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

Consigned by a descendant of the original owner, the present "Milgauss" model is preserved in very appealing, original overall condition. It features in addition the very rare and sought after honeycomb dial, consisting of two cross aluminium layers to protect it even further against magnetic radiation.

The Milgauss reference 6541 with revolving black 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.

In the mid-1960s, the redesigned reference 1019 with blank bezel was launched (see the previous two lots). Both reference numbers are illustrated in I Cronografi Rolex - La Leggenda, Pucci Papaleo Editore, p. 33.