Singer Usher spotted wearing a Rolex

Usher, the Grammy-winning R&B artist behind multi-platinum records and one of the best-selling Super Bowl halftime performances in recent memory, was recently photographed wearing a Rolex Milgauss in stainless steel — specifically the reference 116400 with a black dial. It is a choice that says less about flash and more about quiet confidence in a genuinely purposeful timepiece.

The Rolex Milgauss 116400 was introduced in 2007, reviving a lineage that dates back to 1956 when Rolex engineered the original Milgauss in collaboration with CERN physicists in Geneva. The name itself derives from "mille gauss" — one thousand gauss — reflecting the watch's certified resistance to magnetic fields of that magnitude. This is achieved through a soft-iron Faraday cage enclosing the movement, shielding the calibre 3131 automatic from electromagnetic interference. The movement beats at 28,800 vph and offers approximately 48 hours of power reserve. The reference 116400 houses a sapphire crystal and, in its standard configuration, presents either a black or white dial with the iconic orange-tipped lightning bolt seconds hand — a design nod to the original 1950s model.

Among collectors, the Milgauss 116400 occupies an interesting position. It is frequently cited as one of the last entry-level Rolex sport watches that remained attainable on the grey market without significant premium. The discontinued green crystal variant — the 116400GV — commands considerably more collector attention, but the standard 116400 retains a loyal following for its clean, functional aesthetic and genuine technical narrative. Rolex discontinued the entire Milgauss line in 2023, which has since sharpened collector interest in all references.

For Usher, whose taste in watches has previously leaned toward high-complication and high-visibility pieces, the Milgauss is a relatively restrained selection — and arguably a more interesting one for it. The choice suggests an appreciation for Rolex history beyond the obvious Daytona and Submariner conversation.

With Rolex having officially ceased Milgauss production, the 116400 is now trading on the grey market at or just above its original retail price, making this a rare Rolex sport reference still accessible without a significant speculative premium — for now.