Rolex Milgauss Ref. 116400GV (Z-Blue or Black Dial Variant)
Tool Watch / Anti-Magnetic Scientist's Watch · Rolex (Independent Luxury Tier). The world's most recognized luxury watch brand, known for durability and value retention.
Period: Modern Luxury (2007–2023). This model revived the 1950s 'lightning bolt' aesthetic with modern Rolex manufacturing standards.
Type
Tool Watch / Anti-Magnetic Scientist's Watch
Brand
Rolex (Independent Luxury Tier). The world's most recognized luxury watch brand, known for durability and value retention.
Movement
Automatic, Rolex Calibre 3131. Features a Parachrom hairspring and paramagnetic escape wheel; 48-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph, 31 jewels.
Dimensions
40mm diameter, ~13.5mm thickness, 49mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width. Wears slightly taller due to the internal soft-iron Faraday cage.
Description
Originally designed for scientists working in power plants and laboratories, the Milgauss stands out as the 'eccentric' member of the Rolex professional lineup. Its most striking feature is the green sapphire crystal, which glows at the edges, paired with a quirky orange lightning-bolt hand that pays homage to the original 1950s Ref. 6541.
Key Features
Green sapphire crystal (GV), lightning bolt seconds hand, 1,000 Gauss magnetic resistance, internal Faraday cage, lack of date window for dial symmetry.
Dial Description
Matte black or Z-blue dial; white gold applied baton indices with Chromalight luminescence. Signature orange 'lightning bolt' seconds hand and orange minute track accents.
Case Material
Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel), known for extreme corrosion resistance. High-polish finish on the lugs and flanks.
Crystal Type
Green-tinted Sapphire (Glace Verte). Notable for being the only Rolex crystal without a Cyclops lens and having no AR coating on the exterior.
Bezel Details
Fixed, smooth high-polished stainless steel bezel.
Crown & Pushers
Twinlock screw-down crown with Rolex coronet logo; no crown guards to maintain a sleek, classic silhouette.
Bracelet or Strap
Oyster bracelet in 904L steel with polished center links and brushed outer links; Oysterclasp with 5mm Easylink comfort extension.
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down Oyster caseback with specific 'Rolex Milgauss' engravings (unusual for Rolex) and an internal magnetic shield.
Movement Type
Automatic, Rolex Calibre 3131. Features a Parachrom hairspring and paramagnetic escape wheel; 48-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph, 31 jewels.
Water Resistance
100 meters (330 feet). Suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not professional diving.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in Geneva and Bienne, Switzerland. Features an in-house movement and proprietary steel alloy.
Age Estimate
Circa 2007–2023. This specific matte dial variant was part of the initial 116400GV launch.
Cultural Significance
A cult favorite among collectors who prefer 'non-standard' Rolex designs. It represents the intersection of mid-century scientific advancement and modern luxury horology.
Condition Notes
The image shows significant scratches on the crystal or reflective debris; the polished bezel appears to have light surface 'desk diving' marks. Grade: Good/Very Good.
Value Estimate
Market value ranges from $10,000 to $13,500 USD depending on dial color and set completeness. Prices spiked after the model's discontinuation in 2023.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service every 10 years; Ensure crown is fully screwed down before water exposure. Soft cloth cleaning for the high-polished center links.
Similar Watches
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra >15,000 Gauss (higher magnetic resistance), IWC Ingenieur (integrated bracelet design), Rolex Explorer I 39mm/40mm (similar case profile).
Interesting Facts
Rolex claims the green sapphire crystal is so difficult to manufacture that they didn't even bother patenting it, as no one else could successfully replicate it.