The Milgauss has had a unique history for a Rolex model. Initially produced from 1956 to 1988 with several references, it was revived in 2007 only to be discontinued once more in 2024. With its recent discontinuation, it’s a good time to reflect on its history, explore the reasons behind its discontinuation, share insights on the decision, and speculate on its future.

What Made the Rolex Milgauss Unique?

The Rolex Milgauss was created specifically for scientists, engineers, and medical professionals, launching in 1956. Its standout feature was its anti-magnetic properties, essential for those working in high-magnetic-field environments. The name itself is revealing: “mille” means 1,000 in French, and “gauss” is a unit of magnetic measurement. Therefore, the Milgauss could withstand up to 1,000 gauss of magnetism. Rolex achieved this by using a soft iron cover to shield the movement. According to Wikipedia, it was the first watch to reach this level of magnetic resistance, and scientists at CERN were known to wear it.

Beyond its technical capabilities, the Milgauss became known for its lightning bolt-shaped seconds hand, a playful homage to the scientific community it served. While not every Milgauss model featured this distinctive hand, many did, including the recently discontinued version.

Discontinuation of the Rolex Milgauss in 2024

Replica Rolex Milgauss watches were awarded to Daytona 500 and NASCAR winners up until the mid-1960s. The most recent model, the Milgauss ref. 116400GV, was released in 2007. This model boasted a 40mm stainless steel Oyster case, water-resistant up to 100 meters, with a smooth steel bezel and Oyster bracelet. Its electric Z-blue dial featured a striking orange lightning bolt seconds hand, adding character to the watch. 

Modern Milgauss Features

Another notable aspect of the Milgauss is its green-tinted sapphire crystal, known as “glace verte” in French. Rolex didn’t patent this arduous production process, finding it sufficiently unique. The Milgauss ref. 116400GV is powered by the Caliber 3131 movement, featuring magnetic resistance aided by a dual-part magnetic shield crafted from ferromagnetic material.

For a detailed history of the Milgauss, you can refer to our complete History of the Rolex Milgauss.

Reasons Behind the Discontinuation

Rolex introduces new models every year, and in the spring of 2024, they unveiled new watches while also retiring some. The Milgauss, despite having a dedicated fan base, was among the models discontinued. It was often regarded as one of the quirkiest Rolex watches due to its vibrant orange lightning bolt hand and green-tinted crystal, alongside its eclectic blue dial. Compared to more utilitarian Oyster Professional watches like the black steel Submariner, adventure-ready Explorer, or GMT-Master II “Batman,” the colorful Milgauss stood out as whimsical.

However, this distinctiveness may have contributed to its niche status, as Rolex’s diving, pilot, racing, and yachting watches overshadowed it. While 1,000 gauss of magnetic resistance was remarkable in the mid-20th century, it is no longer as impressive today. The lower demand for the Milgauss on the secondary market, where it was often valued less than other 40mm Rolex watches, likely played a role in its discontinuation. Rolex quietly removed it from their catalog without explanation.

The Milgauss 116400 had been part of the fake Rolex lineup for 16 years, from 2007 to 2024, a lengthy period for a single reference, and it was due for an update. Many Rolex enthusiasts anticipated a new-generation Milgauss in 2024. However, instead of updating it, Rolex opted to discontinue the model – at least for now. It might return with an upgraded movement, higher magnetic resistance, or a new design. We’ll have to wait and see.

The Future of the Rolex Milgauss

With the Milgauss discontinued, how has this affected its value in the secondary market? What does the future hold for this model? As is common with discontinued models, the Milgauss saw a price increase on the secondary market. As of summer 2024, a pre-owned Milgauss 116400 starts at around $9,500, while the 116400GV starts at about $12,000. The last retail price for a new Milgauss 116400GV was $9,300.  

Currently, the Milgauss 116400 (GV and other variants) is still readily available on the secondary market, but as supplies dwindle, finding one may become more challenging. If you’ve always wanted a Milgauss, now might be a good time to purchase one before scarcity drives up prices.

It’s important to note that this discussion focuses on the most recent Milgauss reference. Vintage models, such as the Milgauss ref. 1019, have long been popular among collectors. Prices for the ref. 1019 start at $20,000 and can go much higher depending on condition, provenance, and rarity.

For a comprehensive price guide, don’t miss our Rolex Milgauss Ultimate Buying Guide.

If you’re seeking an alternative to the discontinued Milgauss, consider the Air-King, Oyster Perpetual, or Explorer. These models share similarities, offering time-only displays with steel cases, smooth bezels, and Oyster bracelets. The Air-King and Explorer are available in 40mm sizes, while the Oyster Perpetual comes in larger 41mm or smaller 36mm options.

Our Thoughts on the Discontinuation

We’ve anticipated the discontinuation of the Milgauss 116400GV for some time, expecting a replacement rather than a complete cancellation of the collection. However, Rolex had different plans.  

Is the Rolex Milgauss gone forever? With Rolex’s secretive nature, we can’t be certain. The Milgauss has returned before, and Rolex has revived other discontinued watches, like the Air-King, in recent years. For now, the Milgauss is out of production, leading to an increase in its value. If Rolex decides to retire it permanently, its value may continue to rise.

The Milgauss was a unique replica Rolex watch, featuring design elements exclusive to the model, such as the lightning bolt hand, green crystal, Z-Blue dial, and iron shield. In the world of Rolex collecting, uniqueness is often prized, suggesting that the Milgauss 116400GV could become a sought-after collectible, much like its vintage counterparts.

Rolex discontinued the Milgauss collection in 2024. Whether this anti-magnetic watch for scientists will return to the catalog remains to be seen. While production has ceased, pre-owned models are still available on the secondary market.