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Line 1: {{short description\|Wristwatch model by Rolex}} ~~[[Image:Milgaussnew.jpg\|thumb\|New version of the Rolex Milgauss wristwatch post-2007 model.]]~~ [[~~File~~Image:Rolex Milgauss GV116400GV.jpg\|thumb\|Rolex Milgauss ~~GV (2012)~~116400GV.]]▼ The '''Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss''' is a wristwatch model introduced by [[Rolex]] in 1956 with model number 6541. The Milgauss was designed as an [[antimagnetic watch]] specifically for those who worked in [[power plants]], medical facilities and research labs (like CERN in Geneva){{cn\|date=February 2016}} where electromagnetic fields can cause havoc{{clarify\|date=February 2015}} with the timing of a watch. The current (post-2007) model Milgauss is equipped with a non-magnetic alloy (Parachrom-Blu) hairspring<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E3lEiFUmVM&feature=player_embedded#at=66</ref> and movement encased by a magnetic shield, most likely{{vague\|date=January 2015}} composed of a high magnetic permeability material (see [[Mu-metal]] or [[Permalloy]]). The name ''Milgauss'' is derived from the [[Latin]] ''mille'', which means one-thousand, and ''[[gauss (unit)\|gauss]]'', the unit of a magnetic field. This model is so named because it can withstand a magnetic flux density of 1,000 gauss.<ref>The Rolex Report pg. 60 by John E. Brozek</ref> The '''Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss''' is a wristwatch model introduced by [[Rolex]] in 1956 with model number 6541. The Milgauss was advertised as “designed to meet the demands of the scientific community working around electromagnetic fields”. The first of its kind, it is capable of withstanding magnetic fields of up to 1,000 [[Gaussian units\|gauss]] and became known for being worn by scientists at the [[European Organization for Nuclear Research]] (CERN) in [[Geneva]]. Its resistance to magnetic interference stems from a shield inside the case made of ferromagnetic alloys, which protects the movement. This shield consists of two components, one screwed to the movement and the other to the case. In addition, its Caliber 3131 movement includes paramagnetic materials.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.timepiecechronicle.com/features/2017/6/15/a-brief-history-of-the-rolex-milgauss\|title=A Brief History of the Rolex Milgauss\|website=Timepiece Chronicle\|language=en-US\|access-date=2019-08-05\|archive-date=2020-04-05\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405002635/https://www.timepiecechronicle.com/features/2017/6/15/a-brief-history-of-the-rolex-milgauss\|url-status=dead}}</ref> The name Milgauss is derived from the French ''mille'', which means one-thousand, and gauss, the unit of a magnetic field.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.rolex.com/fr/watches/milgauss.html\|title=Plus d'informations sur Rolex.com\|website=Rolex\|language=fr\|access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref> ~~== Original model ==~~ The original Milgauss was very similar to the appearance of the [[Rolex Submariner]], with an oversized case and bezel, with the Twinlock crown, and a riveted Oyster bracelet. Although the Milgauss only went through two different models (6541, 1019) the Milgauss went through numerous configuration changes before being discontinued in 1988.▼ The Rolex Milgauss was discontinued in 2023.<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Reuter \|first1=Dominick \|title=Rolex is discontinuing its $9,300 'mad scientist' Milgauss watch — and now some resellers are listing it for over $13,000 \|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/rolex-milgauss-discontinued-bringing-new-interest-to-cult-favorite-2023-3?r=US&IR=T \|website=Business Insider \|access-date=4 October 2023 \|date=28 March 2023}}</ref> The Milgauss remains a sought after model amongst Rolex collectors due to its relatively low sales and popularity during the 1960s and 70s,<ref>http://timetapestry.blogspot.com/2008/10/rolex-milgauss-classy-beauty.html</ref> it has become rare in today's vintage watch market. A vintage Milgauss signed by Tiffany & Co. recently sold for over $32,000.