Milgauss Black - Review

[N_Swe]

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc271/niqlas/mil%20rec/094.jpg


THE HERITAGE

The original Milgauss was introduced 1954, the same year as GMT-Master and Explorer. It was developed to withstand large quantity of magnetism for environmental such as power plants, hospitals and research laboratories.

CERN (European Centre for Nuclear Research) in Geneva was a main force in the
development of the original Milgauss. The watch is good for magnetic forces of 1000 gauss (1000=Mille, and thats why the watch is named Milgauss).

The production of the original Milgauss seized in 1975 after 21 years of production. It was later re-released in 2007. The older Milgauss (that was unpopular when it was produced) is among the most sought after, and expensive vintage-Rolexes there is. From 2007 it comes with white face, black face and black face with a green sapphire.

Verdict 4/5


http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc271/niqlas/mil%20rec/090.jpg


THE PACKAGE

The same old Rolex-package, outer box, manual, COSC- and pricetags. Somewhat new is the guarantee-card, that before hade been a paper.

The guarantee is for two years, worldwide. Nothing unique, unless that there are several more places you could service your Rolex compared to Panerai and IWC.

Nothing fancy - Panerais, IWCs and other competitors have nicer package, with wooden boxes etc. But this is rather unimportant to me - the watch, thats whats count.

Verdict 3/5


http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc271/niqlas/mil%20rec/085.jpg


THE LOOK

40mm and 14mm thick (which makes the watch the thickest of all Rolex except
SeaDweller). The thickness depends on the movement is protected by two cages - the
normal outer-one and the softer irons of the Faraday cage. In short - with Milgauss you have two cases, and with the extra thickness due to that.

This result is a rather big watch, some have called it a Datejust-on-steroids. Fine by me - the size and the weight is a big plus for me. It feels solid.

The lightning bolt second-hand on the dial have been quite a subject. Either you love it, or hate it. I like it. A lot. This is one of the things that seperate this watch to others, and besides: the lightning bolt doesnt appear that striking in real life. Plus - this is a heritage from the vintage Milgauss. It adds character to the design, and is loyal to its history.

The polished links is another popular subject in the forums. With this watch its working very well I think (but I dont want it on the Submariner though). Easy to scratch - yepp. But that doesnt bother me, scratces adds character too, and is something that makes the watch more of a natural companion.

The dial is absolutely stunning. Probably the cleanest among Rolexes today, and wonderful combination of orange and black. Easy to read, and the lack of the date is making the dial more symmetric.

Verdict 10/10


http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc271/niqlas/mil%20rec/087.jpg


THE FEEL

In three words: Heavy, Solid and Comfortable. You feel the extra weight compared to the GMTs and Subs, but it doesnt bother me - on the contrary, it add solidness to the feeling.

But the most striking thing about the feel of the watch is that its so comfortable. Of all Rolexes I have owned (two Subs, a vintage from 70ies, and a modern from 2007, a GMT2 and a Explorer2) its by far the most comfortable. No sharp edges, no crown thats get in your skin etc. Its just on your wrist, and you barely dont feel it. Except for the weight…

The bracelet is nothing but a miracle compared to those I tried before by Rolex. Easylink is very useful when you quick want to change the size (for example in the sweaty summer). The clasp, the details, the feeling - top notch!

Verdict 10/10


http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc271/niqlas/mil%20rec/092.jpg


THE MOVEMENT

Movement 3131 with about 44 hours power reserve. Milgauss is the only Rolex that use this calibre, but its based on the older versions - with some extra developments.

The biggest USP is of course the anti-magnetic. And by Milgauss its not just another commercial one-liner - its for real. A watch is normally considered "antimagnetic" (DIN 8309) if it can ignore about 60 gauss - ie 6% of what the Milguass is rated for! The Milgauss achieves this by (1)encasing the movement in soft iron, which is known as a Faraday cage. The new (2) hairspring material, Parachrom-Blu, also helps as this is unaffected by magnetism.

