While the Rolex Milgauss is still in production, there have been some discontinued references throughout its history. Here’s a look at those, along with the historical context:
Early Milgauss Models (Discontinued)
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Ref. 6541 (1956-1960): This was the very first Milgauss, introduced in 1956. It featured a distinctive rotating bezel with a black aluminum insert and a honeycomb dial. Notably, it had a straight seconds hand, not the iconic lightning bolt hand yet. It was also the only Milgauss to use the Caliber 1080 movement. Due to its short production run and unique features, the 6541 is now a highly sought-after collector’s item.
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- Key Features: Rotating bezel, honeycomb dial, lightning bolt seconds hand, Caliber 1080.
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Ref. 1019 (1960-1988): Introduced in 1960, the 1019 had a more understated design with a smooth bezel and simpler dial variations (black or white). It also marked the debut of the lightning bolt seconds hand. This reference remained in production for almost three decades, making it the longest-running Milgauss model.
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- Key Features: Smooth bezel, black or white dial, straight seconds hand, Caliber 1580.
Why were these models discontinued?
- Shifting Market Trends: In the late 1980s, quartz watches were gaining immense popularity, and the demand for mechanical watches, especially niche models like the Milgauss, was declining.
- Limited Appeal: The Milgauss was designed for a specific audience (scientists, engineers, etc.) and lacked the broad appeal of other Rolex sports models like the Submariner or GMT-Master.
The Milgauss Revival
- Ref. 116400 (2007-2023): After a hiatus of nearly two decades, Rolex revived the Milgauss in 2007 with the reference 116400. This modern iteration retained the anti-magnetic properties and lightning bolt seconds hand but featured a larger 40mm case, updated movement (Caliber 3131), and a distinctive green-tinted sapphire crystal (on the GV variant).
- Discontinuation of 116400: This reference was discontinued in 2023, likely to make way for new models with updated movements and features, as is common practice for Rolex.
The Milgauss Legacy
Even though the early Milgauss models are no longer in production, they remain an important part of Rolex’s history. They showcase the brand’s commitment to innovation and its ability to create watches that meet the needs of specific professions. The discontinued references are highly sought after by collectors, and their rarity and unique features contribute to their desirability.