Perhaps you have heard of the Rolex Milgauss watch but are less aware of its importance in the company’s history and current catalogue. Among Rolex watches, the Milgauss is usually overlooked and, therefore, underrated. However, those familiar with Rolex Milgauss know that this watch is not only rich in personality but also historical significance. Like many other copy Rolex watches, the Milgauss was developed to serve a specific audience. 
Rolex invented the Milgauss scientific watch in the mid-20th century to withstand the electromagnetic work environment. Scientists and technicians often find that their watches do not work effectively when exposed to magnetic forces.
Rolex then tried to solve this problem by inventing the Milgauss watch, which was officially unveiled in 1956. This groundbreaking watch could withstand electromagnetic rays of up to 1,000 gausses, thanks to a soft iron shroud inside the case to protect the movement.
The first Milgauss watch was the 6543, which featured a large 38mm steel case from that era, a black rotating chronograph bezel, and a black honeycomb dial fitted with aluminium pieces to protect the movement further. This particular model is often considered to be a prototype or test model.
A second Milgauss model followed reference 6541. The Milgauss 6541 retained many of the design cues of its predecessor but now included a lightning seconds hand as a nod to what the watch had done for the scientific community. In addition to the rotating bezel version, Rolex made a Milgauss 6541 with a flat steel bezel specifically for the American market.
The third Milgauss model was the reference 1019, launched in 1960 and did away with the rotating bezel and the lightning seconds hand. It was not a successful replica Rolex model, which explains why the company quietly shelved the entire Milgauss line in 1988. Despite the poor performance of 1019 in its time, the vintage Rolex Milgauss 1019 is now a highly collectable piece.
Milgauss’ green sapphire, denoted GV in the reference number, is something truly special and has never been done before. In fact, Rolex claims that the company didn’t even patent the green crystal because it was too difficult to make.
When the wearer places the Milgauss on their wrist, they can be inspired because they are wearing one of the most revolutionary watches ever made. One of Rolex’s selling points is that they developed the watch to meet specific problems.
The Milgauss may not be fake Rolex’s most popular watch model, but it certainly has a cult following. With a white, black or Z-Blue dial and with or without a green crystal, the Rolex Scientist watch with luminous orange hands is a unique model in the Crown’s current lineup and well worth adding to your watch collection.
