The Rolex Milgauss

[Tools]

Originally introduced in 1954 for people who worked around strong magnetic fields such as power plant workers, hospital employees, and research laboratories.

Current production models, using Faraday Cage construction, are good for work around 1,000 Gauss

Milgauss Reference Numbers: 6451, 1019, 116400

Date of production: 1954 to ~1986, 2007 to current

Movements: 1019 -1580 & 116400 - 3131

Case size: 1019-38mm; 116400 - 40mm

Weight: 116400 - 154 grams

Power Reserve: ~44 hours

Photographs:

Dial. Matt Black
(Photos courtesy of Mike)
http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/ML16.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/ML3.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/ML13.jpg

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Please allow me to qoute this nice overview over the history of the Milgauss watches, posted by Mike on 2008-05-25:

(...)

I'm certainly no expert on the Milgauss and will quickly defer to those who have done more research in the reference than I have. I did a bit of reading/research on the reference prior to getting mine.

Any discussion on the Milgauss must include the relationship between CERN--Counseil European pour la Recherche Nuclearire--a French concern based outside Geneva that controlls the world's largest cyclotron.

Born circa 1954 circumstantial evidence seems to find that CERN approached Rolex to create an anti-magnetic watch for use in it's enviornment.

The watch was to be used by scientists in magnetic fields and at least initially was not designed for public release.

It appears there were various incantations of the reference 6541 as Rolex refined the model with functions seemingly borrowed from the Submariner side of the house. This seems logical as this was the time Rolex was really getting into the "tool watch" business.

Never a popular model when finally released to the public the Milgauss now rests with the grails such as the Mil Sub and others.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/V293.jpg

PHOTO CREDIT BJSONLINE

Interestingly a much rarer model of the Milgauss than the 6541 exists, the reference 6543.

While the 6541 was anti-magnetic the 6543 was amagnetic. James Dowling indicates this was done by creating an escapement made from materials unaffected by magnetism and therefor rendering part of the farady cage in the Milgauss unnecessary. Estimates place the number of 6543s in existence at about 80. (CREDIT JAMES DOWLING)

In the 60s Rolex created another version of the Milgauss, the reference 1019.
The model used a 15xx movement and could be had in a couple of dial configurations including one called the CERN dial that was void of any luminous material. This was done, so they say, because CERN scientists working with the smallest particles of radiation could not have ANY radiation emitting from their watches. Estimates place the CERN version at around 5oo examples and information exists that the dial was at least an option to the general public. (though how well known an option I haven't a clue)

CERN DIAL 1019--CREDIT KEVIN O

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/nastoff/1019_cern_01.jpg

That Rolex chose to release a modern version of the Milgauss I think speaks to the regard the reference is held in by the vintage community.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/ML8.jpg

Hope this helps a little.:cheers:

[shedlock2000]

Excellent thread, thanks guys, i have a question regarding Gauss, and tesla, whats the difference in measurment, and what numerical value makes the two equivilent, ?

[brainbizz]

I believe 1 Tesla is 10,000 Gauss

[shedlock2000]

I believe 1 Tesla is 10,000 Gauss

Ahh, thanks, it came up in a recent thread. They made a amagnetic watch before, why did they not do this for the new release?

[SPACE-DWELLER]

As an interesting sidenote, the ONLY current Rolex watch that does not sport the laser etched coronet ("LEC") in the crystal is the Milgauss GV (green edged crystal):

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/millprint.jpg
(From a German watch forum. Pic originally posted by Jocke).

[Tommasi]

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/nastoff/1019_cern_01.jpg

My dad has this watch, any idea how much it is worth? Im not sure if its this exact dial, or a normal white face though.

[mike]

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/nastoff/1019_cern_01.jpg

My dad has this watch, any idea how much it is worth? Im not sure if its this exact dial, or a normal white face though.

That appears to be a CERN dial. If all correct a bit rare.:thumbsup: Check the above post on the history of the Milgauss.:cheers:

[Lubrifar]

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/nastoff/1019_cern_01.jpg

My dad has this watch, any idea how much it is worth? Im not sure if its this exact dial, or a normal white face though.

That is a nice Gauss! :thumbsup:

[cstegall]

Thanks for this review. About to buy a Milgauss and this really helped.

