Rolex Milgauss Ref. 116400GV

Rolex Milgauss Ref. 116400GV

Built for scientists. Coveted by everyone who understands why.

The Milgauss has always occupied its own corner of the Rolex catalogue — quieter than the Submariner, stranger than the Datejust, and more purposeful than almost anything else the brand has ever made. Designed in 1956 for researchers working in high magnetic field environments, it was famously worn by scientists at CERN. The 116400GV brought it back into the modern era with Rolex's proprietary green sapphire crystal — the GV standing for glace verte — casting a subtle tint over the dial that makes it unlike anything else at this price point. The lightning bolt seconds hand is bold.

This example dates to 2009 and presents in very good condition, with light signs of wear consistent with its age. Comes with manual, box and papers are not present.

Why we selected it
Years ago, I visited a friend who worked as a physicist at CERN in Switzerland. I knew nothing about the Milgauss back then — but the scale of what they were doing there, the technology and the history of it, left an impression. On the way back into Geneva, we walked past a few Rolex boutiques. Something about that combination — science, precision, craftsmanship — stayed with me. I couldn't afford a Rolex at that point in my life, but that day planted a seed. Looking back, it's probably where my passion for watches quietly started. The Milgauss, with its direct CERN connection, still carries that feeling for me. It's one of the most interesting watches Rolex has ever made.