It runs flawless, about -0,5 second a day (which makes about 15 sec per month - top class in other words).

Verdict 10/10


http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc271/niqlas/mil%20rec/093.jpg


IN SHORT

+ Heritage
+ Antimagnetic is not just another commercial one-liner - its for real.
+ Weight and size
+ Movement
+ The look - elegant yet sporty and solid. A perfect combination.

- Rather boring package
- Rolex-Rolex-writing inside the dial


Total verdict 37/40

[sheldonsmith]

Great Review and Great Picts. Thanks for posting on a watch that is not too commonly reviewed.

-Sheldon

[directioneng]

Good work.:thumbsup::thumbsup:


Thank you.:cheers:

[cully]

Great review, thanks for sharing :thumbsup::thumbsup:
Nice pics too!!

Cheers :cheers: Paul

[sambone274]

Awesome review. Thanks for the info!

[Steven79]

The Milgauss is an incredible watch! Thank you for your wonderful review and I agree with it fully!

Here is a pic of my white one to compliment your review. :cheers:

http://i29.tinypic.com/29y41tg.jpg

[frostie]

Fantastic review

Enjoyed reading it :cheers::thumbsup:

[N_Swe]

And i forgot to mention the weight... 160 grams. The heaviest Rolex steel-model there is? (until DSSD anyway...)

[Robb]

Great review!!

[ral]

Thanks for the great review. Initially, I found the green glass Milgauss more interesting, but after having seen more pics of the non-green glass version with the black dial, I am starting to like its more reserved by sporty look better.

[swatty]

Great review with fantastic pics :thumbsup:

[swatty]

Great review with some fantastic pics. Thanks :thumbsup:

[astcell]

What happens if you wear this watch when you get an MRI?

[oneillba]

Thanks, I learned a lot about this great watch.

[mike]

Superb review.:thumbsup: Wonderful photo too.:cheers::cheers:

[Silmarillion]

thanx for the great review, guys!:thumbsup:

[Steven79]

What happens if you wear this watch when you get an MRI?


You cannot wear any metal during an MRI procedure. It is far too dangerous, especially a large 904L Stainless Steel watch on your wrist.



The Milgauss would suit the Radiologist or Radiology Technician better. :cheers:

[RW16610]

Fine job you did here :cheers:

[DeepSeaWatches]

Excellent review! Thanks for sharing...

[N_Swe]

Thanks for your kind words.

Update: The first week it was about 0,5 sec slow/day. The last week (after the usual "settlement") its... spot on! One week: +-0 sec. Fantastic.

The 3131 continues to impress me..

[Hank G]

Great Review

[timackerman]

Great watch. Thanks for the review

[achoi2]

dear steven79
do they come out exactly watch with black in background?
thanks
anthony

[n9zez]

Nice review....

Sure like the white dial!

[Spare201]

What happens if you wear this watch when you get an MRI?

The MRI will tear it off of your hand... but the watch will continue running.

What I found funny about the watch is that it STILL uses the ductile iron cassolet. I thought the Parachrome hairspring made the watch impervious to magnetis fields. So why the Cassolet? :rofl:

[Roselló]

Good review, I like the pic. Thank You.

[Trurolexer]

:cheers:WOW!!! What A Riview!!!:thumbsup:
Make me considering to go black than white.:clap:

[dro57]

Excellent review. Now I have to put that one on my want list...

[Frost]

Thanks for this excellent review. What a gorgeous watch. I want one!

[vapalux]

Thanks for the review, its a great watch and I would love one dearly. However I suffer from an illness which means magnetism or anything magnetic is a no no.

I cant find an answer anywhere and no AD will commit themselves. Could be asking Rolex in the near future

Thanks for sharing the watch and your thoughts

Enjoy

Si

[Massimolovesrolex]

Yeah that is a rarer watch... I have had the opportunity to hold one and see it up close.:cheers:

[Nicolas]

@vapalux: If I'm not totally mistaken the Milgauss itself isn't magnetic at all (at least mine isn't ;) ), it's "just" impervious to magnetism. So there shouldn't be any problem for you :thumbsup:

[BasicWatch]

so in otherwords, it just needed to get some mileage eh? nice.

