2008 Rolex Oyster Milgauss Stainless Steel Model 116400

Name: 2008 Rolex Oyster Milgauss Stainless Steel Model 116400
Brand: Rolex
Price: 14200 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

Rolex Oyster Milgauss, Stainless Steel 40mm, Model 116400 c.2008 The story of the Rolex Milgauss begins during the salad days of the Atomic Age. As it became more and more common for medical professionals and power plant workers to come into contact with substantial amounts of magnetism in the workplace, a demand began to grow for a timepiece that would not stop or have its timing altered upon encountering a field of over 50 gauss. Ever the pioneer, Rolex rose to the occasion in 1956 and created a watch designed to withstand an electromagnetic field of up to 1,000 gauss (hence the name, as “one thousand” translates to “mille” in Latin). The prototype was even sent to the European Organization for Nuclear Research for testing. The finished product adopted a look similar to that of their wildly successful Submariner, and as a visual nod to its intended audience, the second hand was crafted to look like what appears be a bolt of lightning or a magnetic wave. The Milgauss was discontinued in 1988, but was reintroduced in 2007 with a ferromagnetic shield just inside the case, as well as a magnetic alloy Parachrom-Blu hairspring that is ten times more resistant to impact shocks, and affords the watch even more defense against magnetic fields than the original version (all despite being finer than human hair). The updated shield makes for a case thicker than that of most Rolex watches, and the 904L polished stainless steel from which it is built makes it all but impervious to corrosion. All of this offers robust protection to a calibre 3131 self- winding mechanical movement that is exclusive to Rolex timepieces. Though the Milgauss may have been built for the needs of a scientist, it his become a favorite of some of the most brilliant minds in the entertainment world. The collections of Rolex superfans Jennifer Anniston and Eric Clapton each count at least one among their inventory, as do those of Tom Hanks, Sylvester Stallone, and Ashton Kutcher (who has been seen wearing a piece very similar to this 2008 white face model). Less conventional yet infinitely more durable than the average Rolex, the Milgauss is a stoically eccentric watch that effortlessly stands the test of time. Additional Information: Maker: Rolex Model: 116400 Year: 2008 Material: Stainless Steel Dial: White Case Measurement: 40mm Movement: Automatic Weight: 152.4g Size: Fits up to an 8 - Adjustable Condition: Pristine Vintage Made in Switzerland Stephanie Windsor guarantees the proper functioning of your watch mechanism for ONE year from the purchase date. Our watches are guaranteed to be of the period, material and manufacturer stated. Any damage due to accidents and/or wear and tear from use is excluded from this warranty. Stephanie Windsor is an independent watch dealer and is not authorized, endorsed, sponsored by, associated with and/ or affiliated with the original watch maker brand. Stephanie Windsor only sells pre-owned, vintage and refurbished watches that are subject to one or more of the following: Repair and replacement of damaged or worn parts or the replacement of the original watch crystal. The original maker of the watch is not under any obligation to service watches by Stephanie Windsor.

Creator:

Rolex

Case Material:

Stainless Steel,Steel

Weight:

152.4 g

Movement:

Style:

Modern

Place of Origin:

Switzerland

Period:

21st Century

Date of Manufacture:

2008

Condition:

very good pre-owned condition.

Seller Location:

New York, NY

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU1661110928142

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While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

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