Rolex Milgauss
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The Rolex Milgauss is the anti-magnetic tool watch Rolex built for scientists, and it is now one of the more sought-after steel Rolex models on the secondary market. Rolex discontinued the Milgauss in 2023 with no direct replacement, so every example is a finite, pre-owned piece. At Time 4 Diamonds, London-based and trading since 2005, each Milgauss is authenticated and sold with a warranty.
What defines the Rolex Milgauss
The name combines mille, the French word for a thousand, with gauss, the unit of magnetic field strength. First released in 1956 for engineers and laboratory staff, the Milgauss resists magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss thanks to a soft-iron Faraday cage surrounding the movement. That shield is why the case sits slightly thicker than a comparable Oyster Perpetual. The line was shelved in 1988 and revived in 2007, then retired again in 2023.
Two features make it instantly recognisable. The orange lightning-bolt seconds hand traces the original 1950s design, and the green-tinted sapphire crystal, known as glace verte, is the only coloured crystal Rolex has ever fitted to a production watch. Rolex reportedly never patented the process because it is so difficult to reproduce. With no date window, the dial stays perfectly symmetrical.
Rolex Milgauss references and specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Modern reference | 116400GV (green crystal), earlier 116400 (clear crystal) |
| Case size | 40mm Oyster, Oystersteel |
| Movement | Calibre 3131, self-winding, Superlative Chronometer |
| Power reserve | Approximately 42 hours |
| Water resistance | 100 metres |
| Dials | Z-Blue (electric zirconium blue) or black with orange markers |
| Anti-magnetism | Up to 1,000 gauss via soft-iron shield |
The final production Milgauss watches all carried the green crystal. The Z-Blue dial has drawn the strongest collector interest since discontinuation, while the black dial with its glowing orange 3, 6 and 9 markers offers a slightly more restrained look. Both share the same 40mm case that reads cleanly on most wrists.
Buying a pre-owned Rolex Milgauss
Because the Milgauss is out of production, box and papers and dial originality carry more weight than usual on this model. Our watchmakers inspect every piece for case condition, crystal originality and movement performance before it is listed. If we do not currently hold the dial variant you want, our team can source a specific Milgauss reference to your specification through our watch sourcing service.
Buyers who like the clean, time-only Rolex format often also consider the Rolex Oyster Perpetual or the pilot-oriented Rolex Air-King, which shared the Milgauss case and movement architecture during the same era. You can view the full range of Rolex watches across our collection.
Rolex Milgauss FAQs
Is the Rolex Milgauss discontinued?
Yes. Rolex discontinued the entire Milgauss line in 2023 without a replacement, so all examples are now pre-owned.
What is the difference between the Z-Blue and black Milgauss?
Both are the 116400GV with the green crystal. The Z-Blue has a zirconium-coated electric blue dial, while the black version uses a matte black dial with orange 3, 6 and 9 markers.
Why does the Milgauss have a green crystal?
The green glace verte sapphire is a signature of the modern Milgauss and appears on no other Rolex. It is a colouring process Rolex chose not to patent.
To check current Milgauss availability or arrange a viewing at our London showroom, contact the Time 4 Diamonds team by phone or WhatsApp, a channel our Middle Eastern clients use regularly.
Values for discontinued references reflect current market conditions and can move up or down. A watch should not be treated as a substitute for regulated financial investment, and any figures quoted are for guidance only.