When it comes to anti-magnetic watches, Rolex has established a strong reputation for its innovation and commitment to precision timekeeping. The Rolex Milgauss and the Rolex Air-King, two esteemed models from the Rolex lineup, share the distinction of being anti-magnetic timepieces. Often, collectors choose between their two modern anti-magnetic models – the Rolex Air-King 116900 vs Milgauss 116400.
While the Milgauss has long been celebrated as Rolex’s iconic anti-magnetic watch, the modern edition of the Air-King also boasts impressive anti-magnetic properties. However, it is important to note that these two watches bring their own set of unique features to the table.
Anti-magnetic watches are designed to withstand the detrimental effects of magnetic fields, which can disrupt the delicate inner workings of a mechanical timepiece. By utilizing innovative technologies and high-quality materials, anti-magnetic watches ensure accurate timekeeping even in environments with high magnetic interference. This makes them indispensable tools for professionals working in scientific laboratories, power plants, and other magnetic-field-intensive settings.
The Rolex Milgauss 116400, introduced in 2007, marked a significant milestone in Rolex’s anti-magnetic watch offerings. From its previous tool watch aesthetic, the new design incorporated color and playful elements.
On the other hand, the Rolex Air-King 116900, unveiled in 2016, breathed new life into the Air-King collection while maintaining its anti-magnetic capabilities. Both watches exhibit Rolex’s unwavering commitment to precision and durability, but with distinctive design elements that cater to different tastes and preferences.
In this comparison, we’ll delve into the shared anti-magnetic features and other notable aspects of the Rolex Air-King 116900 vs Milgauss 116400. By examining their unique attributes, we can better appreciate how these timepieces exemplify Rolex’s mastery of anti-magnetic technology while offering their own individual character and style.
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What is an Anti-Magnetic Watch and Why Does It Matter?
Anti-magnetic watches play a vital role in maintaining accurate timekeeping in the presence of magnetic fields. In our modern world, we encounter many magnetic sources, such as smartphones, laptops, and magnetic closures. These magnetic fields can disrupt the delicate balance and precision of a mechanical watch movement, leading to timekeeping errors.
The importance of anti-magnetic watches extends beyond the realm of professions directly exposed to high magnetic fields. Everyday situations like airport security checks, using electronic devices, or being in close proximity to magnetic objects can impact a conventional watch’s accuracy. Anti-magnetic watches provide a practical solution, ensuring reliable timekeeping regardless of the magnetic environment.
Watchmakers employ innovative technologies and materials to shield the movement from magnetic interference. By using materials with high magnetic resistance, such as silicon, or designing protective casings, these watches can withstand magnetic fields that might otherwise impair their accuracy.
For professionals working in fields like aviation, engineering, or healthcare, where magnetic fields are prevalent, the anti-magnetic feature becomes even more critical. Pilots, engineers, and medical professionals rely on precise timekeeping as an integral part of their work. Anti-magnetic watches provide them with a dependable timekeeping tool that can withstand the magnetic challenges they encounter.
Anti-magnetic watches are not only valuable for professionals but also for anyone seeking accurate and reliable timekeeping in our magnetic-filled world. By ensuring resistance to magnetic interference, these timepieces provide peace of mind and serve as a testament to the ongoing advancements in watchmaking technology.
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About the Rolex Milgauss 116400
The Rolex Milgauss collection was introduced in 1956. It became one of the first wristwatches equipped with a high level of anti-magnetism. Its movement was crafted with shielding strong enough to withstand 1,000 gauss, thus also inspiring its name – with gauss as a unit of measurement for magnetism, and mille being French for thousand. It received several modifications from its launch until 1988, before taking an almost two-decade long hiatus.
In 2007, the Rolex Milgauss 116400 brought a new level of anti-magnetic technology and stylish design to the Milgauss collection. While the Milgauss was specifically developed to cater to professionals working in environments with high magnetic fields, the new stylish design made it appealing to a wider audience.
Three editions of the Rolex Milgauss 116400 were made available in 2007: a black dial and a white dial with orange index markers and lightning bolt seconds hands; and the unique 116400GV with a green-tinted sapphire crystal and multicolored markers. This special crystal not only offers excellent scratch resistance but also adds a touch of character to the watch, giving it a recognizable aesthetic.
The Rolex Milgauss 116400 features a robust 40mm stainless steel case with a polished finish and a smooth bezel. The watch’s design is both elegant and sporty, making it suitable for a variety of occasions. However, what truly sets the Milgauss apart is its distinctive dial. A black dial serves as a canvas for striking orange accents, including the lightning bolt-shaped seconds hand. This unique design element has become an iconic symbol of the Milgauss line and adds a touch of vibrancy to the overall appearance.
To enhance legibility, the hour markers and hands are coated with SuperLuminova, ensuring easy reading in various lighting conditions.
The Rolex Caliber 3131 movement, which provides exceptional anti-magnetic capabilities, powers the Rolex Milgauss. The movement incorporates a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and a nickel-phosphorus alloy escapement wheel. This combination ensures that the watch can withstand magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss, maintaining accurate timekeeping even in highly magnetic environments.
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About the Rolex Air-King 116900
The Rolex Air-King was introduced in 1945, as part of a larger collection of timepieces made for the British Royal Air Force and its pilots following the First World War. Inspired by classic pilot’s watches, the Air-King has been steadfast with its simple design, characterized by a steel Oyster case and bracelet measuring 34mm, and a clean time-only dial that is easy to read during flight.
