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.

Watch is in good overall condition. Case shows moderate surface wear, with soft edges and multiple scratches and marks. The inner-bottom side of the lugs show wear from endpieces rubbing agains the case. Numbers between the lugs show some mild porosity, but all the numbers are legible. The 1580 movement has some oxidation on the rotor. Original silver dial has some discoloration of the luminous dots, some wear along the edge of the dial as well as surface marks and scratches. Watch comes on a generic strap and buckle.

Originally one of Rolex's most niche-specific tool watches, the Milgauss has grown in popularity in recent years as collectors begin to cherish its unique history.