The first Oyster Perpetual Milgauss was launched in 1956. The 1950s were a time marked by technological and scientific developments exposing more engineers and technicians to magnetic fields in their working environment, which interfered with the functioning of their watches. Rolex created the Milgauss watch collection as a response to this problem. Using a magnetic shield set inside of its Oyster case to protect its movement, the Milgauss watch was designed to withstand impact of up to 1,000 gauss – hence its name, “mille” (French for one thousand) gauss. Although the Milgauss has only gone through only three different models (ref. 6541, ref. 1019, and ref. 116400), it underwent several configuration changes before its production was discontinued in 1988.

Reference numbers for the Rolex Milgauss collection include: 1019, 6541, 116400, 116400GV

A notable reference is the  Rolex Milgauss “Z-Blue” ref. 116400GV. With a sleek stainless-steel case, smooth bezel, and Oyster bracelet, this watch speaks to the classic look of the Milgauss collection. The most eye-catching feature is its stunning “Z-Blue” dial that is perfectly complemented by a green sapphire crystal, which is hard to miss with a 40mm case – making this watch just as striking on the wrist as its distinct lightning bolt shaped seconds hand. Powered by the self-winding 3131 caliber, the Milgauss Z-Blue has a 48-hour power reserve and is waterproof for up to 100 meters in depth.

The Rolex Milgauss was first designed to meet the demands of scientists and engineers. It blends its scientific heritage and anti-magnetic characteristics with unique aesthetics, making it the first watch of its kind. Aesthetically, its most distinct feature is its bright orange seconds hand in the shape of a lightning bolt, complemented by the orange accents around the rim of the dial by each hour marker. Another trademark feature of the Milgauss is the tinted green sapphire crystal that is exclusive to the collection. The modern Milgauss watches, ref. 116400 and 116400GV, are made with Oystersteel, have a 40mm case and Oyster bracelet for a very streamline yet characteristic look. Equipped with the caliber 3131, a mechanical automatic movement that isn’t used in many watches – only the Milgauss 116400 and Air-King 116900, the modern Milgauss has a power reserve of 48 hours, impeccable precision, and increased resistance against shocks and magnetic fields.

The Rolex Milgauss has been spotted on the wrists of celebrities including actors David Craig, Jennifer Aniston, Ashton Kutcher, Tom Hanks and Jonah Hill, as well as musical sensation Usher, and NFL legend Tom Brady.

The range of retail prices for the recently released 2020 Submariners and Submariner Dates range quite a bit – with the least expensive being the Submariner 124060 at $8100 and the most expensive being the Submariner Date 126619LB at $39,650 – retail prices. Below is a list of the current retail prices for the 2020 releases:

124060 – $9,100 retail

126613LN – $15,600 retail

126613LB – $15,600 retail

126610LN – $10,250 retail

126610LV – $10,800 retail

126618LN – $39,000 retail

126618LB – $39,000 retail

126619LB – $42,000 retail

That being said, market prices for Submariners can also range quite a bit and differ significantly from the retail price. For example, the Submariner 11610LN can range from the official price of $8513 to its retail price at $12,180. Depending on watch exclusivity, market prices can even go well above retail. For example, the Submariner 11610LV “Hulk” was priced at $9,050 retail before it was discontinued, but due to its rarity, it can cost up to $29,000 nowadays to find one in the market. Vintage Submariners can have a big price variation as well, with the older and more exclusive models costing the most – like the Submariner 5513, which is priced at around $17,300.

 Rolex is one of the most counterfeited watch brands and products in the luxury world. As such, it’s absolutely essential to be confident you’re purchasing from a trusted and reliable source when buying any Rolex, especially a pre-owned watch. Knowing some basic pointers of how to spot a fake Rolex will also come in handy when in the market for a pre-owned Rolex watch.

To manually wind a Rolex Submariner, you will first need to completely unscrew the winding crown and then turn it several times – clockwise direction. You will need to turn it a minimum of 25 times for adequate partial winding.  After that, the watch will then automatically wind whenever it is worn on the wrist.