THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 1019
YEAR: 1970
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO 
CASE DIAMETER: 38mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

In the world of vintage Rolex collecting, the Milgauss 1019 is perhaps one of the most elusive. These watches rarely appear on social media, there are few dedicated collector guides for the model, and a quick search on your favourite watch platform often leaves enthusiasts disappointed—there are barely any available for sale. However, for the select few who are in the know, it remains one of the coolest Rolexes ever made.

The 1019 is a true tool watch, born out of necessity to serve engineers and scientists alike. The Milgauss solved a critical issue: resistance to magnetism. They proved so useful that the clever chaps at CERN decided to wear them. However, much like other collectible vintage Rolexes, the 1019 received little attention throughout its staggering 28-year production run (almost exactly alongside the 1016—believe it or not). These watches often sat in shop windows for years before finally being sold—often at a heavy discount.

Why that was the case, we may never know—because these watches aren’t just functional; they are undeniably beautiful. The present example dates back to 1970 and features the correct silver striated dial with ridged hands. The lume on both the dial and hands has been perfectly preserved, aging to an attractive creamy hue. The case has been polished in the past but remains full and even. The full-link 78360 bracelet is in equally good condition and dates back to 1977.

The movement arrived in excellent health, running at +4 s/d, 295 amplitude, with a 0.1 ms beat error. Finding a good 1019 is not an easy task, and this is the best one we've come across in quite some time.