What defines the Milgauss
The Milgauss was Rolex's anti-magnetic watch. Its name means 1,000 gauss, the field strength it was built to resist. The first version, ref. 6541 from 1956, was made for scientists and engineers working near strong magnetic fields. Ref. 1019 followed and ran until the late 1980s.
In 2007 Rolex revived the line as the 116400, with a soft-iron shield around calibre 3131 and the orange lightning-bolt seconds hand. The 116400GV added a green-tinted sapphire crystal, and in 2014 the Z-Blue dial joined it. Then, in 2023, Rolex discontinued the whole line with no successor. As a result, the Rolex Milgauss price today is purely a used-market figure.
Every Milgauss reference compared
This guide covers the modern green-crystal 116400GV, the reference most buyers search for. Vintage references sit outside our price coverage because condition and originality vary too widely for useful bands.
Milgauss 116400GV
2007-2023. Green sapphire, lightning-bolt seconds, 1,000-gauss shield. Z-Blue asks most. Discontinued
| Dial | Introduced | Crystal | Relative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 2007 | Green sapphire | Lower within the bands |
| Z-Blue | 2014 | Green sapphire only | Higher; dealer asks up to c. US$17,000 for full sets |
Rolex Milgauss price: last retail vs today
| Reference | Retail | Unworn, full set | Excellent, B&P | Good, no papers | Mid-band vs retail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milgauss 116400GV | US$9,300 | US$12,500 – US$15,000 | US$10,000 – US$12,500 | US$8,500 – US$11,500 | +21% |
Retail is the current (or last) US list price. Pre-owned bands are rounded market ranges for October 2026; MYR ≈ USD × 4.08.
The last US list price on record was US$9,300, in February 2023. Since then, the market has been stable rather than rising sharply. Excellent examples with box and papers sit at US$10,000 – US$12,500, while unworn full sets reach higher. For Malaysian buyers, that excellent band converts to roughly RM40,800 to RM51,000.
What holds value within the line
Within the Milgauss price range, Z-Blue holds value best, because it was the most distinctive version and was only made from 2014. Next, a full set with the original card matters more on a discontinued watch than on a current one. An original green crystal matters too. A replaced crystal without Rolex service papers is a real discount. Our used Rolex price guide explains how we adjust for papers and polishing.
Authentication notes for the Milgauss
Start with the crystal. A genuine green sapphire shows its tint most clearly at an angle, not as a strong green cast from the front. Next, check that any Z-Blue dial sits under a green crystal, since Rolex never paired it with clear glass. Then look for the rehaut engraving with the serial on later pieces, and the laser-etched coronet at 6 o'clock.
The definitive check is inside. A genuine Milgauss has a shield surrounding calibre 3131. So arrange a case-back-off inspection before paying. Our real vs fake Rolex guide sets out the full process, and the Milgauss 116400GV page lists reference-specific tells.
Buying a Milgauss in Malaysia
Malaysian boutiques no longer stock the Milgauss, so every purchase is pre-owned. Local examples appear occasionally on Mudah and in Lowyat forum sales threads, and some KL dealers hold one or two. Because supply is thin, the local Milgauss price tends to follow international dealer asks. Therefore check the bands above, see the card in person and read our box and papers guide before you commit.
If you want the anti-magnetic idea with a current guarantee, the Air-King 126900 is the natural alternative. For a wider view of the line's background, see the Milgauss entry on Wikipedia.
Rolex Milgauss FAQ
Why was the Rolex Milgauss discontinued?
Rolex does not explain its decisions, but the likely reasons are practical. The Milgauss used the older calibre 3131, while newer 32xx movements already offer strong magnetic resistance through Parachrom hairsprings and other parts. That made a dedicated anti-magnetic model less distinctive. Rolex retired the line in 2023 and launched no successor.
Will Rolex bring back the Milgauss?
Nobody outside Rolex knows. The name has gone dormant before: it disappeared in the late 1980s and returned in 2007. So a revival is possible, but there is no reliable sign of one as of October 2026. Do not pay a premium on the assumption that it will or will not return.
Which Milgauss should I buy?
For most buyers, the 116400GV is the sensible modern choice, because it has the green crystal, a recent production run and good parts support. Between the two GV dials, Z-Blue costs more and is the more distinctive look. The black dial is the quieter option and usually the better value.
How much does a Rolex Milgauss cost in Malaysia?
There is no boutique price any more. On October 2026 market bands, an excellent 116400GV with box and papers works out to roughly RM40,800 to RM51,000. Watch-only examples sit lower, and Z-Blue full sets can ask more. Always compare local asks with international dealers before you negotiate.
Is the Milgauss related to the Air-King?
Closely. The 2016 Air-King 116900 was built on the 40 mm Milgauss case and shared calibre 3131 with a magnetic shield. The two differ in dial, crystal and price. Our Milgauss vs Air-King comparison covers the details.
Last updated . Written and fact-checked by the Rolex Malaysian editorial team. Specifications and prices are re-checked quarterly.