The Rolex Milgauss 116400
The Rolex Milgauss 116400 is a remarkable timepiece that embodies the brand’s commitment to innovation and precision. This watch has a fascinating history, tracing its roots back to the scientific community, where it was designed to withstand the powerful magnetic fields encountered in laboratories and research environments.
History and Connection to the Scientific Community, Rolex milgauss 116400
The Milgauss name, derived from the German words “Mil” (thousand) and “Gauss” (a unit of magnetic field strength), highlights the watch’s primary function: to resist magnetic fields. The original Milgauss, released in 1956, was created specifically for scientists and engineers working with powerful magnets, such as those found in particle accelerators. The watch’s anti-magnetic properties were a breakthrough in horology, ensuring accurate timekeeping even in highly magnetic environments.
Key Features of the Milgauss 116400
The Milgauss 116400, introduced in 2007, builds upon the legacy of its predecessors, incorporating several notable features.
Anti-Magnetic Properties
The watch boasts a remarkable resistance to magnetic fields, thanks to a ferromagnetic shield surrounding the movement. This shield effectively deflects magnetic forces, ensuring the accuracy of the timekeeping mechanism. The Milgauss 116400 can withstand magnetic fields up to 1,000 Gauss, making it ideal for individuals working in environments with strong magnetic fields.
Design
The Milgauss 116400 features a distinctive design that sets it apart from other Rolex models. The 40mm Oyster case is crafted from stainless steel and is paired with a distinctive orange-colored second hand. The watch also features a unique green sapphire crystal, providing a striking contrast to the stainless steel case.
Materials
The Milgauss 116400 is constructed using high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity. The Oyster case is made from 904L stainless steel, known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion and scratches. The movement is housed within a ferromagnetic shield that effectively deflects magnetic forces, while the green sapphire crystal offers excellent scratch resistance.
Functionality and Intended Purpose
The Milgauss 116400 is a functional and reliable timepiece that is both stylish and robust. It is designed for individuals who require a watch that can withstand magnetic fields and offers accurate timekeeping. The watch’s anti-magnetic properties make it suitable for scientists, engineers, and anyone working in environments with strong magnetic fields.
Design and Aesthetics
The Rolex Milgauss 116400 is a captivating timepiece known for its unique design elements and striking aesthetics. Its distinctive features, including the green sapphire crystal and the orange second hand, contribute to its overall appeal. The watch’s color combinations and meticulous attention to detail create a visually compelling and functional timepiece.
Color Combinations and Aesthetics
The Milgauss 116400 boasts a harmonious blend of colors that contribute significantly to its aesthetic appeal. The black dial provides a neutral backdrop, allowing the other elements to stand out. The green sapphire crystal adds a touch of vibrancy and depth, while the orange second hand provides a striking contrast. This combination of colors creates a visually balanced and dynamic timepiece. The green sapphire crystal, in particular, is a unique feature that enhances the watch’s overall aesthetic. It not only provides protection from magnetic fields but also adds a distinctive green hue to the dial, enhancing the watch’s overall appeal. The orange second hand further complements the green sapphire crystal, creating a vibrant contrast against the black dial.
Case, Dial, and Bracelet
The Milgauss 116400 features a 40mm stainless steel case, providing a robust and durable foundation for the watch. The case is polished and brushed, adding to its overall elegance. The black dial is clean and uncluttered, featuring applied hour markers and luminous hands. The orange second hand is a prominent feature, adding a pop of color to the dial. The watch is equipped with a Triplock winding crown, ensuring water resistance up to 100 meters. The Milgauss 116400 is paired with a stainless steel Oyster bracelet, featuring a polished center link and brushed outer links. The bracelet is equipped with a Rolex Oysterlock safety clasp, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
Technical Specifications
The Rolex Milgauss 116400 is not just a visually appealing watch; it’s a testament to Rolex’s dedication to precision engineering and innovative design. This section delves into the technical aspects that make this timepiece a marvel of horological craftsmanship.
