I recently acquired the Rolex Milgauss 116400GV with a blue dial, having previously owned the older GV model featuring green sapphire glass and a black dial. This blue dial model was originally launched at Basel in 2014, and I believe it is the most attractive version due to its combination of a blue dial and green sapphire glass. The Milgauss was first introduced in 1956 with reference 6541, which featured its signature lightning bolt-shaped second hand—a design element that remains characteristic of the watch to this day.
The Milgauss has a case size of 40mm and resembles the Datejust but without the date window. The bracelet is very similar as well. This particular model is known as the Z-Blue and was designed for scientists working in laboratories, as many watches are susceptible to high magnetic fields that can affect timekeeping. Rolex created the Milgauss in the 1950s in response to a significant need for such a timepiece.
The bezel is a fixed, polished stainless steel, and the dial features an electric blue color with an orange lightning bolt-shaped second hand, making the watch particularly stunning in sunlight. The recommended retail price (RRP) for this model is £6,050, and they have recently discontinued the non-GV versions.
At one point, Rolex introduced a second iteration of the Milgauss that did not feature the lightning bolt second hand, but this model (reference 1019) struggled to sell, prompting Rolex to offer discounts on premium models if purchased alongside it.
Over the years, the Milgauss has undergone several changes, with older models fetching significant sums on the vintage market, much like vintage cars. The market for vintage items seems to be thriving, as people are increasingly drawn to retro styles.
This latest edition of the Milgauss may soon receive a redesign; there were discussions about introducing a new model that would be more reminiscent of the older versions, potentially featuring a rotating bezel made of Bakelite instead of the fixed steel bezel. However, Rolex is committed to incorporating the 70-hour power reserve 3235 movement into all their models. This movement is already used in the Sea-Dweller 126600, the Rolex Datejusts 41, and the new Rolex 126710BLNR, so expect to see new models soon. This movement is their best, offering the most accurate timekeeping and the longest power reserve in their self-winding watches.
It is worth noting that new Rolex Sports models are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain from authorized dealers. The demand for steel models has skyrocketed over the past two years, and factors like Brexit have further complicated the situation due to the weakened pound.
