The Rolex Milgauss, a watch synonymous with scientific precision and unconventional style, has officially been discontinued. This announcement has sent shockwaves through the collector community, triggering a frantic scramble for the remaining pieces, transforming the once readily available timepiece into a highly sought-after collector's item. The news, initially whispered within enthusiast circles, has now become a confirmed reality, leaving many wondering about the future of this iconic model and driving up prices significantly. This article delves deep into the reasons behind the discontinuation, exploring the history of the Milgauss, its various iterations, the impact of the announcement, and the current market situation for both pre-owned and new (if any remain) examples. We will also investigate the specific model that has been discontinued, the Rolex Milgauss reference 116400, and its unique characteristics.
The Rolex Milgauss: A History of Anti-magnetism and Style
The Rolex Milgauss, first introduced in 1956, was designed for scientists and researchers working in environments with high magnetic fields. Its name, a portmanteau of "mille" (thousand) and "gauss" (a unit of magnetic flux density), reflects its impressive anti-magnetic capabilities, protecting the movement from magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss. This was a groundbreaking achievement at the time, making it a crucial tool for those working with sensitive equipment. The original Milgauss featured a distinct orange lightning bolt seconds hand, a design element that has become iconic and has been retained in subsequent iterations, establishing the watch's unique visual identity. Its distinctive design, coupled with its robust functionality, made it a desirable timepiece beyond the scientific community, gradually gaining popularity among watch enthusiasts.
The Milgauss's journey has been marked by periods of production and discontinuation. Throughout its history, Rolex has introduced various iterations, each subtly refining the design and improving the technology. However, the core principles of anti-magnetism and striking aesthetics have remained consistent, contributing to the watch's enduring appeal. The current discontinuation marks a significant chapter in the Milgauss's story, prompting reflection on its legacy and the reasons behind Rolex's decision.
The Rolex Milgauss 116400: The Discontinued Model
The specific model that has triggered the current buying frenzy is the Rolex Milgauss reference 116400. This particular model, introduced in 2007, offered a sleek and refined design, building on the heritage of its predecessors. The 116400 presented a choice of dial colours, notably the black and white options, each featuring the iconic orange seconds hand. A key feature, and a point of discussion among collectors, was the presence or absence of the signature green sapphire crystal. While some versions featured this distinctive green crystal, others did not, leading to variations in desirability and value.
The discontinuation of the reference 116400, particularly the versions without the green crystal, wasn’t a sudden event. Rolex, known for its gradual phasing out of models, had previously removed the white dial variant, leaving only the black dial option available for some time before the final discontinuation of the 116400 entirely. This gradual approach is a common strategy employed by Rolex, allowing them to manage inventory and gauge market demand before completely ceasing production. However, this gradual phase-out only intensified the anticipation and ultimately the rush to secure the final pieces.
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