Rolex Milgauss 1019, Steel

Its resistance to the latter was principally achieved by an iron Faraday cage, protecting the movement from forces as strong as a 1,000 Gauss. The name Milgauss itself, is a compound word created by Rolex. ‘Mil’ comes from Mille, the French for 1,000, and ‘Gauss’, a unit of measurement of magnetic fields.

The reference 1019, of which this watch is an excellent example, was introduced in 1960 and shares that classically Rolex quality, of utilitarian functionality, married to classical design.

To be able to accommodate the Faraday cage, the movement had to be housed in a slightly oversized (for the time) 38mm “oyster” case. The innovation which led to the creation of the original “Oyster” case was a screw-down, moisture-proof winding crown, patented by Swiss inventors Perregaux and Perret in 1925. Exposure of the winding stem had always been a clear vulnerability and combined with Rolex’s development of the two-piece, screw-down case with a rubber gasket, the hermetically sealed case became a reality. The “Oyster” name is often associated with a particular style bracelet accompanying many Rolex Oyster watches.

The dial of this Rolex Milgauss 1019 is in exceptionally good condition, with a black matte finish, applied steel index markers and the classic 'ROLEX’ and ‘OYSTER PERPETUAL references on it, as well the more unusual, red “MILGAUSS” text below. The seconds hand is tipped with a glossy, red paint. It comes with its inner, soft-iron dome and sized at 38mm, wears very well on the wrist. This particular case dates to 1979 (serial number 615 XXXX).

Powered by Rolex’s calibre 1580 (unique to the Milgauss) ‘Officially Certified Superlative Chronometer’ grade automatic movement, the mechanism features a lever escapement, 26 jewels, mono-metallic balance and KIF shock-absorber and beats at a rate of 19,800 BPH.

The watch was fully serviced by Rolex in January 2017, and comes with a Rolex service guarantee. It comes with a suede strap and steel Rolex bracelet.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look

Brand:	Rolex
Model:	Milgauss Ref. 1019
Movement:	mechanical automatic Cal. 1580
Functions:	time-only: hours, minutes, center seconds
Features:	unrestored black dial
Case:	38 mm stainless steel
Crystal:	plexiglass
Bracelet:	Rolex bracelet
Year:	1979
Box & papers:	Rolex service guarantee from 2017

This rare, vintage Rolex Milguss 1019 has an unrestored dial and retains all its original features. The watch was fully serviced by Rolex in January 2017, and comes with a Rolex service guarantee. The watch is guaranteed for authenticity and comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man.