The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex Watch Reviews

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 18 March 2020, 09:40 AM   #1
kieselguhr
"TRF" Member
 
kieselguhr's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Real Name: Nick
Location: Las Vegas
Watch: 1601
Posts: 10,352
Rolex Milgauss Z- Blue 116400GV review and long term impressions

Rolex Milgauss Z-Blue 116400GV


I purchased the Rolex Milgauss Z-Blue 116400GV brand new from my Rolex AD in August, 2019 and have been wearing it as part of a 5 watch rotation for more than 6 months. Here are my personal impressions which encompass both form and function of the watch.

Timekeeping
A watch’s primary function is timekeeping. Whenever I purchase a new watch, I check it’s timekeeping by comparing against time.gov twice a day for a week. I repeat this process annually to get a rough idea of the watch’s “health”. At the time of purchase, the Milgauss maintained +1 sec/day. During the annual timekeeping check in January 2020, the Milgauss had a repeat performance with a consistent +1 sec/day.

The movement contained within the Milgauss is the Rolex caliber 3131. This movement is based on the Rolex caliber 3130 that powers the Oyster Perpetual line of watches. The power reserve for my Milgauss typically lasts 46 - 48 hours when left idle with a fully wound mainspring.

Rolex caliber 3131

(From WatchBase.Com)

Dial, hands, & hour markers
The Milgauss has a time only layout with hour, minute, and seconds hands.

Both hour and minute hands, as well as the hour markers are lined with white gold and are adequately filled with off white lume offering the wearer enough contrast for reading the time both in bright and low light conditions.

Hour, minute, lightning seconds hands, & hour markers



The dial as a whole is simply spectacular as the “electric blue” shifts between hues of blue and green throughout the day while dimming down to subtle shades of ultramarine and even black at night.

Orange minute track


The minute track running along the edge of the dial is applied in blazing orange and includes Arabic numerals at 5 minute intervals. Although seemingly pointless, a minute track with defined intervals is useful for simple timing tasks.

Watch case
Like the rest of the Rolex professional lineup, the Milgauss case is constructed with 904L steel. The factory finish for the entirety of the watch case is a mirror polish. The bezel is sloped and easily allows for sliding in and out of cuffed sleeves.

Side profile


The dimensions of the case are as follows;
Diameter - 40mm
Lug to lug length - 49mm
Lug width - 20mm
Case thickness - 13mm

The Milgauss variant of the oyster case is sleek despite the added thickness due to containing an anti magnetic soft iron cage within. At 150g, it definitely has heft for a solid steel watch yet remains very comfortable to wear on my 6 1/2 in wrist. For reference, I wear my watches proximal to the wrist bone. They are worn throughout the day without removal as long as there is no need to.

Crown
The Milgauss has a larger sized crown that makes it easier to manipulate than standard sized crowns. Pulling the crown out to hack the movement is easy but still requires the use of fingernails. With regard to winding, I am typically used to feeling some sort of tactile sensation but this is non existent as winding the movement is slick and almost silent.

Rolex twin lock crown side view


Rolex twin lock crown front view



Water resistance
Despite being synonymous with high tech laboratories and geeky scientists, the Rolex Milgauss still utilizes the oyster case design with twinlock crown and is inherently water resistant to 100m/330ft or 10 bar. Basically, it will easily survive the wearer both in magnetic environments and at great depths. I have worn the Z-Blue on multiple dives with a maximum depth of 33m and it hasn’t had any water infiltration issues.

Z-Blue at Barracudas reef, Playa Del Carmen, México (depth 18m/59ft)



Bracelet finish and fitting
The bracelet is a classic Rolex 3 link oyster design with polished center links, brushed shoulder links, and polished flanks. The varied finish gives both the bracelet and the case added depth.

Oyster bracelet



Typical with all Rolex bracelets I have worn in the past, fitting is a cinch and achieving a comfortably snug fit is a breeze. The addition of an easily deployable EZ link is very nice as it is useful in the summer for wrist expansion or when having to go over thin layers of clothing (i.e. lycra).

EZ link undeployed/deployed



Clasp security
Classic Rolex oyster lock. It is a clamshell design and feels secure and hasn’t opened unexpectedly, even when accidentally bumped into solid objects.

Clasp



Final remarks
Rolex’s peculiar choice in color palette for the Z-Blue realistically should have resulted in a visual disaster. Instead, it avante garde nature elicits a smile each and every time I glance for the time. The dial is truly iridescent due to the combined effect of the sunburst finish with the glacé verte (green sapphire crystal).

