Rolex. A Fine Stainless Steel Automatic Antimagnetic Wristwatch with Center Seconds
Rolex. A Fine Stainless Steel Automatic Antimagnetic Wristwatch with Center Seconds

Signed Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Milgauss, Ref. 1019, Case No. 1'636'593, Circa 1961

Details
Rolex. A Fine Stainless Steel Automatic Antimagnetic Wristwatch with Center Seconds
Signed Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Milgauss, Ref. 1019, Case No. 1'636'593, Circa 1961
Movement: Automatic, Cal. 1580, 26 jewels
Dial: Silvered, baton numerals, center seconds
Case: Stainless steel, engraved screw back reading; MONROE A. HOLMES, screw down crown, 37mm diam.
Strap/Buckle: Associated leather strap, associated stainless steel buckle
Accompanied by: An additional later Rolex Milgauss dial

Lot Essay

Rolex designed the Milgauss model for use in areas of high electromagnetic fields found in laboratories and electro-engineering. One of the most distinctive of all Rolex 'Sports' models, the 1019 was the last 'tool' watch designed for a specific activity to be made by the renowned firm. In production from 1966 to 1990, the model was only available in stainless steel. Its name is derived from the Greek "Mil" for thousand and "Gauss", the unit to measure magnetism. A normal watch movement can withstand up to 70-90 Gauss whereas the Milgauss keeps its incredible precision in a magnetic field up to 1000 Gauss.

Most examples of the reference 1019 feature silver dials, such as the present example. The probability of finding such a well-preserved Milguass reference 1019 is quite rare and they are highly desired by astute collectors around the world.

The engraved screw back reads; Monroe A. Holmes. Based on our research, Monroe A. Holmes was a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in Oregon. He assisted with notable research on rabies and served as the State Public Health Veterinarian of Oregon.

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