<ref>http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/2009/4/16/a-vintage-rolex-milgauss-signed-by-tiffany-co-try-to-contain.html</ref>▼ == History == ▲The original Milgauss was very similar to the appearance of the [[Rolex Submariner]], with an oversized case and bezel, with the Twinlock crown, and a riveted Oyster bracelet. Although the Milgauss ~~only~~ went through only two different models (6541, 1019) the Milgauss went through numerous configuration changes before being discontinued in ~~1988~~1986. In the 1960s, Rolex launched the Milgauss ref. 1019. However, this particular model looks so different from its predecessors that at first glance the Milgauss link (aside from the red MILGAUSS text) is not immediately clear.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/vintage-rolex/vintage-milgauss-doesnt-actually-look-like-milgauss.html\|title=The Vintage Milgauss 1019 That Doesn't Look Like a Milgauss \|work=Bob's Watches\|date=19 November 2018\|publisher=}}</ref> ▲The Milgauss remains a sought -after model amongst Rolex collectors due to its relatively low sales and popularity during the 1960s and 70s,<ref name="timetapestry.blogspot.com">{{cite web\|url=http://timetapestry.blogspot.com/2008/10/rolex-milgauss-classy-beauty.html\|title=the rolex milgauss... a classy beauty\|publisher=}}</ref> it has become rare in today's vintage watch market. A vintage Milgauss signed by [[Tiffany & Co.]] ~~recently~~ sold in 2008 for over $32,000.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/2009/4/16/a-vintage-rolex-milgauss-signed-by-tiffany-co-try-to-contain.html \|title=A Vintage Rolex Milgauss Signed by Tiffany & Co.: Try to Contain Yourself, Please \|work= Hodinkee \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420124059/http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/2009/4/16/a-vintage-rolex-milgauss-signed-by-tiffany-co-try-to-contain.html \|archive-date=2009-04-20}} </ref> A Rolex Milgauss was sold by [[Phillips Auctioneers]] in May 2023 for 2.24 million [[Swiss franc]]s (US$2.5 million), setting a new record for the model.<ref>[https://amp.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3220987/inside-rolexs-watch-nerds-just-smashed-sales-records-rare-milgauss-sold-us25-million-highest-amount Inside Rolex’s ‘watch for nerds’ that just smashed sales records: a rare Milgauss sold for US$2.5 million, the highest amount paid at auction, but was originally made for Swiss scientists] ''Bloomberg'', 18 May 2023</ref> == Versions == [[File:Rolex Milgauss GV.jpg\|right\|thumb\|Rolex Milgauss GV (2012)]] In 2007, Rolex brought back the Milgauss after nearly two decades as the model number 116400. There are currently four versions: white dial or black dial with a standard colorless sapphire crystal and the GV (Glace Verte) with black or blue dials. Rolex presented the new version with electric blue dial and green-tinted sapphire glass in 2014. <ref>http://www.rolex.com/watches/baselworld-2014/new-rolex-milgauss.html</ref> The GV is the only Rolex produced with a tinted crystal. Although initially rumored to be a limited edition, the GV version is still produced nearly 3 years later.<ref>http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=27162</ref> In 2007, Rolex brought back the Milgauss after nearly 20 years, as model number 116400. The model initially came in three versions: A black dial with white batons and orange squares on the minute track at the batons; a white dial with orange batons and orange minute track; a black dial with orange and white batons and a green sapphire crystal. The Milgauss was the only Rolex produced with a tinted crystal. ~~Due~~Because toof its internal magnetic shield, the Milgauss is thicker than the Submariner, but the same width. ~~and~~It weighs 157 grams. The Milgauss is available only ~~available~~ in ~~904L polished~~ [[SAE 904L stainless steel\|904L]], anpolished ~~alloy~~stainless steel, ~~that~~which is extremely resistant to scratches and corrosion.