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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.
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
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.
Hope this helps a little.