[Trurolexer]

:cheers:Nice report Everyone!!!:cheers:

[Spare201]

You know I've wondered about the millgaus for a while. Doesn't the use of a parachrome hairspring and 904L kinda make the milgauss kinda, well redundant? The hairspring is really the only bit on a conventional watch that could be screwed up by magnetism. Parachrom kinda takes that out of the equation. All of the leaves and pinions are brass, pivots and bridges are steel though (still not enough for magnetism to cause a malfunction).

[masskc]

does anyone know if the original GV's had the coronet engraving at 6pm? or sorry were at least attempted by rolex?

does anyone know why can it not be done?

[hflee55]

this review might just make me want to go out to get the GV.

[Esquire]

this review might just make me want to go out to get the GV.

It's not really going to resist anything magnetic in a hospital, to be quite honest. Resisting 1000 gauss is nothing when you look at modern medical equipment. That would be like having a watch that was waterproof to one foot for one second, and going for a swim in the ocean.

[Vanessa]

You know I've wondered about the millgaus for a while. Doesn't the use of a parachrome hairspring and 904L kinda make the milgauss kinda, well redundant? The hairspring is really the only bit on a conventional watch that could be screwed up by magnetism. Parachrom kinda takes that out of the equation. All of the leaves and pinions are brass, pivots and bridges are steel though (still not enough for magnetism to cause a malfunction).

That's not true. The rest of the movement can get magnetic and this will cause the watch to malfunction. Like the pallet fork and the escape wheel which are made out of steel too.

[Tools]

That's not true. The rest of the movement can get magnetic and this will cause the watch to malfunction. Like the pallet fork and the escape wheel which are made out of steel too.

The mainspring can also get magnetized which will cause erratic power applied to the gear-train...:thumbsup:

[clonmult]

anybody know how much the original ones are worth?

I've seen quotes all over the place.

Mine was passed down from grandfather->father->me, and when I received it in the mid 90s, went straight for a valuation (for insurance purposes). Came in at around £2k.

Then chatting to a watchmaker on a motoring forum about 18months back, I was informed that it was worth more like £20k.

A few weeks back I read that its more like £30k. But I'm sure I've seen mentions on here and elsewhere that it could be worth considerably more.

Which is somewhat of an indecent proposal.

[PalmSpringsCaVault]

The milguass was a total flop once it was released, it drove down production numbers and became the rare item because it was intially rejected. Upon the release i only wonder if the white face less fancy onces will repeat the patern. I have watched them do nothing but fall in price as time goes on, they were a dealer to dealer item and expected to be really rear but there wasnt any total production numbers given and now they are everywhere, here in los angeles they are at almost every dealers booth. I think people want to replicate the rareness of the older one but its sad its gonna be a long time comming in my humble opinnion. The old ones are the most collected and saught after rolex of all time bring extremely high prices considering the orginiall retail cost.

[clonmult]

The old ones are the most collected and saught after rolex of all time bring extremely high prices considering the orginiall retail cost.

Do you have any details of what sort of prices original Milgauss have gone for over the last few years?

I'm definitely having mixed feelings on mine. I do love the feel of it, and the emotional value is absolutely huge, but there's a varying element within me that considers selling it on, and possibly buying a recent model milgauss (or other rolex) as a replacement.

[Welshwatchman]

Do you have any details of what sort of prices original Milgauss have gone for over the last few years?

I'm definitely having mixed feelings on mine. I do love the feel of it, and the emotional value is absolutely huge, but there's a varying element within me that considers selling it on, and possibly buying a recent model milgauss (or other rolex) as a replacement.

The original 6541 Milgauss is a rare beast indeed and will command £50,000+ depending on condition.

It's an auction house piece if you care to sell it.

[Rebel]

Good review. Thanks.

[clonmult]

The original 6541 Milgauss is a rare beast indeed and will command £50,000+ depending on condition.

It's an auction house piece if you care to sell it.

Thats what I was told by a watchmaker last night. Mild surprise, as the first valuation I had on it circa 15 years ago, it was around £2k. Then 18 months ago it had gone up in value to about £20k.

And now £50k.

Ouch. And double ouch.

[slc1310]

Thanks for the knowledge

[clonmult]

I should have added - that was for insurance valuation purposes, it probably has little direct bearing on a possible sales value.

