| Details | ||
| Stock # | SKU21766 | |
| Stock # | 21766 | |
| Model Name | Milgauss | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Model Ref # | 1019 | |
| Condition | Mint | |
| Gender | Mens | |
| Movement | Automatic | |
| Case | Stainless Steel | |
| Case Shape | Round | |
| Case Size | 37mm | |
| Crystal | Plastic | |
| Band / Strap | Bracelet | |
| Dial | Silver | |
| Caseback | Solid | |
| Complications | ||
| Year | 1967 | |
| Additional Information | ||
| Sold | ||
Description
While the connection between Rolex and Comex is well documented, the connection between Rolex and the Cern nuclear and particle physics laboratory in Switzerland is much more discreet. While the Milgauss model was designed for scientists working around strong magnetic fields, the 1019 with Cern dial carried this one step further by supplying a dial with no luminous on the hands or hour markers. The reason for this luminous free dial is that the tritium that Rolex used back in the day was slightly radioactive, and since the Cern laboratory is involved with ultra sensitive work the scientists wished to avoid any cross contamination of their experiments from the tritium in the watches. Rolex obliged them by supplying very few dials for use in watches being supplied to Cern scientists.
Extremely clean original case is stainless steel with dimensions of 37.5mm diameter by 12.6mm thick. Case also features domed acrylic crystal and screw down crown. The real story with the 1019’s case is the soft inner case and case back assembly that holds the inner case down firmly over the movement to protect it from magnetic fields. Rolex, being a true provider of tools, gave the scientists what they need with this case construction, which provides protection from fields of up to one thousand gauss (a measurement of magnetism). Ordinary watches’ timekeeping begins to be affected by magnetism at around 40 gauss. Also, the 1000 gauss is how the Milgauss got its name, as 1000 is “mil” and “gauss” is gauss. Case is in original, unpolished condition.
Serial number 1636XXX dates production to 1967. Inside case back has date code of II.67 and the 1019 model number is stamped above the date code. Inside case back shows a service history.
Original movement is the automatic winding Rolex Caliber 1580 with 26 jewels and adjusted to five positions and temperature. This movement is a C.O.S.C. Certified Chronometer.
Original, untouched dial is the so called Cern dial for its lack of luminous material (not even the dots that normal are adjacent to the hour markers). The Cern dial was only made in the silver color, and where tritium would be on a normal dial, there is black enamel applied/inlaid. Dial has some spotting, which is age appropriate. The word “Milgauss” is in red and the seconds hand features a red arrow tip.
Bracelet is a Rolex riveted Oyster, in very clean condition, with date code ‘74’.
Watch is accompanied by, well, everything. Original hang tag, original box, original papers, original Rolex Milgauss booklet, Your Rolex Oyster booklet, service records from a 2010 which show that the crown was replaced as part of the service, and even an obituary for a previous owner of this watch.
Extremely clean original case is stainless steel with dimensions of 37.5mm diameter by 12.6mm thick. Case also features domed acrylic crystal and screw down crown. The real story with the 1019’s case is the soft inner case and case back assembly that holds the inner case down firmly over the movement to protect it from magnetic fields. Rolex, being a true provider of tools, gave the scientists what they need with this case construction, which provides protection from fields of up to one thousand gauss (a measurement of magnetism). Ordinary watches’ timekeeping begins to be affected by magnetism at around 40 gauss. Also, the 1000 gauss is how the Milgauss got its name, as 1000 is “mil” and “gauss” is gauss. Case is in original, unpolished condition.
Serial number 1636XXX dates production to 1967. Inside case back has date code of II.67 and the 1019 model number is stamped above the date code. Inside case back shows a service history.
Original movement is the automatic winding Rolex Caliber 1580 with 26 jewels and adjusted to five positions and temperature. This movement is a C.O.S.C. Certified Chronometer.
Original, untouched dial is the so called Cern dial for its lack of luminous material (not even the dots that normal are adjacent to the hour markers). The Cern dial was only made in the silver color, and where tritium would be on a normal dial, there is black enamel applied/inlaid. Dial has some spotting, which is age appropriate. The word “Milgauss” is in red and the seconds hand features a red arrow tip.
Bracelet is a Rolex riveted Oyster, in very clean condition, with date code ‘74’.
Watch is accompanied by, well, everything. Original hang tag, original box, original papers, original Rolex Milgauss booklet, Your Rolex Oyster booklet, service records from a 2010 which show that the crown was replaced as part of the service, and even an obituary for a previous owner of this watch.
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