Rolex
Milgauss
116400GV
The Milgauss reborn — antimagnetic sport watch with a signature green crystal.
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Overview
The Rolex Milgauss ref. 116400GV is the defining modern expression of the Milgauss line, distinguished above all by its green-tinted sapphire crystal — the "GV" suffix standing for "glace verte," French for green glass. Housed in a 40 mm Oystersteel case and powered by the in-house Cal. 3131, it revived a long-dormant Rolex lineage when it was reintroduced in 2007. Available in several dial variants, most notably a deep black and the vivid "Z-Blue," the reference remained in production until 2023.
History
The original Milgauss was introduced in the late 1950s as a purpose-built antimagnetic tool watch, developed in collaboration with scientific institutions requiring resistance to strong magnetic fields — its name referencing 1,000 gauss of protection. After a long hiatus, Rolex relaunched the line at Baselworld 2007 with the ref. 116400 and the green-crystal 116400GV, signaling a renewed commitment to the model's scientific heritage. The relaunch generated considerable collector enthusiasm, particularly for the Z-Blue dial variant with its lightning-bolt seconds hand, which became one of the most visually distinctive references in the modern Rolex catalog. The 116400GV remained a continuous production reference for roughly sixteen years before being discontinued in 2023.
Notable points
- The "GV" designation stands for glace verte (green glass), referring to the reference's signature green-tinted sapphire crystal — a feature unique within the modern Rolex lineup.
- Cal. 3131 is a Rolex-manufactured movement incorporating a paramagnetic Parachrom hairspring and a soft-iron inner cage, together providing antimagnetic protection to approximately 1,000 gauss.
- The Z-Blue dial variant presents a vivid electric-blue sunburst surface paired with an orange lightning-bolt-shaped seconds hand, making it one of the most visually arresting dials in the contemporary Rolex range.
- The 40 mm Oystersteel case shares its broad proportions with other modern Rolex sport references, yet the Milgauss retains a distinct identity through its smooth bezel and scientific-instrument aesthetic.
- Introduced at Baselworld 2007 after a prolonged absence of the Milgauss from the active catalog, the 116400GV is widely regarded as the watch that restored serious collector interest in the line.