[T5AUS]

Thanks for the info guys, very interesting :thumbsup:

Do you have a photo of yours Clonmult :cheers:

[clonmult]

Thanks for the info guys, very interesting :thumbsup:

Do you have a photo of yours Clonmult :cheers:

'tis on another thread :

http://www.rolexforums.com/showpost.php?p=1037538&postcount=4

Lovely watch. Truly.

[T5AUS]

'tis on another thread :

http://www.rolexforums.com/showpost.php?p=1037538&postcount=4

Lovely watch. Truly.

Wow, it truley is a lovely watch, can't see myself ever finding one of those, but one never knows, never thought I would own an early sub but now do, so anything is possible, that has just gone to the top of my most wanted list :thumbsup: (hope thats ok, I pinched the image)

[Fishbone]

That milgauss has gone through some beatings from the picture. A biography of this watch should be written out. It must be full of interesting stories.

[Fishbone]

does anyone know if the original GV's had the coronet engraving at 6pm? or sorry were at least attempted by rolex?

does anyone know why can it not be done?


this link will answer at least one of your questions...

quote from the link below: "It is worth noting that the Milgauss GV does NOT sport the laser etched coronet at 6 in the crystal... It has been said that the laser etched coronet would be too obvious due to the green edged crystal. Other reports state that the laser etched coronet would simply be distorted due to the green crystal. The other two Milgauss models (both named "116400", too, but without the GV nomenclature) both sport the laser etched coronet:"


:thumbsup:

[SubMan2009]

While I was out buying my wife a Lady-Perpetual yesterday, I noticed the Milgauss. I had been lusting after an Explorer II with the white face, but the Milgauss caught my eye. I am torn between the two. Only thing that I really noticed as far as features go was the lack of a date window on the Milgauss, but it's not nagging me enough to rule out the Milgauss. Any suggestions on how to break the tie between the two? They are both beautiful watches.

[dantest]

I'm a luky owner of a millgaus black face and i strongly raccomend it. It has not the date window because of the antimagnetic protection, an hole in the case should attract the magnetic field into the mechanism.

I already own an airking a GMT II and a Cellini, but compared to them, the millgauss is heavy, it's strong, it's a watch made of one block of steel, and besides it belongs to it a movement that was developed expressly for it!

[bartonjet]

As a proud owner of a 1019, I am excited to get my GV soon.

[clonmult]

That milgauss has gone through some beatings from the picture. A biography of this watch should be written out. It must be full of interesting stories.

Aye, it did have some beatings, or more accurately - it was actually used as intended, worn on the wrist and used to tell the time.

Sadly now sold, although I wish I'd been able to hold on a little longer, as prices seem to have jumped up a little since I sold it .... but you can't live with such regrets.

[MJCox]

There is a watch shop with a vintage Milgauss here in San Antonio and they are asking $45,000 I thought that was Stupid because it wasn't even refurbished. But I've only owned Datejusts and Airkings. M.

[greekbum]

Tech Specs:thumbsup:

[carlhaluss]

Larry,
Thank you for the post. Also, the excellent photos - the first one, in particular of the dial - of the new Milgauss. That is the first photo I have seen, which actually captures the proper colour of the black matte dial. My Milgauss has that dial, and it really does show as a brownish grey in a lot of lights. I think it is the most magnificent dial, with the small orange markers instead of arabics, as well as the plain white larger markers. I can't wait to get mine this week, and actually wear it on my wrist.
Fine, fine post.
Cheers,
Carl

[mike]

Milgauss GV

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/gv/DSC02522.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/gv/DSC02469.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/gv/DSC02467.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/mike381/gv/DSC02505.jpg

[Speed Metal Army]

I love my Milgauss.

[watchlove]

Thank you for all of this information- this is the watch I am hoping to purchase for my husband and I appreciate the wealth of information I have been finding here!

[KarlFr]

great review, thanks!

[rmcarlton]

I enjoyed that. Thanks.

[Evanjoe610]

CERN DIAL 1019

I have this very same similar watch. Same dial and the model designation of 1019. When I brought into Rolex USA in NY, they thought that ti was a counterfeit, because none of the technician ever saw one! The watch had to go back to Switzerland for servicing. I bought my Milgauss in Belgium when I was touring Europe. What is this watch worth nowadays?