[dardeca]

As mentioned before, I just can't get used to the orange lightning bolt second hand...if not for that, I'd own one by now.

[xbox]

All three versions have a pretty different look - I could justify owning a GV or black AND a white, more than on something like the Daytona!

[hflee55]

great review.

[Bendiga]

Is there any review for the milgauss GV?

[heresiarh]

Its a nice looking Rolex. What is the price for something like this?

[Perdu]

Very nice. I would love to own this watch and your review is not helping.

[music_healing]

You cannot wear any metal during an MRI procedure. It is far too dangerous, especially a large 904L Stainless Steel watch on your wrist.



The Milgauss would suit the Radiologist or Radiology Technician better. :cheers:

yup
thats me

MRI Radiologist :thumbsup:

[CharlieG]

Thanks for sharing, great info :thumbsup:

[tthopp05]

Thanks for the schooling.

[02transam]

nice review!!!! I know it is an old one but still nice nonetheless.

[isolator]

Fine review.
The black dial Milgauss is truly stunning.

[bt63]

The Milgauss is an incredible watch! Thank you for your wonderful review and I agree with it fully!

Here is a pic of my white one to compliment your review. :cheers:

http://i29.tinypic.com/29y41tg.jpg

The white dial is really beautiful, I am looking to own this baby.:dude:

[WatchNerd]

Great review! Generally I'm not a huge Rolex fan but that is a damn fine looking timepiece!

[Salmosalar]

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Great review of what I think is a superb Rolex watch.

Just returned from my Rolex AD and these Milgauss watches look even better in person. And they feel darn nice on the wrist too.

My favorite? I'd take the white dial version if I were buying today. The Milgauss or the Submariner just might be my first Rolex.

:smokin:

[Gasoil4ever]

:cheers: Excellent review !

You finished to convince me ! My next Rolex WILL NOT be a Explorer II or a DJII but a Black Milgauss !

[Dustin]

Thanks for this review, awesome! I have my Milgauss GV since about two months now, and the love is growing day by day! What a wonderful watch...

[carlhaluss]

Thanks for your wonderful review and pics! One of the many reviews I read about the Milgauss, that helped me decide to buy one! I have to agree, that I like this model the best. I really enjoy your excellent photos as well. I wish mine were as impressive!
You are so right - this watch just feels beautifully solid and comfortable. My bracelet has a great little squeek to it, but a squeek of quality, when I twist my wrist. I like to wear the bracelet a wee bit loose, and of course with the great Easylink it is so easy to loosen it more!
I am sure that I will get every bit of enjoyment out of it, as you do yours!
Cheers,
Carl

ps What about that great crown, eh? The whole winding is so smooth, and it tightens really easily, too.

[watchlove]

Thank you for writing this- I love this watch and am wanting to purchase it for my husband. This was very helpful!

[jlake]

Great review! I also am trying to determine which will be by nxt Rolex: a Black Milgauss or current SS Sub date.

[bestlasik]

The Milgauss is an incredible watch! Thank you for your wonderful review and I agree with it fully!

Here is a pic of my white one to compliment your review. :cheers:

http://i29.tinypic.com/29y41tg.jpg
oh,, nice , I've been looking forward to this one
I will buy
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[1000ftSub]

Very nice review indeed!

[datejust1]

wow! thanks! Now I want one even more! :cheers:

[TechPreacher]

A truly great review of a great timepiece, I agree.

I just picked up my black dial Milgauss and I am happy to read that I am not the only one with a sqeaking wristband. It still sounds a little weird to me, but hey... :)

...My bracelet has a great little squeek to it, but a squeek of quality, when I twist my wrist...

