Lot 140
  • 140

Rolex

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • A VERY RARE STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC CENTER SECONDS ANTI-MAGNETIC WRISTWATCH WITH FINELY WEBBED DIAL REF 6541 CASE 412482 MILGAUSS CIRCA 1958
  • Stainless Steel
  • diameter 38 mm bracelet circumference approx. 190 mm
• cal. 1066 automatic movement, 25 jewels • anti-magnetic dust cover • black webbed 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 Oyster bracelet

Condition

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. Movement working at the time of cataloguing. Dial and hands in beautiful and preserved condition. Case and bracelet with the usual scuffs and scratches throughout due to age and use, still with good proportions. Plexi scuffed. Bracelet 93150, endlinks 580. Later insert in two parts. Very attractive piece with conservative estimate
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

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, 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.

A recent research showed that the dial of this reference is made of webbed laminated copper to protect the movement from the magnetic fields.


From the family of the original owner, this lot is a particularly attractive example of the early production of the Milgauss. Its sought-after webbed dial combined with an attractive patina make this rare bird highly desirable.

For further information see: Skeet, M., & Urul, N., Vintage Rolex Sports Models, 2002, pp.90-94.