The Milgauss is the result of a direct collaboration between Rolex and the Geneva-based nuclear-research organization, CERN - Centre Européen de Recherche Nucléaire (European Organization for Nuclear Research). Their aim was to develop a wristwatch that could withstand intense magnetic fields and thus be worn by the CERN engineers and laboratory workers constantly in highly magnetic environments. Rolex introduced the reference 6541 in 1954 with a secondary, soft iron cage surrounding the caliber 1066M to shield it from magnetic forces of up to 1000 Gauss. In the early 1960s, the newly introduced Rolex Milgauss reference 1019, replaced the original two versions: references 6541 and 6543. Significantly thinner than its predecessors, it was manufactured until 1990 and was available only in stainless steel.

After nearly 20 years since the discontinuation of reference 1019, Rolex released a new Milgauss model in 2007, the present ref. 116400GV. Its most striking characteristic is without a doubt the orange “Thunderbolt” second hand, an homage to the vintage model ref. 6541. Also noteworthy is the fact that the present model is the only Rolex reference to feature a tinted crystal. The overall aesthetic of the piece is extremely bold, the orange of the hand reprised by the five minute Arabic divisions, Milgauss designation, and orange-tinted luminova for the 3, 6 and 9 hour markers.

The present lot is offered in near new condition by the family of the original owner, and is accompanied by its warranty card and presentation box.