This was quickly replaced by the reference 6541 later the same year.

The reference 6541 shared some characteristics with the Submariner, with its steel oyster case, rotating black bezel and 60-minute markings. However, on closer inspection, a number of unique features can be identified. Its dial featured a honeycomb pattern and the second hand was in the now recognisable lighting bolt shape.

In the 1960’s the reference 6541 was replaced by the ref.1019 that we see here. The 1019 headed in a different stylistic direction to its predecessor losing the honeycomb dial in favour of a smooth black or white dial. The lighting second hand gave way to red-tipped second hand and a smooth domed bezel took the place of the original graduated black bezel. The reference 1019 would eventually be discontinued in 1988 which would signal the end of the Milguass line until its resurrection in 2007. 

If you're looking for a understated, robust every day wearer and a piece of Rolex history, you need look no further than this Rolex Milgauss Ref.1019!