will rolex milgauss be discontinued | Rolex Milgauss history

The horological world was recently abuzz with a seismic, yet strangely silent, shift: Rolex has apparently discontinued the Milgauss. The news, spreading like wildfire among collectors and enthusiasts, leaves a void in the brand's professional watch lineup, a lineup known for its robustness, innovation, and distinct purpose. While Rolex hasn't issued a formal announcement blasting the news from the rooftops, the absence of the Milgauss from their official website and the confirmation from authorized dealers strongly suggests the watch's production has ceased.

This development raises a plethora of questions. What does this mean for the future of anti-magnetic watches at Rolex? How will this affect the value of existing Milgauss models, particularly the coveted "GV" (Glace Verte or Green Crystal) variations? And what exactly was so special about the Milgauss in the first place? This article will delve into the history, significance, and potential implications of the Milgauss's apparent discontinuation, addressing these questions and more.

A Brief History of the Milgauss: Taming the Magnetic Field

To understand the weight of this discontinuation, we must first appreciate the Milgauss's unique history and purpose. Introduced in 1956, the Milgauss (a portmanteau of "mille," meaning thousand, and "gauss," the unit of magnetic field measurement) was specifically designed for scientists and engineers working in environments with strong electromagnetic fields. In the mid-20th century, the increasing prevalence of electrical equipment posed a significant threat to the accuracy of mechanical watches. Magnetic fields could magnetize the delicate components of a watch movement, leading to inaccurate timekeeping and, in severe cases, complete malfunction.

Rolex's solution was ingenious. The Milgauss employed a soft iron inner cage surrounding the movement, effectively shielding it from magnetic interference. This "Faraday cage," as it's known, diverted magnetic fields away from the movement, allowing the watch to maintain its accuracy even when exposed to fields up to 1,000 gauss. This was a groundbreaking achievement at the time, cementing Rolex's reputation for technical innovation and practical functionality.

The original Milgauss (reference 6541) was a relatively short-lived model, produced for only a few years. It featured a rotating bezel, a distinctive lightning bolt seconds hand (a recurring motif throughout the Milgauss's history), and a simple, legible dial. Due to its limited production run and its association with scientific endeavors, the original Milgauss is now a highly sought-after collectible, commanding significant prices at auction.will rolex milgauss be discontinued

The Milgauss was discontinued in the 1960s, only to be revived in 2007 with the reference 116400. This modern iteration retained the anti-magnetic capabilities of its predecessor, but with a more contemporary design. It featured a larger, more robust case, a smooth bezel, and a variety of dial colors, including the iconic black dial with the green-tinted sapphire crystal (the "GV" model). This green crystal, a proprietary invention of Rolex, was not only visually striking but also added an extra layer of exclusivity and desirability to the Milgauss line.

The Milgauss GV: A Green Flash of Brilliance

The Rolex Milgauss GV (Glace Verte) is arguably the most recognizable and sought-after variant of the modern Milgauss. The green-tinted sapphire crystal is its defining feature, a subtle yet captivating detail that sets it apart from other Rolex models. The green hue is not a surface coating; instead, the crystal itself is made from a special compound that gives it its unique color. Rolex claims the process of creating this crystal is extremely complex and requires specialized equipment, contributing to the model's perceived value.

The GV variant was initially available with a black dial, but later included a Z-Blue dial, a vibrant electric blue that further accentuated the watch's unique character. The Z-Blue dial paired with the orange lightning bolt seconds hand created a striking visual contrast, solidifying the Milgauss GV's position as a bold and unconventional Rolex.

The Milgauss Discontinuation: Reasons and Speculations

The reasons behind Rolex's decision to discontinue the Milgauss are not officially known, but several plausible explanations have emerged:

* Declining Popularity: While the Milgauss has its devoted fans, it never achieved the widespread popularity of other Rolex models like the Submariner, GMT-Master II, or Daytona. Its niche appeal, focused on its anti-magnetic capabilities, may have limited its broader market penetration.

* Advancements in Movement Technology: Rolex has made significant advancements in movement technology in recent years, particularly in the development of anti-magnetic components. The use of materials like Parachrom hairsprings (made from a paramagnetic alloy) and Chronergy escapements (designed for greater efficiency and resistance to magnetic fields) in other Rolex movements may have diminished the Milgauss's unique selling proposition. Perhaps Rolex believes its other models are now sufficiently resistant to magnetic fields for the vast majority of users, rendering the dedicated anti-magnetic shielding of the Milgauss redundant.