Rolex Milgauss

About the Rolex Milgauss

The Milgauss is a collection of Rolex watches launched in 1956 and defined by being the first of it’s kind to withstand magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss. Made for scientists, it became known for being worn by scientists at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva. Featuring a shield inside of the case made of two components and ferromagnetic alloys, which protects the movement as well as its calibre 3131 movement, which includes paramagnetic materials.

While the original Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milguass was very similar to the Rolex Submariner featuring an oversized 40mm case, large bezel, and the iconic branded Twinlock crown and Oyster bracelet. Although due to the niche tool function, it wasn’t nearly as popular as the divers watch.

Within the Milgauss watch collection, you can find two main vintage models, the ref. 6541 and ref. 1019, which were discontinued in 1986. After nearly 20 years, Rolex brought back the Milgauss collection with ref. 116400, which came in a couple of different versions. As of 2023, the Milgauss watches have again been discontinued. But you can still buy vintage Milgauss as well as newer discontinued styles at Ramsdens, as we sell preowned pieces.

Rolex Milgauss References

While the Rolex Milgauss is a smaller collection, it still embodies a beautifully crafted and impressive design with an Oystersteel case, water and magnetic resistance. With a few Milgauss models available, you can find newer models as well as vintage Milgauss watches when buying preowned, especially because Milgauss is now discontinued.

The Rolex Milgauss models that you could find are:

• Ref. 6543: Produced in 1954 and with only around 150 models, this was the first edition and was little more than the collections prototype. Resistant up to 1,000 gauss, it took its name from the French word mille for a thousand and gauss, a unit of magnetic flux density. This 38mm stainless steel model features the calibre 1080, a rotating bezel, and a black dial.
• Ref. 6543: Although the second model, Rolex cites this model released in 1956 as the official start of the Milgauss collection. This watch boasted the same traditional look, with a new addition of a lightning bolt-shaped second hand, a small nod to the scientist realm.
• Ref. 1019: The third generation of the Rolex Milgauss was released in 1960 and featured a more straightforward and modern aesthetic instead of the previous sporty-looking tool. Featuring a fixed smooth bezel instead of a rotating one, plain hour markers, standard stick hands with tiny red arrowheads, and the more powerful calibre 1580. However, this model also saw the choice in dial colours, from black to silver. You can also find the Milgauss CERN dials in this model, which was created with no lume on the dial as requested by the scientists at CERN so as not to disturb their lab equipment.
• Ref. 116400: After being discontinued for nearly 20 years, Rolex Milgauss made a comeback in 2007 to coincide with the opening of the world’s highest-energy particle accelerator, CERN’s Large Hadron Collider. These modern watches featured an internal antimagnetic shield and an ungraded 3131 calibre movement with paramagnetic components offering greater magnetic resistance. This model saw three versions, all with larger 40mm cases and constructed from Rolex’s Oystersteel alloy. From the classic Milgauss black and white watches, you can also find those with a green-coloured tinted sapphire crystal known as the Milgauss 116400GV, which was the first time Rolex ever made a coloured crystal.
• Ref. 116400 Z-Blue: In 2014, the Rolex Milgauss black dial fitted with the clear crystal was discontinued. But a new variation called the Milgauss Z-Blue in this model was released, featuring an electric blue dial and the green sapphire crystal, making it one of the most vivid and brighter models ever created.

By 2016, Rolex discontinued the Milgauss white dials, leaving only the Z-Blue and the Milgauss green sapphire cystral with a black dial in the catalogue. But in 2023, Rolex discontinued the last two watches in the collection. While not in production anymore, you can find vintage Milgauss watches as well as these more modern models.

Rolex Milgauss Features

Within the different models on the market, the Milgauss collection has always held a timeless design. The Milgauss collection has always been resistant to strong magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss with extra features of water resistance; this watch is very reliable and durable. While this has stayed the same, the design has changed over the years.

Looking at the older vintage Milgauss models, you will find 38mm cases, stainless steel materials, black, white or silver dials, plain or lightning bolt hands, a rotating or fixed black bezel, acrylic crystal as well as the calibre 1080 or later calibre 1580.

The newer Milgauss watches feature larger 40mm cases made with Oystersteel, fixed smooth bezels, and the calibre 3131. With variations of white, black or Z-blue dials and either a clear or green sapphire.

Originally designed as a men’s watch, the Rolex Milgauss is an iconic sporty tool. For more classic styles, shop our full range of men’s Rolex watches. While the Milgauss watch isn’t exclusively for men and women can also wear this timepiece, we also have a range of slimmer and more suitable Rolex watches for women.

Used Rolex Milgauss At Ramsdens

All of our Rolex Milgauss watches are preowned, and while this doesn’t always mean the watch is vintage, you can find older models. Since Milgauss is now discontinued, you can only find second-hand models on the market. When shopping for a preowned Milgauss watch, know that all our models are genuine, are in great condition and still hold the luxury of the Rolex name. Checked by our watch experts before going on sale, many Milgauss watches even come with their original box and papers for that extra level of authenticity.

Buying used is a great way to get a hold of vintage Milgauss watches as well as the newer discontinued Milgauss models. Also, it’s a good way to get into the luxury timepiece market, as many newer Rolex watches have a waiting list to buy. Here at Ramsdens, we have a wide range of preowned Rolex watches, including the Milgauss collection. All are available to buy with finance options and free delivery.

Once you have your used Milgauss, you’ll want to take care of it, especially if it’s a vintage model. We have a handy watch care and cleaning guide which will help to make sure that your luxury piece stays looking pristine.

For more information, check out our watch guides, or if you have any questions or need help finding the right watch for you, contact us; we’d love to help!