Commit TV Yagi Column ~It's about to be discontinued!? Let's take a closer look at the Milgauss~

One of the most popular topics among watch lovers every year

" Discontinued model "

In recent years, models that are rumored to be reaching their end of life every year disappear from the used market, and as soon as the decision is made to end production, prices skyrocket.

The release of a new model creates excitement, but at the same time, there is also a movement in anticipation of rising prices; this phenomenon could also be seen as evidence that luxury watches are being recognized as real assets.

So this time, I would like to put the spotlight on the Milgauss model, which is rumored to be discontinued next year and is seeing a decrease in numbers on the market , and take another look at its history and features.

What kind of watch is the Milgauss?

Rolex's professional models (= sports models) have their own specialized features.

 Explorer I/II: A watch for explorers
 [Ultimate durability]

 "Submariner" (the prototype of the diver's watch)
 [Reliability (waterproof), robustness and functionality]

 "Sea-Dweller" (The watch that conquered the deep seas) 
[Durability against water pressure]

 "Yacht-Master" - A watch for the ocean
 [Expressing the world of the sea with striking individuality (functionality)]

 "GMT Master" - A watch that is used globally
 [Display two time zones simultaneously]

 "Daytona" - A watch born for racing
 [Chronograph born for the race circuit]

So what are the specific features of the Milgauss?

<In honor of science> ⇒ [High-performance magnetic shielding system] = [Anti-magnetic]

At the time, Rolex was developing professional models for doctors and scientists that specialized in antimagnetic properties, and the Milgauss was the watch that was created as a tribute to science .

The name is derived from the French word for 1000 (mil) and the unit of magnetic flux density (gauss), and means "a watch that can withstand a magnetic field of 1000 gauss."

The Milgauss lineage

The first Milgauss, Ref. 6541

The first Milgauss , Ref. 6541, was born in 1956.

*The first Milgauss "Ref.6541"

This is the first model of the Milgauss, which features a zigzag second hand called the "lightning hand," which is said to represent magnetic force. There are two types of bezels: rotating and fixed.

Second generation "Milgauss" "Ref.1019"

Next, the second generation Milgauss "Ref. 1019" appeared from the 1960s to 1988.

*Second generation Milgauss "Ref.1019"

The lightning hands and rotating bezel were abolished from this model, and the appearance changed completely. The dial is available in two colors, black and silver. It has been changed to a simple design, completely different from the first model.

However, at the time, the Submariner, Explorer, and Daytona were all the rage, and although the long-awaited Milgauss, which specialized in anti-magnetic properties, was released, it did not receive satisfactory support from general users...

This is not surprising, as today, with electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and televisions being commonplace , magnetism is considered to be the nemesis of watches , but back then, magnetism was not as widely known as it is today.

And so, in 1988, the Milgauss came to an end after just two generations.

Third generation "Milgauss" "Ref.116400"

In the 2000s, smartphones and personal computers became more widespread, and so-called electronic devices became a part of society.

Naturally, ordinary users also responded to this trend, and many watch brands began to take measures against magnetism, with "antimagnetic" becoming an essential element for luxury watches.

At this time, Rolex began to work on improving the hairspring, the watch part most susceptible to magnetism, and developed its own "Parachrom hairspring."

*Parachrom hairspring

Then in 2007, the third-generation Milgauss, Ref. 116400, inherited the lightning-fastening hands of the first-generation Milgauss, Ref. 6541, and the simple design of the second-generation Milgauss, Ref. 1019, and was a spectacular evolution. It was revived and became a hot topic at the time.

The dial is available in two colors, white and black, and the case size has been increased to 40 mm.

Around the same time in 2007, the Milgauss "Ref. 116400GV" was also released.

※ "Ref.116400GV"

The letter "GV" at the end of the model number means "green glass" in French, and this model is the only Rolex model to feature a green sapphire crystal .

By the way, this was announced as a commemorative model, marking the revival of the Milgauss after a 20-year hiatus. At the time, it was only available with a black dial, but in 2014, the Z-blue dial was added to the lineup.

* "Ref.116400GV" Z Blue dial

The "Ref. 116400" was discontinued around 2015, but the "Ref. 116400GV" is still on sale as the current model.

The secret of antimagnetics

The secret behind the special magnetic resistance of the newly revived third-generation Milgauss lies in the fact that it is equipped with the Cal. 3131 movement, which uses the magnetically resistant Parachrom hairspring.

※ "Cal.3131"

It has an inner case made of a ferromagnetic alloy and is engraved with the letter "B" which indicates magnetic flux density. This inner case serves to temporarily receive magnetism and direct it to the outside. There is also a reason why it does not have a date function; this is to prevent magnetism from entering the watch through the calendar hole in the dial.

By using parts that are designed to be antimagnetic down to the smallest detail, the Milgauss has established itself as a unique watch that is highly resistant to magnetic fields.

Rumors of discontinuation

In recent years, new models such as the Submariner, GMT Master, and Explorer have been released one after another, all of which have undergone a caliber change.

The current model of the Milgauss is still the Ref. 116400GV, which was released in 2007, so there is a high possibility that a caliber change will occur and a successor model will be released.

By the way, for the past few years, it has been predicted that the Milgauss will be discontinued, but it has been talked about many times and has always been disappointing. (laughs) Personally, I feel that next year will be the year of the Milgauss...

I'm looking forward to it.

summary

We've taken a deep dive into the Milgauss, which is rumored to be discontinued. What do you think?

Surprisingly, the Milgauss is a model that only has three generations, but its history and background overturn the image I had up until then, making it a very interesting model.

Currently, Commit Ginza is strengthening the purchase of all models of the Milgauss, so if you are considering selling one, please contact us. And we hope that this article will once again pique your interest in the Milgauss.

see you!