The Rolex Milgauss, a watch renowned for its anti-magnetic properties and distinctive design, holds a special place in the hearts of horological enthusiasts. Its history is rich, its variations numerous, and its desirability consistently high. But beyond the iconic case and striking dial, lies a crucial component often overlooked: the bracelet. This article delves into the world of the Rolex Milgauss, focusing specifically on its bracelets, their restoration, and the broader context of the watch's history, models, and market value. We'll explore discontinued models, price fluctuations, and the current market for pre-owned Milgauss watches, including those requiring bracelet restoration like the 72200.
The Rolex Milgauss: A History of Magnetic Resistance
First introduced in 1956, the Rolex Milgauss was designed to withstand the strong magnetic fields prevalent in scientific laboratories. Its name, a portmanteau of "mille" (thousand) and "gauss" (a unit of magnetic flux density), reflects its ability to resist magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss. This unique feature, achieved through a soft iron inner case shielding the movement, set it apart from other Rolex models and cemented its place in history as a specialized tool watch. The initial models featured a distinctive orange seconds hand, a design element that has become synonymous with the Milgauss over the years.
What Happened to the Rolex Milgauss? A Story of Evolution and Discontinuation
While the Milgauss wasn't ever truly "gone," its production history has been punctuated by periods of discontinuation and reintroduction, reflecting evolving market demands and Rolex's strategic product planning. The original Milgauss, with its reference numbers such as 6541 and 1019, remained in production for several decades before being discontinued. This isn't unusual for Rolex; many models are discontinued, updated, or reimagined over time. The absence from the catalogue didn't signal the end of the Milgauss legend; rather, it was a period of dormancy before its triumphant return.
The gap in production allowed the vintage Milgauss models to gain considerable collector interest. The rarity of these early models, combined with their historical significance and unique features, drove up their prices significantly in the pre-owned market. This period of absence also fueled anticipation for a potential reintroduction, which eventually happened in 2007.
Rolex Milgauss Models: A Diverse Range of Styles
The reintroduced Milgauss in 2007 (reference 116400) marked a significant evolution. While retaining the core anti-magnetic properties, it featured a modern design with a more contemporary aesthetic. The iconic orange seconds hand remained, but the overall design was updated to align with the current Rolex design language. This model, with its distinctive green sapphire crystal, quickly became a popular choice among watch enthusiasts.
Subsequent variations have further expanded the Milgauss family. Specific models and their associated bracelet variations are crucial to understanding the overall picture. Different references feature different bracelet options, impacting their value and desirability. Understanding these nuances is essential for collectors and those interested in purchasing a Milgauss. For example, the GV (Green Volt) dial variation further emphasized the unique visual appeal of the watch. However, like many Rolex models, some specific variations, including the GV, have been discontinued, adding to their desirability in the secondary market.
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