The Rolex Milgauss was designed to meet the demands of the scientific community and is capable of withstanding magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss. The reliability and precision of an ordinary mechanical watch can be affected by a magnetic field of 50 to 100 gauss. But many scientists are exposed to much higher magnetic fields during the course of their work. Rolex’s solution was the Milgauss — the first watch of its kind. Hence the name of the watch, mille being French for thousand. The Milgauss became known notably as the watch worn by scientists at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva.
Rolex uses Oystersteel for its steel watch cases. Specially developed by the brand, Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family, alloys most commonly used in high-technology and in the aerospace and chemical industries, where maximum resistance to corrosion is essential. Oystersteel is extremely resistant, offers
an exceptional finish once polished and maintains its beauty even in the harshest environments.
The design, development and production of Rolex bracelets and clasps, as well as the stringent tests they face, involve advanced high technology. And, as with all the components of the watch, aesthetic controls by the human eye guarantee impeccable beauty. The Oyster bracelet is a perfect alchemy of form and
function. First introduced in the late 1930s, this particularly robust and comfortable metal bracelet with its broad, flat three-piece links remains the most universal bracelet in the Oyster collection.
The first innovation at the heart of the Milgauss’ resistance to magnetic interference is the shield inside the Oyster case. Made of ferromagnetic alloys selected by Rolex, it surrounds and protects the movement. The symbol for magnetic flux density – the capital letter ‘B’ with an arrow – is engraved in this magnetic shield, but only Rolex-certified watchmakers will ever see it.
The Milgauss is equipped with calibre 3131, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. It incorporates state-of-the-art technologies patented by the brand that ensure exceptional resistance to magnetic fields. Like all Rolex Perpetual movements, the 3131 is a certified Swiss chronometer, a designation reserved for high-precision watches that have successfully passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) tests. Its architecture, in common with all Oyster watch movements, makes it singularly reliable.
Model Case
Type
Diameter
Material
Bezel
Oyster Architecture
Winding Crown
Water Resistance
Movement
Type
Calibre
Precision
+2/-2 sec/day, after casing
Oscillator
Winding
Functions
Centre hour, minute and seconds hands. Instantaneous date with rapid setting. Stop-seconds for precise time setting
Power reserve
Bracelet
Type
Bracelet Material
Clasp
Dial
Type
Certification
Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)
Case reference 116400GV
