Rolex Milgauss Watches

The Rolex is just extraordinarily notable for manufacturing the tool watches. And just like Rolex has created watches which are specifically designed for sportsmen and adventurers, for instance, the Submariner which are meant for deep sea divers. Rolex has also created watches for professionals, such as for the scientists. But Rolex is that one brand which is unbeatable and unstoppable, thus in 1956 it introduced its new model which was named the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss 6451. Now, this watch was specifically designed as an anti-magnetic watch and was meant for those who work in power plants, medical facilities, and research labs where electromagnetic fields can cause havoc.

The watch has a very unique name, ‘Milgauss’, and most of you might wonder what is the actual meaning of this. Basically the name Milgauss is a compound word which is created by Rolex. Mil is derived from the Latin word ‘Mille’, which means 1000 (in each thousand), and ‘Gauss’ is, of course, a unit of measurement of magnetic fields. And this model is named so because it can withstand a magnetic flux density of 1,000 gausses, you can imagine how high of a magnetic field the watch can resist. So you see, Rolex is not just innovative with its technology, but it is super creative when it comes to naming its models as well.

If we take a tour of the history of Rolex Milgauss, the appearance of the original Milgauss was very much similar to that of the Rolex Submariner. It came with an oversized case and bezel, with the Twinlock crown, and a riveted Oyster bracelet. Now, however, the Milgauss went through only two different models that were the Milgauss 6541 and Milgauss 1019, still, the Milgauss had numerous configuration changes before it was being discontinued in 1988. The Milgauss remains one of the most hunted models amongst the Rolex collectors because of its relatively low sales and popularity during the 1960s and 70s and it has become scarce in today's vintage watch market.

Now the first model of Rolex Milgauss featured an anti-magnetic movement accompanied with a soft iron dial and rear disc inside the Submariner case. Its second hand was in the shape of a lightning bolt and it is the most recognizable feature of the model, but this is not present on many classic examples. So most of the other watches have a honeycomb dial with an arrow-shaped marker at 3, 6, and 9, and has dots at the other hours, and has the dauphine hands. The older Rolex anti-magnetic watch model was also combined with the watch’s bezel, the second hand of the watch can be stopped when setting time to ensure precise time setting. This feature is still available on current models.

After the discontinuation of the Milgauss in 1988, in 2007, the Rolex revisited their "scientist's watch," by releasing three new versions of the new model Rolex Milgauss 116400. Now there is a slight difference in these three versions. The first two models of Milgauss features either a black or a white dial with a standard colorless sapphire crystal. The third model which is the special Glace Verte (GC) or the Anniversary model features a dial-in black with a slight design difference, and it is highlighted by a green-tinted sapphire crystal. It is called the special Glace Verte as the ‘Glace Verte’ is the name given for the tinted glass which is inserted in the dial, and this model is the only Rolex to feature this special edition.

Now the newer model Rolex Milgauss 116400 has been featured with several new technological advances. The first alteration done to the watch is to increase the Milgauss's resistance to magnetic fields, thus the new model includes a shield inside the Oyster case which is made of ferromagnetic alloys and has been specifically chosen by the Rolex watchmakers. The shield which surrounds and protects the movement of the watch ensures it runs precisely. The current Rolex 116400 model is also installed with a magnetic alloy Parachrom-Blu hairspring, which is known to be finer than a human hair, and yet it is resistant to magnetic fields and it is up to 10 times more resistant to shocks, such as from dropping the watch. And to continue with the scientific theme, Rolex includes the symbol for magnetic flux density (the capital letter 'B' with an arrow) which is engraved in the magnetic shield.

The Milgauss Rolex is thicker as compared to the other Rolex watches because of its internal magnetic shield. However, it does maintain the same width and the weight of 157 grams and is polished stainless steel. It is being furnished with the Oyster bracelet, which also offers many functional elements. It is robust, yet comfortable.

Thus the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss, in addition with its many features qualifies to be a perfect tool for those with a passion for the worlds of science and discovery.