About the Watch

Originally introduced in 1956, the Milgauss has undergone several modifications over the years, yet one aspect remains consistent – its impressive resistance to magnetic fields. The name itself derives from the French word for one thousand, 'mille,' signifying its capability to withstand magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss. During the 1950s, the rapid advancements in technology and science exposed individuals to magnetic fields in their workplaces, posing a threat to watches. Most timepieces would succumb to electromagnetic fields surpassing 50 gauss. In response, Rolex embarked on developing a timepiece with the capacity to endure such interference, crafting a magnetic shield known as a Faraday cage to safeguard the movement. After introducing the inaugural Oyster Perpetual Milgauss in 1956, Rolex collaborated with CERN, the European particle physics laboratory, to rigorously assess the watch's anti-magnetic properties. Remarkably, this partnership continues today, spanning over six and a half decades. The original Milgauss Ref. 6154 took the Oyster case and featured a rotating bezel, bearing a striking resemblance to the Submariner at first glance. However, several distinctions set them apart. These included a distinctive honeycomb-patterned dial, hour markers represented by dots and arrows, a bold red "MILGAUSS" inscription on the dial, and the now-iconic lightning bolt-shaped seconds hand. The second model, Ref. 1019, did not garner much appreciation, ultimately leading to the discontinuation of the line in 1988. After nearly two decades in retirement, Rolex resurrected the Milgauss in 2007. This revival drew inspiration from both of its predecessors, amalgamating their key elements into the Ref. 116400 model we recognize today. This modern iteration boasts a sleek, polished bezel, robust hour markers and hands, and the reintroduction of the distinctive lightning bolt-shaped seconds hand, now rendered in a vibrant shade of orange. The re-release of the Milgauss included three distinct versions. These variations encompassed a white dial and a black dial, each accentuated with vibrant orange details. Furthermore, a special 'Anniversary' edition emerged featuring a black dial and a unique green-tinted crystal known as the Glace Verte (GV). It's worth noting that both the white dial and black dial versions with clear crystals have since been discontinued. As the years have passed since the model's discontinuation, technology has evolved. In the present day, while the watch still maintains a protective shield for its movement, Rolex has incorporated a Parachrom-Blu hairspring, a magnetic-resistant alloy renowned for its resilience against magnetic fields and robust shock resistance. Due to the protective shield around the movement, the Milgauss exhibits a slightly greater thickness compared to other models.

About the Brand

Known the world over, Rolex is a benchmark for prestige and quality in watchmaking. Since its creation, the brand has placed the reliability of its products uppermost. It submits virtually its entire movement production for testing by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres to obtain COSC certification. Rolex is also renowned for its after-sales service which is performed by staff who have been specially trained, often in Rolex's own schools in countries around the globe, including the United States and Japan. Rolex was founded by Hans Wilsdorf. A Bavarian watchmaker who emigrated to Switzerland, he immediately put his natural flair for products and business acumen at the service of a brand that would soon forge an international reputation. He was succeeded in 1963 by André Heiniger, whose son Patrick took over at the helm in 1992. Bruno Meier in 2009 then Gian Riccardo Marini in 2011 were successively appointed at the head of the business, a limited company (société anonyme) that is wholly owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation. In 2014, Jean-Frédéric Dufour, previously Chief Executive of Zenith, was named as the new CEO. Such a reputation hasn't gone unnoticed among collectors, as recent auction results demonstrate. At a 2013 sale in Geneva, for example, a Daytona Chronograph in steel achieved an absolute record price of US$ 1.1 million. The brand hones its image through associations with prominent and well-respected personalities chosen from the arts and sports. Also, in 1976 Rolex launched its Awards for Enterprise which each year single out innovative projects that promote sustainable development. The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative gives young artists a privileged opportunity to benefit from the experience of masters in their field.