ROLEX MILGAUSS REF 1019 ACIER WHITE MK2 SQUARE LUME from 1979
Brand: Rolex
Model: MILGAUSS
Movement : Auto cal 1580
Reference: 1019
Diameter : 40mm
Year: 1979
Serial : 61XXX
Case: Beautiful case still thick and with angles still very present. Bezel in perfect condition. Caseback stamped 1970 because Rolex used all the old 1019 casebacks still in stock because the model was not produced that much over the years. Last series of case. 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 rare original white dial with luminescent tritium square hour markers (square lume). This dial is rarely found on the late 1019s, but it is likely that Rolex used the spare parts (dial, hands and case back) that it had already produced in 1970 to mount the rest of the 1019 production as the caseback almost always marked 70. Superb homogeneous patina of the original indexes and hands. Very nice general set. Dial still in good condition with no flaws. Almost nowhere 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 steel armoured 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 fine example of one of Rolex's rarest vintage references, reference 1019. The Rolex Milgauss with its white dial and square hour markers and Milgauss lettering in red. A must-have in a Rolex collection, produced until 1980, this watch is part of the last series of 1979, serial number 61XXXX last series of 1019. The watch is in good condition, its original dial one of the rarest with square lume with superb patina of the indexes that match the hands with the red clearly visible! A rare watch in this condition, as almost all of them had a service dial. A beautiful collector's item in very good condition, with its wearable armored oyster bracelet.
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.