Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 21, 2021
LOT 419
Rolex
Ref. 6541, Milgauss; stainless steel
Ref. 6541, Milgauss; stainless steel
EUR 200,000 - 400,000
USD 238,000 - 476,000 / HKD 1,850,000 - 3,690,000
Very fine and rare stainless steel, antimagnetic, self-winding wristwatch with black honey comb dial, lightning bolt center seconds hand.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 3-9 |
Good Scratched |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-10-56-58-01-06 |
Good Patinated Period bezel Slightly damaged bezel HANDS Original HANDS Partially replaced |
Brand Rolex
Model Milgauss
Reference 6541
Year Circa 1958
Case No. 412076
Bracelet stainless steel oyster riveted expanding bracelet with deployant clasp signed “Rolex USA, C&I”, n° 77
Diameter 40 mm
Caliber 1080 butterfly, n° 720576
Signature Case, dial and movement
Notes
*please note that, in case of exportation, a licence and a passport of exportation will be needed at the buyer's
expenses.
Launched in 1956, the reference 6541 is the little sister of the Rolex Milgauss reference 6543, created in 1954 for people working on scientific experiments or in power stations, who would need a watch that remained accurate in conditions of work where high magnetic fields existed.
Closely related to CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research located in Geneva), this model was used to resist to high magnetic fields. The watch’s distinctive name was derived from the French word “Mille”, meaning “thousand”, and “Gauss”, which is as measurement of magnetic induction. Magnetic fields affected the balance workings of a watch. A normal watch will become erratic at 60 oersted and cease to function at arount 100 oersted. The Milgauss had anti-magnetic alloys in parts of its movement, which was encased by an iron shield, thereby enabling the watch to remain accurate in fields of over 1000 oersted. At the time of its launch the Milgauss was considered a marvel of horlogical engineering. Not only did the watch function perfectly when subjected to a magnetic field of 1000 oersted, its guaranteed limit, but it could also remain accurate at 5000 oersted. In fact, even after being places in such powerful magnetic fields, the residual magnetism in the watch’s workings was insufficient to affect its accuracy. It would seem that none of the Milgauss models were very great sellers. The Milgauss had a small professional market, and its other buyers would probably have just liked the of this large case, and never required its unique anti-magnetic features. The production of the 6541 ends in 1960. With only 4 years of production, this reference is completely a tool watch, rich in history, sought after by collectors and hard to find in original condition.
expenses.
Launched in 1956, the reference 6541 is the little sister of the Rolex Milgauss reference 6543, created in 1954 for people working on scientific experiments or in power stations, who would need a watch that remained accurate in conditions of work where high magnetic fields existed.
Closely related to CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research located in Geneva), this model was used to resist to high magnetic fields. The watch’s distinctive name was derived from the French word “Mille”, meaning “thousand”, and “Gauss”, which is as measurement of magnetic induction. Magnetic fields affected the balance workings of a watch. A normal watch will become erratic at 60 oersted and cease to function at arount 100 oersted. The Milgauss had anti-magnetic alloys in parts of its movement, which was encased by an iron shield, thereby enabling the watch to remain accurate in fields of over 1000 oersted. At the time of its launch the Milgauss was considered a marvel of horlogical engineering. Not only did the watch function perfectly when subjected to a magnetic field of 1000 oersted, its guaranteed limit, but it could also remain accurate at 5000 oersted. In fact, even after being places in such powerful magnetic fields, the residual magnetism in the watch’s workings was insufficient to affect its accuracy. It would seem that none of the Milgauss models were very great sellers. The Milgauss had a small professional market, and its other buyers would probably have just liked the of this large case, and never required its unique anti-magnetic features. The production of the 6541 ends in 1960. With only 4 years of production, this reference is completely a tool watch, rich in history, sought after by collectors and hard to find in original condition.