10 Fun Rolex Milgauss Facts You Need To Know
Watch & Bullion
22 April 2023 | 3 min read
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After sixty-seven years of on-and-off production, Rolex has discontinued the Milgauss. First introduced in 1956, this iconic timepiece was renowned for its resistance to 1000 Gauss of magnetic force, a feat achieved through ingenious engineering and non-ferrous inner components.
From its early days as a 1954 prototype to its dazzling 2014 “Z Blue” iteration, the Milgauss has undergone several transformations, witnessing various dial variations and changes in components. Despite its impressive capabilities, the Milgauss struggled to gain popularity during its production run, which ultimately led to its discontinuation. Nevertheless, as with many “awkward” Rolex models, the Milgauss has become a highly sought-after collectable.
As we bid farewell to this fabulous watch, we look back at the top ten things you need to know about the Rolex Milgauss.
Rolex Wikipedia / 10 Things to Know about the Rolex Milgauss:
1. What does Milgauss mean?
Milgauss is French for 1000 gauss.
2. Whom was it made for?
It was originally designed for scientists and developed in partnership with CERN.
3. Do all Rolex Milgauss watches have the lightning bolt hand?
Not all Milgauss watches have lightning-bolt seconds hand.
4. When was the Green Glass introduced?
The green glass was first introduced in 2007 🧪
5. Why did Rolex not patent the green glass on the Milgauss?
Rolex did not get a patent for the green glass because it is so difficult to make 🧩
6. Has the Milgauss exclusively been made in stainless steel?
Yes, the Milgauss has only been made in stainless steel, unlike other professional Rolex models like the Daytona and Submariner.
7. Are the hands and hour markers on the Milgauss made of white gold?
Yes, both the hands and hour markers on the Milgauss are made of white gold, introduced to combat tarnishing on older Rolex models.
8. What does “GV” in 116400GV stand for?
The “GV” in 116400GV stands for “Glace Vert,” which is French for “Green Glass.”
9. How does the Milgauss protect its movement from magnetism?
The Milgauss uses a Faraday cage made of ferromagnetic alloys as a magnetic shield to protect the movement from magnetism.
10. Is the Milgauss the only Rolex to feature tinted glass?
Yes, the Milgauss with reference “GV” has a green-tinted sapphire crystal, making it the first and only Rolex watch to feature tinted glass.
Conclusion
Over the years, the Milgauss maintained a relatively consistent design with a few notable changes, including the introduction of the almost luminous green sapphire crystal in 2007. The final addition to the Milgauss collection was the eye-catching “Z Blue” model presented in 2014, which showcased the electro-blue dial that perfectly complemented the green sapphire crystal. As the curtains closes on the Milgauss, we are left wondering if Rolex will revisit this quirky model in the future once again.
If you have enjoyed learning about the Rolex Milgauss I would highly recommend you check out: 29 Fun Facts About Rolex You Need to Know for a nice insight into a company we love. For the rest of our blog you can check it out right here, let us know what other topics you would love to see covered in the comment section.