Black Dial 1019 Rolex Milgauss

The Milgauss is dead. Except, if you love Rolex, you’ll know the best core scientific Rolex offering was never called Z-Blue. It was called 6541 or maybe 6543. However, if you’ve glanced recent auction results to find the last great 6541 hammered at 2.5M, don’t lose hope. The 1019 has always been the awkward child of the Rolex four-digit professional world, cast aside for the family-favorite Sub or Daytona who bathe in attention. But it’s quietly excellent, austere, and massively handsome. The 1019 was produced from 1960 until 1989ish, which is why it will never command million-dollar auction sums. But that also means there’s much to learn, much nuance to appreciate, and relatively understandable values. Who says science isn’t sexy.

Many consider the 1019 to either have a vertically brushed silver dial or this slightly rarer black matte alone. That’s like saying Porsche make a fast or slow 911; it’s just deeper than that. The rarest and earliest 1019s have gloss black dials, nicknamed the ‘Black Swan’ with silvered gilt print. Three of these are known, the last went for 150K CHF. Then there are CERN dials, which lore holds were an order placed by the nuclear research organization with black enamel in place of tritium to not interfere with sensitive equipment. Then, of standard production, dials are segmented between two main types. Early ones had a smaller Rolex, 1/5 seconds increments, and larger SCOC. This latter dial is the opposite. Usually, the earlier dials are the more collected. But you should always buy on condition primarily, which is where this one sings.

The 1019 was never popular. Interestingly, when Loupe This sold a true NOS 1019 in this exact dial type in ’22 for 75K, the serial dated to ’79 but it wasn’t sold until ’90. Similarly, this example dates also to ’79 by serial but wasn’t sold until ’86. It’s the same today, the 1019 isn’t the sexy tool watch Rolex lovers think of first. There’s never been a photo of Bond, Newman, or McQueen wearing one. But that’s kind of for the best; it’s more cerebral and purely function. That lack of glamour means silver dials hover perennially around 20-40K and black dials 30-50K. They’re dependable and likable, without ever seeking the spotlight: a sort of Michael Fassbender of sport Rolex. The future of the Milgauss remains unclear. But that’s fine. Because, if history has taught us anything, it’s that Rolex are incapable of doing better than they did in the late 60s anyway.

This example is a killer. The case is very full, with top brushing and bevels still hanging out strong. Same for that broad flat inclined bezel. The dial here has had its tritium turn a lovely cream, same of the hands. And to double down on the awesome, this one is a true full set. It comes from well-regarded California retailer.