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.rolex.com/en/collection/oyster-perpetual/index.jsp#/en/collection/oyster-perpetual/milgauss/steel/M116400-0001/brochure/details/ \|title=Official Rolex Website > Yacht-Master II \|website=www.rolex.com \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115075906/http://www.rolex.com/en/collection/oyster-perpetual/index.jsp \|archive-date=2009-01-15}} </ref> ~~Aside~~Apart from its resistance to magnetic fields, the Milgauss' most unusual feature is its orange lightning-bolt second hand, a unique feature ~~in the Rolex lineup that was~~ originally introduced with the 6541 Milgauss model.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.timekeeperforum.com/showthread.php?s=2f34fd18402c5e11debec666c39768c5&t=2174\|title=Review Of The Rolex Milgauss 116400GV\|publisher=}}</ref>▼ In 2008, the ~~[[MSRP]]~~recommended ~~for~~retail itprice was $6,200 and it was selling at or below ~~retail~~this price.<ref~~>http://~~ name="timetapestry.blogspot.com"/~~2008/10/rolex-milgauss-classy-beauty.html</ref~~> ~~The MSRP for the GV was $6,575 and it was selling above retail in most situations.~~<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.essential-watches.com/Rolex-New-116400GV-Milgauss-Green-Crystal-Anniversary-Model-18769.aspx\|title=116400 GV Rolex Milgauss Steel – Essential Watches\|last=Essential-Watches.com\|website=www.essential-watches.com}}</ref> A short time before its release, resellers and retailers were asking as much as double retail in anticipation of the new model.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=37268\|title=Milgauss price question... – Rolex Forums – Rolex Watch Forum\|website=www.rolexforums.com}}</ref> As of ~~2017~~2022, shortly before the line was discontinued, the MSRP for a GV Milgauss iswas $89,~~200~~150.{{fact\|date=June 2024}}▼ ▲Due to its internal magnetic shield, the Milgauss is thicker than the Submariner, but the same width and weighs 157 grams. The Milgauss is only available in 904L polished [[stainless steel]], an alloy that is extremely resistant to scratches and corrosion.<ref>http://www.rolex.com/en/collection/oyster-perpetual/index.jsp#/en/collection/oyster-perpetual/milgauss/steel/M116400-0001/brochure/details/</ref> Aside from its resistance to magnetic fields, the Milgauss' most unusual feature is its orange lightning-bolt second hand, a unique feature in the Rolex lineup that was originally introduced with the 6541 Milgauss model.<ref>http://www.timekeeperforum.com/showthread.php?s=2f34fd18402c5e11debec666c39768c5&t=2174</ref> == See also == ▲In 2008, the [[MSRP]] for it was $6,200 and it was selling at or below retail.<ref>http://timetapestry.blogspot.com/2008/10/rolex-milgauss-classy-beauty.html</ref> The MSRP for the GV was $6,575 and it was selling above retail in most situations.<ref>http://www.essential-watches.com/Rolex-New-116400GV-Milgauss-Green-Crystal-Anniversary-Model-18769.aspx</ref> A short time before its release, resellers and retailers were asking as much as double retail in anticipation of the new model.<ref>http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=37268</ref>As of 2017, the MSRP for a GV Milgauss is $8,200. * [[Rolex Daytona]] ▲[[File:Rolex Milgauss GV.jpg\|thumb\|Rolex Milgauss GV (2012)]] * [[Rolex Day-Date]] * [[Rolex Datejust]] * [[Rolex GMT Master II]] * [[Rolex Sea Dweller]] * [[Rolex Submariner]] * [[Rolex Yacht-Master]] * [[Rolex Explorer II]] ==References== Line 23 ⟶ 39: [http://www.timekeeperforum.com/showthread.php?s=2f34fd18402c5e11debec666c39768c5&t=2174 TimeKeeperForum In-Depth Review] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E3lEiFUmVM&feature=player_embedded#at=66 Parachrom Blue Hairspring Video] *[https://www.aandewatches.com Used Rolex Watches] A&E official site [[Category:Rolex watches]]