Technical Specifications
The Milgauss 116400 boasts a range of technical features that contribute to its exceptional performance and durability. These specifications showcase Rolex’s commitment to precision and innovation.
| Feature | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Caliber 3131 | A self-winding mechanical movement with a paramagnetic escapement, designed to withstand strong magnetic fields. |
| Power Reserve | Approximately 48 hours | Ensuring reliable timekeeping even when the watch is not worn for extended periods. |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters (330 feet) | Suitable for everyday wear and occasional swimming. |
| Case Material | Oystersteel | A corrosion-resistant and durable alloy developed by Rolex. |
| Case Diameter | 40 mm | A classic size that comfortably fits most wrists. |
| Crystal | Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal | Provides exceptional clarity and protection against scratches. |
| Bezel | Green aluminum | A distinctive feature of the Milgauss, providing a vibrant contrast against the black dial. |
| Dial | Black with luminous hour markers and hands | Ensures excellent legibility in various lighting conditions. |
| Strap | Oystersteel with Oysterlock safety clasp | A robust and comfortable bracelet with a secure closure mechanism. |
Anti-Magnetic Properties: Rolex Milgauss 116400
The Rolex Milgauss 116400 stands apart from other Rolex models due to its exceptional anti-magnetic properties. This feature is crucial for individuals working in environments where strong magnetic fields are present, such as scientific laboratories, medical facilities, or even power plants.
The Milgauss’s anti-magnetic capabilities stem from a unique combination of design elements and materials. The movement, the heart of the watch, is shielded from magnetic interference by a soft iron inner cage that acts as a Faraday cage. This cage effectively deflects magnetic fields away from the delicate components of the movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping even in highly magnetic environments.
Magnetic Resistance Explained
The Milgauss’s magnetic resistance is measured in Gauss, a unit of magnetic field strength. The watch is certified to withstand magnetic fields up to 1,000 Gauss, significantly higher than the typical 40 to 80 Gauss resistance of most other Rolex models.
The Milgauss’s soft iron inner cage effectively deflects magnetic fields away from the delicate components of the movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping even in highly magnetic environments.
This robust protection is achieved through the careful design and placement of the soft iron cage within the watch case. The cage surrounds the movement, acting as a barrier to magnetic fields.
Comparing Anti-Magnetic Capabilities
While the Milgauss is renowned for its magnetic resistance, other Rolex models offer varying levels of protection. The majority of Rolex models are designed to withstand magnetic fields up to 40 to 80 Gauss, sufficient for everyday use. However, for professionals working in environments with high magnetic fields, the Milgauss stands out as a superior choice.
| Model | Anti-Magnetic Resistance (Gauss) | Intended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Rolex Milgauss 116400 | 1,000 | Scientific laboratories, medical facilities, power plants |
| Other Rolex Models | 40-80 | General use |
The Milgauss’s exceptional anti-magnetic capabilities make it a valuable tool for professionals in various fields. Its ability to withstand strong magnetic fields ensures accurate timekeeping in challenging environments, making it a reliable and essential companion for those who demand precision and dependability.
Variations and Special Editions
While the standard Rolex Milgauss 116400 is a highly sought-after timepiece, Rolex has also released several variations and special editions that cater to different tastes and preferences. These limited-edition models often feature unique dial colors, materials, and special features that make them even more desirable to collectors.
Notable Variations and Special Editions
The Milgauss 116400 has seen several variations and special editions throughout its production run. These variations primarily focus on dial colors, materials, and limited-edition releases.
- Black Dial with Orange Second Hand: This is the most common and standard version of the Milgauss 116400. It features a black dial with white hour markers and a distinctive orange second hand. This classic combination embodies the Milgauss’s iconic design.
- White Dial with Blue Second Hand: This variation features a white dial with black hour markers and a blue second hand. This combination provides a contrasting and elegant look, appealing to those seeking a more subtle yet stylish timepiece.
- Green Dial with Orange Second Hand: This special edition features a vibrant green dial with white hour markers and an orange second hand. The green dial is a unique feature, adding a touch of boldness and distinctiveness to the Milgauss. This variation was released in 2014 and is considered relatively rare.
- Z-Blue Dial with Orange Second Hand: This variation features a deep blue dial with white hour markers and an orange second hand. The Z-Blue dial is a unique shade of blue that was first introduced on the Milgauss in 2014. It offers a modern and sophisticated look that is highly sought after by collectors.