This watch is simply a pleasure to wear and is a reliable wrist companion in any situation and any environment while managing to look spectacular at the same time

Z-Blue in the lab


Z-Blue in the frost
kieselguhr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 March 2020, 10:16 AM   #2
asq69
"TRF" Member
 
asq69's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Real Name: Syafiq
Location: Indonesia
Watch: GV-GMT2CTT-DJ2
Posts: 75
Thank you for the review. I am becoming more and more interested in this special Rolex!
__________________
Rolex is THE watch...
asq69 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 March 2020, 12:00 PM   #3
Fredcohiba
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2018
Real Name: Fred
Location: SE Wisconsin
Watch: DJ 126334
Posts: 408
Nice write-up. I've had mine z-blue for a week and and a day now and think it is spectacular.
Fredcohiba is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22 March 2020, 12:35 PM   #4
antelope
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: USA
Watch: Daytona
Posts: 426
thanks for the thoughtful review!
antelope is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 April 2020, 02:48 AM   #5
MeepHead
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Real Name: Aloe Vera
Location: Earth
Watch: TV
Posts: 169
How does this wear compared to the deep blue. I’m considering this but have read it’s top-heavy. I’ve no issues with the deep blue.
MeepHead is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 April 2020, 04:55 AM   #6
Willows
"TRF" Member
 
Willows's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: N. Ireland
Watch: SD4K, Sub, Airking
Posts: 148
Great review! Fantastic pics. It's nice to see a professional "tool" watch like this being used in different environments!
Willows is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 April 2020, 05:20 AM   #7
LigerBelair
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: San Francisco
Watch: Sea-Dweller 50th A
Posts: 328
Quote:
Originally Posted by MeepHead View Post
How does this wear compared to the deep blue. I’m considering this but have read it’s top-heavy. I’ve no issues with the deep blue.
I've owned a Z Blue for 2 years and while it's a substantial watch I don't find it top heavy. My suspicion is that the top heavy complaints come from people who have only briefly worn the watch.

***

Thanks very much OP for the review and especially for the exquisite pictures.
LigerBelair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 April 2020, 11:04 AM   #8
Jster
2024 Pledge Member
 
Jster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: California
Posts: 1,250
Bravo! Terrific review. I love the underwater photo. Great photography in general. Rolex is usually very conservative in their designs but the Z blue is just so whimsical. It a very special piece.
Jster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 April 2020, 02:31 PM   #9
mimariani
"TRF" Member
 
mimariani's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Real Name: Michael
Location: California
Watch: RG GMT
Posts: 459
What a great review, and beautiful pics, as is the watch :). The Z Blue was the first Rolex watch i bought, because of how mesmerized i am by the blend of colors and the green crystal, and then I tried it on and i was sold for how comfortable it is.

Its special, as it was my first, and always love wearing it.
__________________
Life is a mindset!
Explorer - 214270
Milgauss - 116400 GV
Date Just 41 - 126334
Sub - 14060m 2 liner
Tudor S&G
mimariani is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 April 2020, 03:25 PM   #10
iLLGT2
"TRF" Member
 
iLLGT2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Real Name: Martin
Location: NY And FLA
Watch: AP ROO Blue Scuba
Posts: 2,693
Amazing, bravo
iLLGT2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2020, 04:37 PM   #11
ajas
"TRF" Member
 
ajas's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Real Name: Will
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Watch: SubC, Pam, Speede
Posts: 3,137
Great review. Thank you!
ajas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 May 2020, 08:54 PM   #12
mackychase
"TRF" Member
 
mackychase's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Real Name: Mac
Location: Philippines
Watch: Hmm..
Posts: 70
Awesome review. Great photos.

Finally in early 2019, I purchased the 2012 Matte Black dial 116400GV from a grey dealer here in Manila.

For most of my professional young adult life, I only wore Seikos and G-Shocks on my wrist. However, the crown has always been dear to me as it is a beloved brand by both of my parents.

I was heavily into streetwear and sneakers then in the early 2000s and I was following a street culture e-zine back then. I saw an announcement for the Milgauss back in 2007 and it was the first time a watch really wowed me out of my seat.

I had been drooling over it since then.

Throughout that time, however, I skipped on getting a watch in spite of its wide availability in local ADs and instead went on to invest in a property that I could rent out.

Finally, in the summer of 2017 I got a hefty bonus from one of my biggest clients and I was finally on a real hunt for my first "real watch" then lo and behold, it was the time I found out about the 'Rolex bubble' thus, only a TT DJ41 was available in the AD. Still bought it, though.

In 2019, I found a local grey dealer selling the exact spec, full set, complete service history 2012 116400GV for a price I was willing to pay.

I bought it in a heartbeat.

