Explorer
The Oyster Perpetual Milgauss, the watch of technological progress and scientific heritage launched in 1956, reconciles strong magnetic fields and chronometric precision.
Created in 1956 for scientists, engineers and technicians whose work brings them into contact with magnetic fields that can disrupt the performance of mechanical watches, the Milgauss was designed to resist interference of up to 1,000 gauss – the unit of measurement formerly used for magnetic induction – thanks to a magnetic shield patented by Rolex protecting the movement. Hence the name of the watch, mille being French for thousand. The Milgauss became known notably as the watch worn by scientists at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva.
A new generation of this watch was introduced in 2007, encompassing all Rolex’s technological and watchmaking expertise. Aesthetically, the new versions of the Milgauss, with a 40 mm case, stand out with their distinctive orange seconds hand shaped like a lightning bolt, which was inspired by the original model. One of them also features a green sapphire crystal, a novelty in watchmaking.
The Oyster case of the Milgauss, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness and reliability. The characteristically shaped middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, a particularly corrosion-resistant alloy. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The Twinlock winding crown, fitted with a double waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the Milgauss’s movement.
The Milgauss is equipped with calibre 3131, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. The architecture, manufacturing and innovative features of this movement make it exceptionally precise and reliable.
The oscillator of calibre 3131 has a large balance wheel with variable inertia regulated extremely precisely via gold Microstella nuts. It is held firmly in place by a height-adjustable traversing bridge enabling very stable positioning to increase shock resistance.
Calibre 3131 has a blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive paramagnetic alloy. Insensitive to magnetic fields, the Parachrom hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations and remains up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring its regularity in any position, and features a paramagnetic escape wheel made from nickel-phosphorus.
Calibre 3131 is fitted with a self-winding module featuring a Perpetual rotor, which ensures continuous winding of the mainspring by harnessing the movements of the wrist to provide constant energy. It offers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.
The movement of the Milgauss will be seen only by certified Rolex watchmakers, yet it is beautifully finished and decorated in keeping with the brand’s uncompromising quality standards.