Rolex Milgauss 1019 Silver Dial
Released in 1956, the Rolex Milgauss was a groundbreaking watch designed for the scientists at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, as the scientists’ watches would commonly become magnetised and no longer work. Launched as one of the most anti-magnetic watches around at the time, the Milgauss could withstand 1000 gauss of magnetism, hence its name. While the collection began with the ref. 6541 and ref. 6543, the ref. 1019 that we have here was launched in 1960 and featured several upgrades. With its larger 38mm case, the ref. 1019 also featured the new automatic cal. 1580 movement. Furthermore, some slight aesthetic alterations were made. The lightning bolt second hand from the previous references was swapped for the second hand you see here with a red arrowhead that matches the red Milgauss inscription displayed on the dial. An understated watch from an aesthetic standpoint, the Milgauss saw quite some success, and throughout its 28-year production run (until 1988), it saw a slew of dial variants produced ranging from matte white and black to glossy black to silver. The example we have here is the silver dial variant, which helps tie the entire example’s understated aesthetic together.
THE DIAL Fitted with its original silver dial, this example's tritium lume has turned a stunning creamy yellow on its hands and applied indices in keeping with its age and patina, giving the watch a truly unique look on the wrist.
THE CONSTRUCTION Boasting a huge-for-the-time 38mm diameter, the ref. 1019 was a true tool watch that put the time's aesthetics behind its functionality, which has coincidently made it perfectly suited for today's tastes.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