Limited-Edition Milgauss 116400 Models
Rolex has also released several limited-edition Milgauss 116400 models, each with its own unique features and significance. These limited-edition models are highly sought after by collectors and are often considered investments due to their rarity and desirability.
- Rolex Milgauss 116400GV “Green Ghost” (2014): This limited-edition model features a unique green dial with white hour markers and an orange second hand. The “Green Ghost” moniker comes from the dial’s green color, which appears to be a shade of green that is almost translucent. The green dial is considered a rare and highly desirable feature, making this model a sought-after collector’s item. The “Green Ghost” is considered to be one of the most rare and valuable Milgauss 116400 models.
| Model | Dial Color | Second Hand Color | Special Features | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolex Milgauss 116400 | Black | Orange | Standard model | Classic and iconic design |
| Rolex Milgauss 116400 | White | Blue | Contrasting and elegant look | Subtle yet stylish timepiece |
| Rolex Milgauss 116400GV “Green Ghost” | Green | Orange | Unique green dial | Rare and highly desirable collector’s item |
| Rolex Milgauss 116400 | Z-Blue | Orange | Deep blue dial | Modern and sophisticated look |
The Milgauss 116400 in Popular Culture
While the Milgauss 116400 may not have the widespread recognition of other Rolex models, its unique design and purpose have attracted a devoted following and earned it a place in popular culture. This watch has graced the wrists of notable figures and appeared in various forms of media, contributing to its allure and establishing it as a symbol of both style and resilience.
Notable Appearances in Media
The Milgauss 116400 has made notable appearances in films and television shows, often worn by characters who embody intelligence, precision, and a connection to the world of science and technology. For example, in the 2014 film “Interstellar,” the character played by Matthew McConaughey, a brilliant physicist, is seen wearing a Milgauss 116400. This subtle placement highlights the watch’s association with scientific pursuits and intellectual prowess. Additionally, the Milgauss 116400 has been featured in various television series, including “Suits” and “The Blacklist,” further solidifying its image as a watch for those who appreciate its unique features and historical significance.
The Milgauss 116400 and Its Cultural Impact
The Milgauss 116400’s cultural impact extends beyond its appearances in media. Its anti-magnetic properties have resonated with individuals working in fields where magnetic interference is a concern, such as scientists, engineers, and medical professionals. The watch’s distinctive orange seconds hand and green sapphire crystal, along with its bold design, have also appealed to those who seek a timepiece that stands out from the crowd. This blend of functionality and aesthetics has contributed to the Milgauss 116400’s growing popularity among watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
Collecting and Investment Value
The Rolex Milgauss 116400, with its unique design and anti-magnetic properties, has garnered significant attention among watch enthusiasts and collectors. Its potential for appreciation, driven by factors like condition, rarity, and historical significance, makes it a compelling investment piece.
Current Market Value and Potential for Appreciation
The market value of the Milgauss 116400 varies depending on its condition, year of production, and specific features. In general, mint condition examples with original boxes and papers command higher prices. The watch has seen a steady increase in value over the years, particularly for sought-after variations like the Z-blue dial. For example, a pre-owned Milgauss 116400 in good condition could fetch around $6,000 to $8,000, while a rare or limited-edition model could sell for significantly more.
Factors Influencing Collectible Value
Several factors contribute to the collectible value of the Milgauss 116400:
- Condition: The condition of the watch is paramount. Mint condition examples with no scratches or wear are highly sought after.
- Rarity: Limited edition models or variations with unique features, like the Z-blue dial, are often more valuable due to their limited availability.
- Historical Significance: Watches with a significant historical connection, such as those worn by notable individuals, can command higher prices.
- Completeness: The presence of original accessories, such as the box, papers, and warranty card, significantly increases the value of the watch.
The Collecting Community and Demand
The Milgauss 116400 has a dedicated following within the watch collecting community. Its distinctive design, anti-magnetic properties, and historical significance make it a desirable piece for both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of luxury watches. The demand for the Milgauss 116400 remains strong, driven by its timeless appeal and potential for appreciation.
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