I was deciding between the green sapphire glass and the black dial version (with a clear glass). And even though I think that the green sapphire is the most unique, specila version of this watch, I decided to get the black one because I prefer the overall looks of the dial with all hour marks having the same color and dots instead of numbers for the minutes.

You'll find a close-up of the green sapphire version for comparison: http://www.topluxury.org/images/200812151722.jpg

[KarlFr]

great review:thumbsup:

[neptunebeach]

Nice review, nice pics!

[everose]

Thanks for the review..but i thought the Milgauss was made until 1988!!!..can someone please clarify? I have an M series Sub and never imagined to buy another Rolex.....until i saw the GV and was fascinated by it.The plain bezel seems refreshing for a Rolex,and the lightening hand shows heritage and, i felt....a playful way to emphasize the USP.The simplicity of the face is most welcome during these fashionable times of complication.

[sea-dweller]

Nice review !!!

[wasily]

MRI used 2-3 Teslas- ie 20000-30000 Gauss. Milgauss (1000 Gauss) would not have a chance of surviving it.

[Pietro T]

Wow. What a great watch. I do love the green one. But the black gorgeous.

[newmontsg]

anyone can tell me its weight?

[N_Swe]

160 grams (12 more than SD ie)

[directioneng]

Wristy of my GV?

[TSW]

Great review!! Thanks for sharing.

[gigibelloparis]

Love it !!
My only fear is getting bored of the atypical look after 2 or 3 years ... STILL HESITATING

[usergiovi]

I saw that your bracelet has 4 links at 6 and 7 at 12.Isn'it out of balancement?

[LouS]

Love it !!
My only fear is getting bored of the atypical look after 2 or 3 years ... STILL HESITATING

Had the white one for six months and not a hint of eye fatigue looking at it. In some ways, it is less idiosyncratic (although less characteristic) than other rolexes, so I would expect to be at least as timeless.

[Psmith]

Great review and pics :thumbsup:

This is my favourite Milgauss - I can see one in my future... :smokin:



Cheers
:cheers:

[JF73]

Thanks for the review. I'm thinking of buying the Milgauss but was not sure about the green glass edition. After seeing your pictures I decided to go for the non-green version. Beautiful watch.

[JF73]

Green or black ? hmmmm... what should I do ?

[newmontsg]

160 grams (12 more than SD ie)

milgauss heavier than sd?? latter is much bigger?

[1000ftSub]

Very nice.

[gprosser]

the faraday cage adds all the weight i would imagine...
thinking of getting one now (was previously set on a gmt iic), only concern is the strap clasp that causes the noise many have reported...

[RFXMM]

Great review!

[maeghyn]

Great review!!! It convinced me to purchase the black Milgauss. Looking forward to "officially" joining the forum.

[ErikXIV]

Awesome review. Thanks for the info!

[Speed Metal Army]

Ive had the black for a year now.Love it,and wouldnt trade it for the world.Great looking watch.

[RogerF]

This one has really been tempting me lately.......

[privatedoc]

just a quick footnote...my white dial milly is now 8 months old and has settled to a steady loss of 11 seconds A MONTH...yes, average of -0.3 secs a day...the accuracy of this thing just impresses me so much, by far the best high-end watch I own!......ps, great review and as I wear a magnetic bracelet on my other wrist, actually quite useful features!

[pcst]

Thanks for the great review!

[toddb]

does this lovely product have the all solid center links on the bracelet, with new style clasp ??

[tgoose1]

I really like it, very solid/substantial feel, wish it had the date function.

[Polemic]

does this lovely product have the all solid center links on the bracelet, with new style clasp ??

Yes. :thumbsup:

[tanqin]

I totally agree with your review. I got my milgauss gv about a year ago and I couldn't be happier. Enjoy in good health
RT

[Roley]

Great review. :cheers:

[kenhiraihnl]

OP is nearly 2 years old, but still a very enjoyable read.

[wingku]

I got my very first Rolex couple days ago! The Milgauss GV with the green crystal. No buyer remorse whatsoever. What a gorgeous piece of art. Loving it more by the day.

