Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss
CASE
TYPE
Oyster (monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown) Internal magnetic shield to protect the movement
DIAMETER
40 mm
MATERIAL
904L steel, polished finish
BEZEL
Smooth
CASE BACK
Screw-down with Rolex fluting
WINDING CROWN
Screw-down; Twinlock double waterproofness system
CRYSTAL
Scratch-resistant green sapphire
WATERPROOFNESS
100 metres (330 feet)
MOVEMENT
CALIBRE
3131, Manufacture Rolex, mechanical movement with bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
PRECISION
−2/+2 sec./day, after casing
FUNCTIONS
Centre hour, minute and seconds hands; Stop-seconds for precise time setting
OSCILLATOR
Frequency: 28,800 A/h (4Hz)
Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring
Rolex overcoil
Large balance wheel with variable inertia
High-precision regulating via four gold Microstella nuts
Traversing balance bridge
Escapement
Paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus escape wheel
JEWELLING
31 rubies
POWER RESERVE
Approximately 48 hours
DIAL
COLOUR
white
HOUR MARKERS
Highly legible Chromalight appliques (long-lasting luminescence) in 18 carat white gold
HANDS
Chromalight hands in 18 carat white gold, orange lightning-bolt-shaped seconds hand
BRACELET
TYPE
Oyster (three-piece solid links)
MATERIAL
904L steel, polished centre links (this is the only difference) , satin-finished outer links with polished edges
CLASP
Folding Oysterclasp; Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
Here are two pictures of the Rolex Milgauss (Reference 116400 GV) with green sapphire crystal …
This is also good to know:
The new Rolex Air-King is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015.
This exclusive designation testifies that the watch has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria, which exceed watchmaking norms and standards.
The certification applies to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing its superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding.
The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer after casing is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day, or more than twice that required of an official chronometer.
The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
Of course also the Rolex Milgauss is a Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing as just described above).
Conclusion
So what Rolex offers here for 5700 Euro is absolutely incredible. The new Rolex Air-King therefore should be viewed from another perspective.
You may like its design or not, but what you get is a more than solid watch.
You get what Rolex describes for its Milgauss as: “The Oyster Perpetual Milgauss, the watch par excellence of technological and scientific progress launched in 1956, reconciles strong magnetic fields and chronometric precision.”
For me the new Rolex Air-King today is one the best watches in terms of quality-price-ratio.
Only very, very few can compete. Probably only Omega with its new fantastic “Master Chronometers”.
All the other manufacturers have to take note of, that asking more money for a wristwatch that is not comparable to or better than the Rolex Air-King really is courageous – especially these days.
Give me you feedback guys! I am looking forward reading your comments!
Would be much better with 3 6 9 from new Explorer, that combines with “12” marker, like this it has a misture of 3 diferent kinds of markers, just too much… Algo don’t like polished ones, so a 40mm satin is great. with 3 6 9 markers from new Explorer sure I would buy one, anyway I will take a look when available.
A good read and the Air-King is indeed an interesting proposition. Your price-quality statement is thought-provoking and an evergreen when talking watches but especially considering Tudor’s new in-house movement Black Bay’s with COSC certification. What is your take on price-quality of the Air-king vs. an MT5602 powered Black Bay that pricewise is roughly 50% of an Air-King?
A very handsome watch indeed! My guess is the Milgauss didn’t sell* all that well. So rather than pull the rug out from under all the Milgauss buyers by cutting price create a new version of an established model, Air King.
I think this watch will sell like hotcakes!
I agree with Daniel, the 3, 6 and 9 are distracting and disruptive.
Guy
The Milgauss is quite a particular watch and not the taste of everyone. I don’t think it does not sale, I just think its just a little special. The new Air-King will for sure attract new buyers and due to its look (you like it or dislike it) it has the best chances to become the next Rolex icon. I don’t think Rolex should change anything concerning the design. The feedback coming from Rolex several dealers (good friends) is very promising. They would also tell me the contrary …
I purchased the Millgauss became as an electrical engineer I wanted to connect with what someone in my profession would have owned back during the middle 1950s. At that time electrical engineers were changing the planet and working with high power and high magnitism. To me the piece is about the function and the history and I was prepared to pay for that.
Alexander, thank you for your interesting comparision. I suggest you compare in addition the new EX1 to the two as it is (with the exempion of additional shock resistance) technically similar to AK/MG. I would also love to read your judgement on this watch.
regards
Alexander
I am certain that at €5,700/- Rolex Air-King would be quite popular among ordinary people, as I think this would be the most affordable Rolex available.
I really prefer this new air King over the too thin Explorer and the over polished Milgauss
What disturbs me is the polished lugs on the Milgauss case
This air King is for me one of the coolest News from Rolex
Really looking forward to try it
Miss Rolex looks stunning in her green dress, she knows how to get attention from men that have little knowledge about ladies and get their cash. Several times Miss Rolex has tried to get my attention, told her to go away and informed I am dating somebody else.
Technologically speaking this is a great watch. As a value proposition, it’s great. Nevertheless, one has to figure in appearance. I like the looks of my GMT black and blue much better. In my humble opinion a Speedmaster looks better yet. But let’s face it. At the end of the day when you’re handing over your money one usually goes for appearance, brand and iconic watch, and movement accuracy along with workmanship/workwomanship. And all this is a matter of opinion and it is what keeps the hobby of watch collecting fun to discuss.
I like the Air King. I wish it had “15”, “30”, and “45” rather than “3”, “6”, and “9”, but it’s still a great looker and good value. I’m hoping that Rolex quickly “fixes” the numbering on a white dial version in 2017.