Rolex Milgauss 1019

The case measures 38mm across, with a 20mm lug width. Case material: stainless steel with soft-iron antimagnetic shield. Case size alone is a poor guide to how a watch wears; lug-to-lug length and how the bracelet drops off the case matter more, which is why we suggest trying one on before you commit.

Cal. 1580. Power reserve is 48 hours. It beats at 19,800 vph. The movement uses 26 jewels.

It is rated to 50 meters, about 164 feet. That covers brief swimming. It is not a dive watch. One caution that applies to every watch on this page: a water resistance figure describes a new watch with fresh gaskets. On a piece that is years past its last service, treat the rating as unknown until it has been pressure tested.

Rolex produced this reference from 1963 to 1988. Production years matter when you are valuing one, because dial, bezel and bracelet details often changed inside a single reference run.

1019 is the second-generation Milgauss, a 38mm Oyster with a soft-iron antimagnetic shield around the Cal. 1580, an acrylic crystal, and 50m rating. Crucially it uses a STRAIGHT seconds hand, not the lightning bolt. Dials are silver or black, with some marked anti-magnetic 'CERN' examples.. Reading the reference is the fastest way to confirm that a watch is what the seller says it is, before you get anywhere near the movement.

Antimagnetic Milgauss; STRAIGHT seconds hand (not a lightning bolt), soft-iron shield. Collector nicknames are not official Rolex names, but they are what people actually search for and what they are called across a showroom.

Yes. We buy this reference outright, and we lend against it if you would rather keep it. We are a family-owned San Diego buyer established in 2006, our appraisers are GIA-trained, and the appraisal is complimentary with no obligation to sell. You can bring it to our Gaslamp showroom at 907 Sixth Ave or start online. If you are looking to buy this reference instead, tell us and we will let you know when one comes in.