Alongside the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, it served as the brand’s entry-level watch for decades, loved for its robust build and wearable design. It received various iterations over the decades, but always retained its minimalist design, until its relaunch in 2016.
In 2016, the Rolex Air-King 116900 revitalized the iconic Air-King collection with a modern and bold design. While staying true to its anti-magnetic capabilities, the Air-King 116900 presents a refreshed aesthetic that appeals to those seeking a contemporary timepiece with a touch of vintage charm.
The Rolex Air-King 116900 features a larger 40mm stainless steel case with a satin finish, offering a substantial presence on the wrist. This new size aligned it with the rest of Rolex’s sports watches. With a polished bezel, it adds a touch of refinement to the overall design.
The dial of the Air-King is where its retro-inspired character truly shines. It showcases a combination of large 3, 6, and 9 numerals with minute markers in between, reminiscent of vintage aviation watches. Including a bold use of white on the black dial, it creates a high contrast, ensuring optimal legibility.
The dial also proudly displays the Air-King logo in a prominent font, paying homage to the original Air-King models from the 1950s. This distinctive logo adds a touch of nostalgia and uniqueness to the timepiece, making it instantly recognizable as an Air-King.
Like the Milgauss, the Rolex Caliber 3131 movement powers the Air-King 116900, offering exceptional anti-magnetic properties. The movement incorporates a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and a nickel-phosphorus alloy escapement wheel, ensuring accurate timekeeping even in the presence of strong magnetic fields.
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The anti-magnetic Rolex Caliber 3131
The Rolex Caliber 3131 is an exceptional self-winding mechanical movement that plays a critical role in the anti-magnetic capabilities of both the Rolex Milgauss 116400 and the Rolex Air-King 116900. Crafted in-house by Rolex, this movement boasts precision, reliability, and resistance to magnetic fields.
One standout feature of the Caliber 3131 is the inclusion of a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. This hairspring is highly resistant to magnetic fields and provides increased stability, ensuring accurate timekeeping even in the presence of magnetism. In addition, the nickel-phosphorus alloy escapement wheel further enhances the watch’s anti-magnetic properties.
Operating at a frequency of 28,800 beats per minute (BPM), the Caliber 3131 offers exceptional precision. With a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, it ensures that the watch will continue to function accurately even if not worn for a short period.
Meticulously crafted and rigorously tested, the Rolex Caliber 3131 reflects Rolex’s commitment to excellence in engineering and finishing. By incorporating this high-performance movement, both the Milgauss 116400 and the Air-King 116900 deliver remarkable anti-magnetic capabilities alongside the renowned accuracy and reliability expected from Rolex.
Overall, the Rolex Caliber 3131 exemplifies Rolex’s dedication to precision and innovation. Its anti-magnetic properties, along with its robust construction and exceptional accuracy, make it an integral component of both the Rolex Milgauss 116400 and the Rolex Air-King 116900, ensuring that these timepieces can withstand the challenges of high-magnetic environments while delivering reliable and precise timekeeping.
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Rolex Air-King 116900 vs Milgauss 116400 Features
Shared Features
| AIR-KING 116900 | MILGAUSS 116400 | |
| CASE | 40mm stainless steel Oyster case
| 40mm stainless steel Oyster case Twinlock waterproof screw-down crown |
| BEZEL | Fixed, smooth stainless steel bezel | Fixed, smooth stainless steel bezel
|
| CRYSTAL | Sapphire | Sapphire and green-tinted Sapphire (for 116400GV) |
| DIAL | Black, with Super-Luminova luminescence | Black, with Super-Luminova luminescence
|
| BRACELET | Solid-link Oyster bracelet with folding Oysterclasp and Easylink 5mm extension system | Solid-link Oyster bracelet with folding Oysterclasp and Easylink 5mm extension system
|
| DEPTH RATING | 100m / 330 ft | 100m / 330 ft
|
| CALIBER | Automatic Caliber 3131 movement | Automatic Caliber 3131 movement |
Dial Design
The Rolex Milgauss 116400 features a black dial with orange accents, including the lightning bolt-shaped seconds hand, which is iconic to the Milgauss. The Rolex Air-King 116900 opts for a clean and straightforward dial design, incorporating large numerals and minute markers for enhanced readability, plus a green vintage Air-King emblem.
Crystal
The Rolex Milgauss 116400 comes with a green-tinted sapphire crystal, adding a distinctive touch to its appearance. The Rolex Air-King 116900, like most Rolex watches, features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
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Rolex Air-King 116900 vs Milgauss 116400 – Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Rolex Milgauss 116400 and Rolex Air-King 116900 exemplify Rolex’s dedication to precision, durability, and anti-magnetic technology. They share the same Rolex Caliber 3131 movement, ensuring resistance to magnetic fields and accurate timekeeping. The Milgauss 116400 features iconic design elements like the lightning bolt seconds hand and green-tinted sapphire crystal, while the Air-King 116900 offers a modern interpretation with a bold dial design and vintage-inspired logo.
Ultimately, your choice between the Rolex Air-King 116900 vs Milgauss 116400 will depend on personal preference, style, and the specific features that resonate with you. Both the Milgauss 116400 and Air-King 116900 deliver reliable timekeeping and the anti-magnetic capabilities Rolex is renowned for.
Whether you choose the Milgauss or Air-King, both models showcase Rolex’s craftsmanship and engineering prowess. When considering these timepieces, reputable watch retailers like SwissWatchExpo provide a range of pre-owned Rolex watches that have been authenticated and serviced, ensuring quality and value.
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