ROLEX MILGAUSS REF 1019 ACIER BLACK MK1 SQUARE LUME from 1969
Brand: Rolex
Model: MILGAUSS
Movement : Auto cal 1580
Reference: 1019
Diameter : 40mm
Year: 1969
Serial : 19XXXXX
Case: Beautiful case still thick and with angles still present and clearly visible chamfers. Bezel in perfect condition. Case back mark III 68. First case series. Original brass dust cover. No significant visible shocks. The watch has been lightly polished and worn in the past but keeps a beautiful case. Movement specific to this reference and cal 1580 model. The milgauss have always had a movement exclusive to this model in order to guarantee its proper functioning even in the presence of a very strong magnetic field that another non-professional watch could not withstand.
Dial: Beautiful and extremely rare original black dial with luminescent tritium square indexes (square lume) only on the first series and very rare in black with white non-silver writing. Superb homogeneous patina of the original indexes and bevelled hands. Very rare watch. Dial still in good condition with no flaws. Almost impossible to be found and highly sought after in this configuration. All the tritium in the indexes and hands react on the UV and then turn off (original).
Bracelet : Rolex later added oyster steel ref 78360 endlink 580 in good condition
Accessories: None
Guarantee : All watches are guaranteed for 6 months for normal use. For vintage watches that are not waterproof, there is no guarantee of water resistance. In the caseof a water resistance problem linked to the non-screwing of the crown, the warranty is also void. In the case of shocks to the watch, the warranty is void. Normal use only qualifies for the 6-month warranty.
Description
Our opinion: A beautiful example of one of the rarest references at Rolex vintage sports model reference 1019. The Rolex Milgauss with its black dial and square indexes and Milgauss writing in red. A must have of any Rolex collection, model produced until 1980, this watch is part of the rarest and most sought after 1968 mark I first series, serial number 18XXXX first series of 1019. The watch is in good condition, its original dial one of the rarest with square lume and white writing with a superb patina of the indexes which match the hands with the clearly visible red milgauss! Rare watch in this condition because almost all of them had a more readable white dial at that time. A very nice collector's example and in very good condition with its later oyster bracelet but more comfortable to wear.
Brand
Rolex
Rolex is one of the world's most renowned watch brands, famous for its prestige, quality and innovation.
The beginnings (1905-1920)
Rolex was founded in 1905 in London by Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis. The company was initially called Wilsdorf & Davis, and it imported Swiss watch movements which it then had assembled and sold in London. In 1908, Hans Wilsdorf registered the trademark "Rolex", a name he found easy to pronounce and remember in different languages.
Innovation and success (1920-1940)
Rolex quickly established its reputation through its innovations, including the development of the first waterproof wristwatch, the "Oyster", in 1926. This watch was touted as a revolutionary product and received significant media attention, notably when the Swimmer Mercedes Gleitze wore an Oyster during her English Channel crossing.
In the 1930s, Rolex continued to innovate with iconic models, such as the Rolex Prince, which introduced rectangular dials, and the Datejust in 1945, which is considered the first automatic watch to display the date.
The era of divers and explorers (1950-1980)
In the 1950s, Rolex benefited from its association with exploration and adventure. Models like the Submariner, launched in 1953, and the GMT-Master, created in collaboration with Pan Am for pilots, became symbols of this era. These watches were not only stylish, but also designed to withstand extreme environments, cementing Rolex's reputation as a manufacturer of rugged and precise watches.
The rise to luxury (1980–present)
Over the decades, Rolex has become synonymous with luxury and social status. Rolex watches are often worn by famous people and are considered one of the best investments in watches. The brand has focused on artisanal quality, with rigorous control of each piece produced.
Rolex has also been at the forefront of the watch industry by introducing high-precision automatic movements and developing innovative materials such as Everose gold and cerachrom for bezels.
Philanthropic commitment
In addition to its watchmaking heritage, Rolex is engaged in various philanthropic initiatives, notably through the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, which supports innovative projects in different fields, such as science, environment and culture.
Conclusion
Today, Rolex is more than just a watch brand; it embodies a symbol of success and accomplishment. With over a century of innovation and a commitment to excellence, Rolex continues to fascinate watch enthusiasts around the world.