Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

New York, Dec 09, 2009

LOT 377

Rolex Ref. 6541 Milgauss Color Change Dial Rolex, ?Oyster Perpetual Milgauss, Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified,? Ref. 6541. Made in 1958, sold November 14th, 1966. Very fine and extremely rare, antimagnetic, water-resistant, lightning bolt center seconds, self-winding, stainless steel wristwatch with honeycomb dial and black bezel. Accompanied by the original bill of sale and guarantee (now void).

USD 60,000 - 100,000

CHF 60,000 - 100,000 / EUR 40,000 - 70,000

Sold: USD 84,000

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. 1055, 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.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3-9

Good

Scratched
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-6-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Notes

Ernesto Cardenas Baqueiro M. Baqueiro was a well recognized mechanic and electrician in Villahermosa, Mexico, where he owned a workshop. He was also an autodidact biologist, zoologist and musician. Due to his profession, he required a wristwatch that resisted the effects of magnetic fields and the Milgauss Ref. 6541 was the only watch available serving that function. His watch (bought in his own town at the local watch/television store called Radios Y Relojes) was a major part of his life and he wore it most of his life and particularly on important occasions such as his 50th wedding anniversary (see above right). The watch has remained in its original condition, accompanied by its original certificate, bill of sale (for the amount of 2'200 pesos) and a deposit slip that are all dated November 14th, 1966 and featuring the name of the owner and serial number of the watch. It is undoubtedly the most original and best documented Milgauss Ref. 6541 to ever appear at auction.