- 250
Rolex
Estimate
40,000 - 70,000 CHF
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Description
- A RARE STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC CENTRE SECONDS ANTI-MAGNETIC WRISTWATCHREF 6541 CASE 412017 MILGAUSS MADE IN 1958
- Stainless steel
- diameter 38 mm bracelet circunference approx. 155 mm
• cal. 1066 automatic movement, 25 jewels • anti-magnetic dust cover • black honeycomb dial, luminescent dot and applied dagger indexes, 'lightning bolt' centre seconds hand • revolving bezel calibrated to 60 units, Oyster case with screw-down crown and back • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet
Literature
Skeet, M., & Urul, N., Vintage Rolex Sports Models, 2002, pp.90-94
Condition
The movement is running and functions in working condition at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
Dial and hands in fantastic condition, dial having taken on an incredibly attractive deep brown patina. Case with scuffs and scratches throughout, but still sharp. Later bezel with crack at 12 and chips at 1,8 & 11. Bracelet not born with the watch, does not fit perfectly between lugs, and the band loose through wear missing a link near the clasp.
Overall a brilliant piece with all the character you would expect from a scientists watch.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."
Catalogue Note
The reference 6541 'Milgauss' was launched in 1954. Designed to be used by scientists and those working in areas where exposure to high magnetic fields was unavoidable, the watch was guaranteed to resist magnetic fields up to 1,000 oersted. The word Milgauss means 1,000 gauss (gauss being a measurement for magnetic induction). Magnetic fields can affect a watch's accuracy at just 60 oersted, and at 100 oersted the watch will 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.
Recent research has shown that the dial of this reference is made of webbed laminated copper to protect the movement from the magnetic fields, which collectors refer to as a "honeycomb" dial.