Rolex Milgauss
ROLEX MILGAUSS
The Rolex Milgauss stands out as one of the brand’s most distinctive timepieces, combining a storied legacy with exceptional functionality. Throughout its history, Rolex has developed watches tailored to specific professions—like the GMT-Master for pilots and the Submariner for deep-sea divers. Yet, until the introduction of the Milgauss, there wasn’t a model designed specifically for scientists working in highly magnetic environments, such as laboratories and power plants.
In the aftermath of World War II, rapid advancements in science, medicine, and engineering led to the development of advanced electronic equipment, which quickly became essential in research laboratories, hospitals, and power plants. However, these technological innovations also brought about a new challenge: the growing presence of electromagnetic fields that could interfere with the accuracy of mechanical timepieces.
Mechanical watches can be disrupted by electromagnetic fields stronger than 50 to 100 gauss (the unit of magnetism). As a result, scientists working in environments with strong magnetic fields were faced with a dilemma: either wear a watch that couldn’t keep accurate time or choose not to wear one at all.
Rolex addressed this challenge by developing a magnetic shield—a Faraday cage—and integrated it into the Milgauss 6541 in 1956. This timepiece, designed specifically for scientists, was capable of withstanding magnetic interference up to 1,000 gauss. Its effectiveness was tested and verified by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which confirmed that the Milgauss could in fact resist magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss. The name "Milgauss" was therefore a fitting choice, combining mille, the French word for one thousand, with gauss, the unit of measurement for magnetism. With the Milgauss, scientists now had a reliable solution that maintained both precision and style.
Rolex Milgauss 6541
Following the Milgauss 6541, Rolex introduced the Milgauss 1019. While it kept many of the key features of its predecessor, the 1019 offered a slight variation in dial options, available in both black and silver—whereas the 6541 was only produced with a black dial. The Milgauss collection was eventually discontinued in 1988, due to lower demand compared to other iconic Rolex models like the Daytona and Submariner. Despite its remarkable functional capabilities, the Milgauss never gained the same level of aesthetic appeal or recognition as these other models.
Rolex Milgauss 1019
In 2007, Rolex reintroduced the Milgauss line with the launch of the new model 116400, available in three versions: a white dial, a black dial, and a special Glace Verte model, which featured a black dial paired with a green-tinted crystal. The new release also introduced the distinctive orange lightning bolt-shaped second hand. Despite these updates, the Milgauss remained true to its scientific heritage, continuing to offer exceptional resistance to magnetic fields.
Rolex Milgauss 116400
In 2014, Rolex introduced an additional dial option with the Milgauss Z-Blue 116400GV. This latest model showcased a striking blue dial paired with a green-tinted crystal and retained the orange lightning bolt-shaped second hand from previous versions. The Milgauss Z-Blue quickly became a favorite among watch enthusiasts and collectors thanks to its unique design.
Rolex Milgauss Z-Blue 116400GV
Despite its popularity, Rolex unexpectedly discontinued the Milgauss collection in 2023. However, its legacy lives on, leaving a lasting impact on watchmaking by proving that innovation and timeless style can coexist.
We currently have two Rolex Milgauss models available:
Rolex - Pre-owned Milgauss Black Dial 116400GV
Rolex - Pre-owned Milgauss Blue Dial 116400GV
