Originally Posted by mike (Post 600551)

(...)

I'm certainly no expert on the Milgauss and will quickly defer to those who have done more research in the reference than I have. I did a bit of reading/research on the reference prior to getting mine.

Any discussion on the Milgauss must include the relationship between CERN--Counseil European pour la Recherche Nuclearire--a French concern based outside Geneva that controlls the world's largest cyclotron.

Born circa 1954 circumstantial evidence seems to find that CERN approached Rolex to create an anti-magnetic watch for use in it's enviornment.

The watch was to be used by scientists in magnetic fields and at least initially was not designed for public release.

It appears there were various incantations of the reference 6541 as Rolex refined the model with functions seemingly borrowed from the Submariner side of the house. This seems logical as this was the time Rolex was really getting into the "tool watch" business.

Never a popular model when finally released to the public the Milgauss now rests with the grails such as the Mil Sub and others.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/f...ke381/V293.jpg

PHOTO CREDIT BJSONLINE

Interestingly a much rarer model of the Milgauss than the 6541 exists, the reference 6543.

While the 6541 was anti-magnetic the 6543 was amagnetic. James Dowling indicates this was done by creating an escapement made from materials unaffected by magnetism and therefor rendering part of the farady cage in the Milgauss unnecessary. Estimates place the number of 6543s in existence at about 80. (CREDIT JAMES DOWLING)

In the 60s Rolex created another version of the Milgauss, the reference 1019.
The model used a 15xx movement and could be had in a couple of dial configurations including one called the CERN dial that was void of any luminous material. This was done, so they say, because CERN scientists working with the smallest particles of radiation could not have ANY radiation emitting from their watches. Estimates place the CERN version at around 5oo examples and information exists that the dial was at least an option to the general public. (though how well known an option I haven't a clue)

CERN DIAL 1019--CREDIT KEVIN O

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/f...19_cern_01.jpg

That Rolex chose to release a modern version of the Milgauss I think speaks to the regard the reference is held in by the vintage community.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/f...ike381/ML8.jpg

Hope this helps a little.:cheers:

Originally Posted by brainbizz (Post 601360)

I believe 1 Tesla is 10,000 Gauss

Originally Posted by Tommasi (Post 658423)

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/f...19_cern_01.jpg

My dad has this watch, any idea how much it is worth? Im not sure if its this exact dial, or a normal white face though.

Originally Posted by Tommasi (Post 658423)

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/f...19_cern_01.jpg

My dad has this watch, any idea how much it is worth? Im not sure if its this exact dial, or a normal white face though.

Originally Posted by hflee55 (Post 1035038)

this review might just make me want to go out to get the GV.

Originally Posted by Spare201 (Post 758107)

You know I've wondered about the millgaus for a while. Doesn't the use of a parachrome hairspring and 904L kinda make the milgauss kinda, well redundant? The hairspring is really the only bit on a conventional watch that could be screwed up by magnetism. Parachrom kinda takes that out of the equation. All of the leaves and pinions are brass, pivots and bridges are steel though (still not enough for magnetism to cause a malfunction).

Originally Posted by Vanessa (Post 1035735)

That's not true. The rest of the movement can get magnetic and this will cause the watch to malfunction. Like the pallet fork and the escape wheel which are made out of steel too.

Originally Posted by mgarami (Post 1004160)

anybody know how much the original ones are worth?

Originally Posted by PalmSpringsCaVault (Post 1081890)

The old ones are the most collected and saught after rolex of all time bring extremely high prices considering the orginiall retail cost.

Originally Posted by clonmult (Post 1113191)

Do you have any details of what sort of prices original Milgauss have gone for over the last few years?

I'm definitely having mixed feelings on mine. I do love the feel of it, and the emotional value is absolutely huge, but there's a varying element within me that considers selling it on, and possibly buying a recent model milgauss (or other rolex) as a replacement.

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman (Post 1113898)

The original 6541 Milgauss is a rare beast indeed and will command £50,000+ depending on condition.

It's an auction house piece if you care to sell it.

Originally Posted by T5AUS (Post 1141057)

Thanks for the info guys, very interesting :thumbsup:

Do you have a photo of yours Clonmult :cheers:

Originally Posted by clonmult (Post 1142805)

'tis on another thread :

http://www.rolexforums.com/showpost....38&postcount=4

Lovely watch. Truly.

Originally Posted by masskc (Post 1003765)

does anyone know if the original GV's had the coronet engraving at 6pm? or sorry were at least attempted by rolex?

does anyone know why can it not be done?

Originally Posted by Fishbone (Post 1143970)

That milgauss has gone through some beatings from the picture. A biography of this watch should be written out. It must be full of interesting stories.