Evan

[1000ftSub]

Thanks Larry, i am not sure if should get this watch or a GMT II C:thinking::agree:

[Evanjoe610]

Guess that no one wanted to answer this one. I found out how rare it is, this morning. I was told with all the paperwork,box, and any service record, consider it to range from $35,000 and up.

Glad I found this website...:thumbsup:



CERN DIAL 1019

I have this very same similar watch. Same dial and the model designation of 1019. When I brought into Rolex USA in NY, they thought that ti was a counterfeit, because none of the technician ever saw one! The watch had to go back to Switzerland for servicing. I bought my Milgauss in Belgium when I was touring Europe. What is this watch worth nowadays?

Evan

[sea-dweller]

Good info !

[sPo-One]

An example of a White Dial 1019
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_h4h8TyjeF0g/S97FO5NeabI/AAAAAAAABhA/QtvDz1FMQ1Y/s720/_DSC3489.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_h4h8TyjeF0g/S9rKWS1506I/AAAAAAAABfE/4LFojOS7Xms/s720/_DSC3552.jpg

[quesofrito]

does anyone know if you can swap out the steel bracelet for a rubber strap on the new milgauss?

[HockeyBrand]

I don't see why not? My wife prefers to wear my GV on alligator strap (comfort and weight) and I kind of enjoy it as well. Gives it a whole new look. :cheers:

[quesofrito]

that looks great! it's a 20mm, right? any other specific thing to look for?


I don't see why not? My wife prefers to wear my GV on alligator strap (comfort and weight) and I kind of enjoy it as well. Gives it a whole new look. :cheers:

[rva33145]

The Milgauss is #3 on mybtop three list for upcoming purchases.

[bgames]

The Rolex site says the green crystal celebrates its 40th anniversary, but it also says that the Milgauss came out in the 50's. Any idea what anniversary it commemorates?

[Cosmographer]

the milgauss is a nice looking watch---I was surprised to learn that it had been around so long---I'd never seen one before finding this forum. Maybe they aren't as common or maybe I didn't recognize them when I did see them---easier to spot the subs, etc..

[Cosmographer]

I especially like the GV model--very cool green around the edge and light-up hour markers.

[hargate]

noob here :cheers:

I have run across a milgauss for sale. This line intrigues me. I work with magnetic amplification units that we have engineered to assist in water treatment. The Faraday Cage is pretty interesting. Most of everything I do involves the implementation of Faraday's Law and the Faraday's generator.

So I have been all over the web today and I have one problem. I cannot find the dial anywhere. The prospect is a white dial but it only has orange markers at the 3,6, and 9. The serial number begins with "F" and is found on the inside of the bezel below the 6. I have not taken off the bracelet to check for info between the lugs yet, nor have I had the back off.

I don't mind paying for an appraisal and I will probably get around to it before i purchase anyway but I am hoping that the knowledge here can either verify that dial variations on pieces stamped from this era are in fact a possibility or that this is possibly a very good counterfeit. I love the way this dial looks and I love that it is quite possibly somewhat unique but I don't want to get taken either. To reiterate, the dial markers are exactly like that on the black face "GV" with larger and orange luminescent markers at 3,6, and 9. The only difference is there is definitely no green saphire and the dial is white, a dull white at that.

Any help or advice that will help me with my first Rolex purchase is appreciated.

[skypilot]

Thank you Tools for starting this thread, I have leaned a lot about the 116400 I recently bought from one of the great sellers here.

[rulessapt]

+1
I bought my new white dial a couple of weeks ago after nearly a moments hesitation ;-)
The GMT will have to wait a little longer.

What I hadn't realised is the lume on the indices is all blue on the white dial models, with the green lume on the hands only.
So the black and white dials do differ not just during the day! Coolio.
Loving my 116400.

Cheers
Richard

[zacharylough]

not a big fan of the leather strap there bud... but to each his own.

[bassplayrr]

Tool, I want to thank you for this thread as it led me to purchase my GV. I was debating between the Milgauss GV, the 39mm Explorer I, and the GMTIIc. I credit this outstanding and informative thread for helping me to make my final choice.

Thanks for helping me pull the trigger on my prized new Rolex. :cheers:

[kenhiraihnl]

Congrats on your GV...enjoy and wear it in good health...:cheers:

[gbcecil]

http://bransonwatchcompany.com/albums/Branson-Fototime/116400-vg-black-green/116400v-milgauss-green-black-index-tl.jpg