Rolex. A very rare stainless steel automatic wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, black honeycomb dial and bracelet

The present watch features the very rare and sought after honeycomb dial, consisting of two cross aluminium layers to protect it even further against magnetic radiation. It is furthermore preserved in very good, original overall condition, maintaining the original hands and bezel and the period bracelet, all rarities by themselves.

Milgauss ref. 6541 The Milgauss model reference 6541 with black revolving bezel was introduced to the market in the 1950s. It was designed for use in areas of high electro-magnetic radiation, such as research labs or power stations. The influence of radiation on the balance work results in losing accuracy. These effects can be reduced by using the principles of a "Faraday Cage", e.g. by placing the movement in an iron inner case shielding the movement.

The Faraday Cage is attributed to the physicist Michael Faraday who, in 1863, built a room coated with metal foil and allowed high-voltage discharges from an electrostatic generator to strike its outside. He then used an electroscope to show that there was no excess electric charge on the inside of the room's walls.

Reference 6541 is illustrated in 100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 224 & 225, and in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, p. 33.