Regardless of what anyone says, check my sig.
__________________
The Rolex Milgauss is the coolest watch ever. There, I said it.
mackychase is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 June 2020, 02:59 AM   #13
Zachsdad82
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: London
Posts: 17
Fantastic and informative review. Thank you!
Zachsdad82 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 June 2020, 09:30 AM   #14
Ny325
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Traffic
Watch: DW-5600BB
Posts: 2,791
Nice review.
Ny325 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 June 2020, 06:08 AM   #15
NLM
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: USA
Watch: See Avatar
Posts: 54
Great review. I only spoke to my AD about getting this baby!
NLM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 September 2020, 11:16 AM   #16
rolexjackson
2024 Pledge Member
 
rolexjackson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Real Name: Jackson
Location: USA
Watch: Sub, GMT, Daytona
Posts: 2,140
Amazing watch and great review!
rolexjackson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 October 2020, 09:05 AM   #17
zak98
"TRF" Member
 
zak98's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: TN
Watch: Rolex
Posts: 2,166
Great review. Have been thinking about adding one to my collection. Thank you!
__________________
Z- Submariner; P- Airking; R- DateJust; M- GMTII; C0 - Milgauss GV
Breitling SuperOcean Heritage 46
Omega Speedmaster Racing
Panerai PAM390
zak98 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 October 2020, 04:19 AM   #18
PureCoconut
2024 Pledge Member
 
PureCoconut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Real Name: Coco
Location: ��&
Watch: 5711
Posts: 611
Great review - thank you!
PureCoconut is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 October 2020, 11:25 PM   #19
mickszym
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Poland
Posts: 4
Great review! You said it's one of 5 watches you wear. Do you happen to have a sub as well? I'm considering selling one of my subs and getting a milgauss;)
mickszym is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 November 2020, 12:54 PM   #20
fskywalker
2024 Pledge Member
 
fskywalker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Real Name: Francisco
Location: San Juan, PR
Watch: Is Ticking !
Posts: 24,525
Great review!!
__________________
Francisco
♛ 16610 / 116264
Ω 168.022 / 2535.80.00 / 2230.50.00
Zenith 02.470.405
Henry Archer Eclipse

2FA security enabled
fskywalker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 November 2020, 01:08 PM   #21
Nikrnic
"TRF" Member
 
Nikrnic's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2017
Real Name: Louis Nick Ric
Location: Michigan, USA
Watch: Blnr, Expll, Subs,
Posts: 10,159
Very nice review with pics to match. I've had mine since May '18 and it keeps getting better. I really can't compliment it enough. If you own it you know it..

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk
Nikrnic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 November 2020, 02:17 AM   #22
franklin
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Manitoba
Posts: 586
This made my day. Great fun.
franklin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 November 2020, 11:19 PM   #23
Dip14
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: U.K.
Posts: 155
Love the pics, thanks for sharing .
Dip14 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 May 2021, 07:52 AM   #24
hardworkingz
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Bos
Watch: Milgauss Z blue
Posts: 1
Great review

Bought mine since 2019 and I love this watch!
hardworkingz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 May 2021, 11:27 AM   #25
scarlet knight
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: USA
Watch: Good ones
Posts: 8,109
Thank you for your good review.
scarlet knight is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 August 2021, 03:09 AM   #26
Cryptochonos1
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Texas
Watch: Sky Dweller
Posts: 316
Some awesome pictures of that piece! Personally I like it quite a bit
Cryptochonos1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 August 2021, 03:10 AM   #27
Cryptochonos1
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Texas
Watch: Sky Dweller
Posts: 316
Also excellent review
Cryptochonos1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30 August 2021, 03:10 AM   #28
Cryptochonos1
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Texas
Watch: Sky Dweller
Posts: 316
I like the green sapphire crystal, but the problem is if you scratch them it’s impossible to find a new one unless serviced but other than that awesome watch!
Cryptochonos1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11 September 2022, 02:37 AM   #29
Gerardus
"TRF" Member
 
Gerardus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Real Name: Gerardus
Location: EU
Watch: ♕
Posts: 11,805
Great review, thanks for sharing.
I bought a MG-Bz BNIB with will arrive Monday the 12th. Very excited :)
Gerardus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13 September 2022, 06:27 PM   #30
kieselguhr
"TRF" Member
 
kieselguhr's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Real Name: Nick
Location: Las Vegas
Watch: 1601
Posts: 10,352
Rolex Milgauss Z- Blue 116400GV review and long term impressions

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gerardus View Post
Great review, thanks for sharing.
I bought a MG-Bz BNIB with will arrive Monday the 12th. Very excited :)

Congratulations G!!! Welcome to the club
kieselguhr is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

Asset Appeal

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.