Rolex Milgauss: The Scientist’s Watch
Rolex is a brand that’s synonymous with luxury, precision, and style. However, one of its watches, the Milgauss, stands out from the rest for a different reason: its unique design and purpose.
Initially introduced in 1956, the Milgauss was designed specifically for scientists and engineers. The watch’s name itself, “Milgauss,” is a combination of two words: “mille” (Latin for a thousand) and “gauss,” a unit of magnetic induction. It was created to withstand magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss, making it a valuable tool for scientists who worked in high-magnetic environments, such as nuclear research facilities or particle accelerators.
The Discontinuation of the Modern Milgauss
In recent news, Rolex has announced the discontinuation of the modern Milgauss model, much to the dismay of watch enthusiasts and researchers. The modern Milgauss (ref. 116400) was released in 2007 and featured a contemporary design that still paid homage to the watch’s scientific roots.
While the Milgauss was never Rolex’s best-selling watch, it has certainly garnered a devoted following over the years. Its unique design, with its lightning bolt second hand and orange accents, has made it a distinctive and sought-after timepiece.
An Auction Record for a Vintage Milgauss
Despite its relatively low sales, the Milgauss’s legacy is still strong. In November 2018, a vintage Milgauss sold for a record-breaking $1.22 million at a Phillips auction in Geneva, Switzerland. The watch, a reference 6541 from 1958, was in exceptional condition and had previously belonged to renowned Italian physicist Giovanni Giorgi.
The sale set a new record for a Milgauss and highlighted the enduring appeal of this unique Rolex model. Vintage Milgauss watches are considered a prized addition to any watch collection due to their rarity and historical significance.
The Milgauss Legacy
The Rolex Milgauss may no longer be in production, but its legacy lives on. Its iconic design and purpose have cemented its place in watch history as a timepiece that stood out from the rest. As Rolex discontinues the modern Milgauss, its value as a collector’s item will only increase.
The Milgauss’s importance as a scientific tool also serves as a reminder of the intersection between science and design. Rolex’s creation of a watch for a specific purpose demonstrates the brand’s commitment to both functionality and style, a hallmark of its enduring success.
Key Points Breakdown
- Rolex Milgauss is a watch designed for scientists and engineers
- Milgauss can withstand magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss
- Modern Milgauss model (ref. 116400) has been discontinued by Rolex
- Vintage Milgauss (reference 6541 from 1958) sold for a record-breaking $1.22 million at auction
- Milgauss’s legacy as an iconic and distinctive Rolex model lives on
Hot Take: The Milgauss Lives On
While the discontinuation of the modern Milgauss by Rolex may come as a shock to fans of this unique timepiece, it doesn’t mean the end of the Milgauss’s legacy. The vintage models remain in high demand, and their new record-breaking price at auction only serves to highlight their enduring appeal. The Rolex Milgauss will always stand out from the rest for its distinctive design, powerful functionality, and historical significance.
