Vintage Rolex 1019 Milgauss

This Rolex watch is in vintage condition with some wear consistent with age. The case and bracelet have been polished. The inside caseback is stamped, "I.70" indicating it is from the first quarter of 1970. It's interesting to note that the case is from 1979 and when researching similar examples we have seen this combination multiple times. The dial has developed patina. The lume has all aged evenly to a buttery yellow color. The hour markers and hands have also developed patina. The bracelet has some stretch between the links. 

Rolex introduced the Milgauss in 1956 and it was geared towards the scientific community. At this time Rolex was making different watches for different purposes. The Submariner introduced in 1953 was made specifically for divers, the Explorer also introduced in 1953 was made for adventurers, the GMT introduced in 1955 was made for pilots, etcetera. Rolex is known for making these tool watches for specific purposes and the Milgauss was meant to withstand magnetic fields. Magnets and mechanical movements don't mix and when watches are exposed to magnetic fields it can cause problems and the watches will not function properly. The word Milgauss can be broken down into "Mil" which is French for 1000, and "gauss" which is a unit of magnetic induction. Put them together and it means 1000 gauss, meaning the Milgauss can withstand up to 1000 gauss. Read more about the Milgauss here.  

Rolex made a few different references of the Milgauss from 1956 to 1988 and came out with the reference 1019 in 1960s. Rolex discontinued the 1019 in 1988 and brought back the Milgauss back into production in 2007 and is still offered in the catalog. Rolex offered this reference with either a silver or black dial and it was 38mm, which was different than other models in the collection. Bigger than a Datejust, but smaller than a Submariner, it is just right. Overall the black dial versions are far less common than the silver dial counterpart and are highly sought after by collectors. The ref. 1019 Milgauss in general is a rare model due to the lack of popularity, it was not a big seller like other popular models, so it makes sense why Rolex discontinued the model. The red "Milgauss" text on the dial reminds us of a "Red" Submariner or "Big Red" Daytona, but these are much more under the radar. The red text matches the red triangular seconds hand tip very nicely adding a bit of pop to the dial. The Milgauss is unlike any other vintage sports Rolex and for that reason over the last few years collectors really gravitate towards these and the black dial versions are especially coveted.