Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

New York, Mar 05, 2009

LOT 363

Ref. 6541 Milgauss Color Change Dial Rolex, ?Oyster Perpetual Milgauss, Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified,? Ref. 6541. Made in 1958. Very fine and extremely rare, antimagnetic, water-resistant, lightning bolt center seconds, self-winding, stainless steel wristwatch with honeycomb dial, steel bezel and a stainless steel Jubilee bracelet. Accompanied by the original fitted box, Guarantee (now void) and Official Chronometer Certificate.

USD 20,000 - 30,000

EUR 16,000 - 23,000 / CHF 23,000 - 35,000

Sold: USD 30,000

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back and crown, anti-magnetic soft iron protecting cap. D. Brown honeycomb with luminous round and applied steel faceted triangular indexes. Steel dauphine hands. M. Cal. 1066, rhodium-plated, 25 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating free-sprung Breguet balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 38 mm. Thickness 13 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-9

Good

Scratched
Movement: 3-6*

Good

Slightly oxidized

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-8-01

Good

Slightly scratched

HANDS Original

Notes

Purchased by the original owner in the early 1960s, this Milgauss is a symbol of endurance and durability. The owner was a collector who had a taste for unusual designs and objects, including fine cars. He was an early enthusiast and owner of several Cord automobiles. In the 1970s, his house caught fire; however, the watch and all its papers and accessories survived unscathed. The original owner passed away in 2003; when going through his belongings in 2007, the family found the watch wrapped in a plastic bag on the bed's headboard.
It is truly exceptional to find a reference 6541 that has remained in the original family since its purchase. The present watch, accompanied by its original box, crystal, guarantee and chronometer certificate, is to the best of our knowledge the first of its kind ever to appear at auction.