Rolex

The reference 6541 'Milgauss' was launched in 1956, designed as the embodiment of the Rolex ‘tool watch’ ethos, to be used by scientists and others working in areas where exposure to high magnetic fields was unavoidable. Conveniently for Rolex, they were able to have their innovation tested by scientists just a few kilometers away from their headquarters, at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).

The watch was guaranteed to resist magnetic fields up to 1'000 gauss (gauss being a measurement for magnetic induction), which provided Rolex with the watches unusual name. Magnetic fields affect a watches accuracy, with just to 100 gauss rendering a regular watch to no longer work. The Milgauss overcame the effects of magnetic fields by using anti-magnetic alloys and an iron movement cover to create a Faraday cage (a nonporous enclosure used to block electrostatic and electromagnetic influences).

The Reference 6541 had an Oyster case and graduated rotating bezel, similar in appearance to the early Submariner references. The dial is made of webbed laminated copper to protect the movement from the magnetic fields, which collectors refer to as a 'honeycomb' dial. For many aficionados, the dial and its aging is the most important part of any vintage Rolex. It is reflection of the soul of the watch and expresses its character and charm.

In 1960, shortly after the initial reference 6541 was released, the Milgauss received its only major update during the 20th century with the introduction of the reference 1019. The new model was equipped with a smooth bezel, new hands and new indexes. Not as successful as other models, Rolex stopped the production in 1988 and only re-launched the Milgauss in 2007 with the reference 116400 that remained in production until its discontinuation in early 2023.

The present lot is an very nice and original example, with aged dial, strong case proportions, original bezel and accompanied by its box and original Chronometer Certificate. In addition, the watch is accompanied by a letter from Rolex USA dated August 4^th 2008 stating that the was inspected and serviced, and stating watch, bezel, dial, movement and hands are 100% original Rolex manufactures.