Rolex Milgauss 116400 Black

The Rolex Milgauss Ref. 116400 Black Dial is one of the most distinctive modern Rolex sports watches, created specifically for scientists, engineers, and professionals working around strong magnetic fields. Rolex revived the Milgauss in 2007 after an absence of nearly two decades, giving it a 40mm Oystersteel case, smooth polished bezel, clear sapphire crystal, and a clean black dial without a date complication. The defining feature is its bright orange lightning-bolt seconds hand, a direct callback to the original Milgauss Ref. 6541 of the 1950s, accompanied by subtle orange accents around the dial. Unlike the better-known 116400GV, this standard black-dial 116400 uses a clear sapphire crystal rather than Rolex’s green-tinted “Glace Verte” crystal, giving it a cleaner and more understated appearance. The black-dial, clear-crystal version was produced for only a relatively short period before being discontinued, making it an increasingly interesting configuration for collectors.

Inside is Rolex’s Caliber 3131, a 31-jewel automatic chronometer movement operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivering approximately 48 hours of power reserve. The movement incorporates Rolex’s paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and other antimagnetic components, while a ferromagnetic inner shield surrounds the movement to provide resistance to magnetic fields of at least 1,000 gauss—the capability from which the Milgauss takes its name. The watch also provides 100 meters of water resistance and is fitted to an Oyster bracelet with Rolex’s 5mm Easylink comfort extension. With the entire Milgauss collection ultimately discontinued in 2023, the original black-dial 116400 has become a compelling neo-vintage Rolex, combining unusual scientific heritage, the unmistakable lightning seconds hand, and the comparatively rare clear-crystal configuration.

Reference: 116400

Dated: 2008

Bracelet: Stainless Steel Bracelet

Case: 40mm x 10.9mm Thickness - Stainless Steel

Movement: 3131 - Automatic

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds - Magnetic Resistance 1000 GAUSS

Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes, and warranty card

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.25”

Case has little to no wear. Bracelet has light normal wear. Dial, hands, and crystal are in perfect shape. Watch is running spec.

Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, before moving to Geneva in 1919 to be closer to the heart of Swiss watchmaking. From the start, Wilsdorf envisioned a wristwatch that was not only elegant, but also precise and reliable—an ambitious goal at a time when pocket watches dominated. Rolex went on to pioneer key innovations in horology, including the first officially certified chronometer wristwatch, the Oyster case (the world’s first waterproof wristwatch), and the Perpetual rotor—the self-winding mechanism that became the standard for modern automatic watches. These technical breakthroughs laid the foundation for Rolex’s enduring reputation for rugged luxury and mechanical excellence.

Today, Rolex is arguably the most recognized name in watches, with models like the Submariner, Daytona, Datejust, and GMT-Master becoming cultural icons in their own right. Whether tied to deep-sea exploration, motorsport, aviation, or mountain summits, each model reflects the brand’s commitment to performance and precision under extreme conditions. The brand’s status is bolstered by its unmatched consistency in design, rigorous in-house testing, and long-standing associations with exploration, sport, and achievement. For collectors and enthusiasts, Rolex represents more than a timepiece—it’s a benchmark of mechanical reliability, timeless design, and global prestige.