Rolex
Ref. 6541
An extremely rare, well-preserved and important amagnetic wristwatch with "lightning" center seconds, "no lumes" espresso tropical honeycomb dial, guarantee and presentation box
Manufacturer : Rolex
Year : Circa 1958
Reference No : 6541
Movement No : N726507
Case No : 412'479
Model Name : Milgauss
Material : Stainless steel
Calibre : Automatic, cal. 1055, 25 jewels
Bracelet/Strap : Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 200mm
Clasp/Buckle : Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped 1.58
Dimensions : 38mm Diameter
Signed : Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Accessories : Accompanied by Rolex Guarantee dated 1966 stamped Mexico and presentation boxThe present watch is representative of one of the unarguably scarcest and most sought-after Rolex models to ever grace the market. Released in 1956, reference 6541 targeted at a very specific - albeit at the time novel and growing - market: scientists, engineers and technicians working with high magnetic fields in electro-industrial environments or scientific facilities; indeed its iconic “lightning” seconds hand is an obvious nod to electromagnetism.
Most impressively, the Milgauss was guaranteed to resist magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss. The name Milgauss is derived from the Latin word mille, which means 1,000, and gauss, the unit of a magnetic field. The Milgauss overcomes the effects of magnetic fields by using anti-magnetic alloys and an iron movement cover to create a Faraday cage.
It might well be one of the scarcest Rolex models as the intended market was indeed extremely restricted. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Rolex would not first produce the watches and then ship them to retailers, but rather the other way around: given demand for the watch was so low, Rolex would wait for retailers to place an appropriate amount of orders, and then would go on and produce the batch - this completely makes sense, given the guarantee for the present watch is dated to 1966 in Mexico.
The present example, with caseback stamped IV.1958 indicating it was produced in the fourth quarter of 1958, displays an outstanding dark chocolate tropicalisation. Furthermore, even the few ultra-small oxidation dots that occurred over the years have somehow tropicalised and, instead of being dark as it usually happen, they sport a metallic coppery finish granting the dial, when viewed under the loupe, a hardly ever seen “copper stardust” effect. Its case number is consistent with other examples of the reference, as most appear to bear a 412’xxx serial number. Other correct details included the Faraday cage, and original bracelet stamped for 1958.
Originally offered on behalf of the original owner at auction (it was a gift from the father of the seller), the present watch appears for the second time at auction and is complete with its Rolex Guarantee dated 1966 stamped Mexico and presentation box.