I'm so happy I own a Rolex and one of the classiest looking Rolex!

[Fab75]

Thanks, this is a gorgeous watch.
Thanks again for sharing with us.
Fab

[Puffy]

I got my very first Rolex couple days ago! The Milgauss GV with the green crystal. No buyer remorse whatsoever. What a gorgeous piece of art. Loving it more by the day.

I'm so happy I own a Rolex and one of the classiest looking Rolex!

excellent mate, show us a few pics :thumbsup:

[Rags]

I love the black face Milgauss. It's beautiful. Great review & pictures.

[Sunshine]

Nice review, however the 1019 was in production until 1988. Here is a pic of one of my 116400 hanging on a cooling water valve for a Seimens 501G combustion turbine.


172545

[NickH]

I bought my first Rolex a couple of months ago - went into the AD to buy a 36mm Explorer and came out with a Milgauss GV and absolutely love it - wear it every day...my favourite big spend to date!!

[steubi1]

Many thanks for this excellent review!

Beautiful pics of a very nice watch...

Regards
Tom

[wingku]

excellent mate, show us a few pics :thumbsup:

Absolutely!

[minjitta]

Here is Green Milgauss in black an white

http://i9o8fq.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pCCuh1mcCynThhlmil9RPUf75xcA8J_MiJ8OPlr3OBwX2erR M48GUAi-7yps2PBCRHZs4JvNTJOqT1na0Sbci52j9NcuPH_ZI/RolexMGTIICoke%20001.jpg?psid=1

[cedargrove]

Nice review - thanks.

Two weeks ago I didn't know too much about Rolex watches other than I wanted one. I visited a couple of dealers and the black Milgauss just spoke to me, so I bought it.

I love many of the other models, and will get a second one in the future, however I am very glad the Milgauss was my first. If I bought any other, then I'd always be wishing I also had the Milgauss (and can't afford two right now).

As for the squeeky band, I learned about these forums by searching for a solution to this problem. A few people recommended taking a shower with it. I did just that and the problem was solved immediately.

[jessiethe3rd]

Good review... Love my Milgauss...

Milguass Quick Review (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHqTA_d9Los)

[witch watch]

A truly great review of a great timepiece, I agree.

I just picked up my black dial Milgauss and I am happy to read that I am not the only one with a sqeaking wristband. It still sounds a little weird to me, but hey... :)


Another squeaky band here as well, and here was me thinking it was just mine that did it:thinking:, going by the shower comment above it seems as if it's quite a common thing...wonder if it's just this model that seems to "suffer" this "affliction" :thinking::thinking::thinking:

[Accoutre-Montres]

This was a great review. Why aren't you a watch salesman?

It is a shame however, that most consumer look right past the Milgauss and go for the Submariner. The Submariner in steel is a classic. But the Milgauss most definitely has a more refined elegance to it.

Who knows, it may be a good thing that everyone is obsessed with Submariners. It makes the Milgauss look that much more unique when you see someone wearing it on the street!

[TechPreacher]

Another squeaky band here as well, and here was me thinking it was just mine that did it:thinking:, going by the shower comment above it seems as if it's quite a common thing...wonder if it's just this model that seems to "suffer" this "affliction" :thinking:

It goes away after a few months. Just takes its time - I actually grew quite used to and fond of the "squeak".

Who knows, it may be a good thing that everyone is obsessed with Submariners. It makes the Milgauss look that much more unique when you see someone wearing it on the street!

Absolutely. This is not a watch for everyone and their dog.

BTW: I just added a "IWC Ingenieur" to the collection - a very nice watch with a similar concept.

[witch watch]

It goes away after a few months. Just takes its time - I actually grew quite used to and fond of the "squeak".


I'm sure it will and to be honest it does not particularly bothered by it, but don't you think it's odd that it just seems to be this model that is mentioned if not all of the time but most of the time when someone is talking about squeaky bracelets??

[jraz]

Great review!! Thanks for sharing this information with us.