The Rolex OysterPerpetual Milgauss is a wristwatch model introduced by Rolex in 1956 with model number 6541. The Milgauss was 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 gauss and became known for being worn by scientists at the European Organization for Nuclear Research 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. The name Milgauss is derived from the French mille, which means one-thousand, and gauss, the unit of a magnetic field.
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 went through only two different models the Milgauss went through numerous configuration changes before being discontinued in 1988. 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 is not immediately clear. The Milgauss remains a sought-after model amongst Rolex collectors due to its relatively low sales and popularity during the 1960s and 70s, it has become rare in today's vintage watch market. A vintage Milgauss signed by Tiffany & Co. recently sold for over $32,000.
Versions
In 2007, Rolex brought back the Milgauss after nearly two decades as the model number 116400. The initial offerings came in three versions: A dark grey/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 first two of these versions are now discontinued. There is currently an additional version in production: a blue dial with a green-tinted sapphire crystal. The Milgauss is the only Rolex produced with a tinted crystal. Due to its internal magnetic shield, the Milgauss is thicker than the Submariner, but the same width and weighs 157 grams. The Milgauss is available only in 904L polished stainless steel, an alloy that is extremely resistant to scratches and corrosion. 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. In 2008, the MSRP for it was $6,200 and it was selling at or below retail. The MSRP for the GV was $6,575 and it was selling above retail in most situations. A short time before its release, resellers and retailers were asking as much as double retail in anticipation of the new model. As of 2017, the MSRP for a GV Milgauss is $8,200.
