is rolex discontinuing the milgauss | Rolex Milgauss reviews

The rumor mill is churning, speculation is rife, and the horological world is holding its breath: is Rolex discontinuing the Milgauss? The question, once again, hangs heavy in the air, fueled by whispers from industry insiders, cryptic social media posts, and the inherent unpredictability of Rolex's strategic decisions. After all, the Milgauss, a watch conceived for scientists and engineers facing electromagnetic fields, has a history punctuated by periods of production and then, seemingly out of nowhere, disappearance.

First introduced in 1954, eventually discontinued in the late '80s before it was brought back in 2007, the Milgauss's death had, indeed, been greatly exaggerated once before. Now, in 2023, the question arises anew: is this the end of the line for the quirky, charming, and undeniably unique Milgauss?

A History of Resilience and Reinvention: The Milgauss Story

Before delving into the current speculation, it's crucial to understand the Milgauss's rich and somewhat turbulent history. Born in the atomic age, the Milgauss (a portmanteau of "mille," French for thousand, and "gauss," the unit of magnetic field) was specifically designed to withstand magnetic fields up to 1,000 Gauss. This was a groundbreaking feat at the time, making it the ideal companion for scientists, engineers, and technicians working in environments saturated with electromagnetic interference.

The original Milgauss, Reference 6541, featured a distinctive rotating bezel, often with a honeycomb or zig-zag pattern, and a Faraday cage surrounding its movement. This inner casing, made of ferromagnetic alloys, shielded the delicate components from the damaging effects of magnetism. Early models were relatively large for their time, contributing to their bold presence on the wrist.

Despite its innovative technology and specific purpose, the Milgauss never achieved mainstream popularity like the Submariner or GMT-Master. Its niche appeal and relatively high price point contributed to its slow sales. Production eventually ceased in the late 1980s, leaving the Milgauss to become a sought-after collectible among vintage Rolex enthusiasts. This period cemented its status as a cult classic, appreciated for its unique history and distinctive design.

Then, in 2007, Rolex surprised the horological world with the resurrection of the Milgauss. The new model, Reference 116400, retained the core anti-magnetic properties but introduced a more modern and refined design. This iteration brought with it a few key aesthetic choices that would come to define the modern Milgauss:

* The Lightning Bolt Second Hand: A direct nod to the original Milgauss's scientific heritage, the orange lightning bolt second hand became an instantly recognizable feature, adding a playful and energetic touch to the watch's overall design.

* The Green Sapphire Crystal (GV Model): Perhaps the most distinctive element of the modern Milgauss was the introduction of the "Glace Verte" (GV) model, featuring a green-tinted sapphire crystal. This crystal, rumored to be exceptionally difficult and expensive to produce, added a unique visual flair and became synonymous with the Milgauss.

* Improved Anti-Magnetic Technology: While the Faraday cage remained a crucial element, advancements in materials and movement construction further enhanced the Milgauss's resistance to magnetic fields.is rolex discontinuing the milgauss

The re-introduction of the Milgauss was met with enthusiasm, particularly the GV model. However, similar to its predecessor, the modern Milgauss never quite reached the sales heights of other Rolex models. Its niche appeal remained, and its polarizing design – some loved the lightning bolt and green crystal, while others found them too unconventional – likely contributed to its relatively lower sales figures.

The Rumor Mill Churns: Why the Discontinuation Speculation?

So, why is the speculation about the Milgauss's discontinuation so persistent? Several factors contribute to this recurring narrative:

* Sales Performance: As mentioned earlier, the Milgauss has never been a top seller for Rolex. While precise sales figures are closely guarded, anecdotal evidence and market analysis suggest that it consistently ranks lower than other professional models like the Submariner, GMT-Master II, or Daytona.

* Rolex's Streamlining Strategy: Over the past few years, Rolex has demonstrated a clear strategy of streamlining its product line. Models that don't align with their core brand identity or don't perform well in terms of sales are often discontinued to make room for new innovations or focus on more popular lines.

* The Rise of New Technologies: With the introduction of new materials and movement designs, Rolex has arguably achieved comparable anti-magnetic performance in other models without the need for a dedicated Faraday cage. This raises the question of whether the Milgauss's unique selling point is still as relevant as it once was.

* Speculation and Online Hype: The internet, particularly watch forums and social media, plays a significant role in amplifying rumors and speculation. A single cryptic post or unsubstantiated claim can quickly snowball into a widespread belief, regardless of its accuracy.

* The Milgauss's History of Discontinuation: The fact that the Milgauss was previously discontinued in the late '80s adds fuel to the fire. Watch enthusiasts are aware of its history and are more prone to believe that it could happen again.