Milgauss Black Dial, imminent purchase - any alternative suggestions?

Hey omegaforumers,

In the past few months I've been tossing up my first rolex (and first luxury watch for that matter), and had settled upon an Explorer I, 114270 36mm. They're very scarce in Melbourne and Sydney however, so I haven't had the chance to try one on. Even though I have 6.5 inch wrists, I've tried a Tudor Black Bay 36mm, and while it's only 18mm lug width (Compared to the explorer 1's 20mm), I did find it just a bit too small! So I've been very keen to try on the Exp1 before purchasing from overseas...

step in today... I was at a local second hand watch dealer, and tried on a Rolex Milgauss black dial (without green crystal), and was blown away! see photos below on my wrist. It's odd, because I've tried on the Blue and White dialed versions, and they both didn't really do it for me. I really liked both, but I'm looking for an all-rounder, and somehow they seemed to sit a bit too large on my 6.5 inch wrist, and projected too much dial, if that makes sense. The matte black dial, which is pretty much a dark grey, looks fantastic though! It wears much smaller in my mind than the green and white models... I can't put my finger on why, I think the subtly of the dial works extremely well somehow! It has just the right amount of Orange for me. I wanted to love the white, but I think it's borderline too loud for a corporate environment! (I like to do the, would I wear this to a job interview test... white milgauss, perhaps not.)

It was being sold with full set box and papers, in a little bit worn condition, but I don't mind as the movement and overall quality is excellent, a few small scratches here and there are fine.

Before I buy it does anyone have any other recommendations around this pricepoint for an all-rounder??

$4.5-5.5k USD

Try an Omega Globemaster. @demollo has one for sale here on OF. This is also a good all rounder in my opinion, but I'm biased...I chose mine over the Aqua Terra, PO and various Rolex offerings etc.

I really like the watch, but somehow find it less interesting without green glass.

Fair point! I really don't like the green glass (although I do see how it is unique) except on the sunburst blue dial model. I find otherwise, it really doesn't compliment the colours that well...

Since OF is strongly image oriented let's try this:-



Now it's just a matter of which one you like the look of and/or joining the quest for another Grail (and maybe thinking about getting a better paid job 😁).

Nice. I think the green glass with blue dial works fine on the modern Milgauss. Also, despite initially disliking it, I'm actually warming to the Omega Globemaster, and I can't help thinking that aesthetically a black bezelled Tudor Black Bay would be a nice substitute for a vintage Milgauss.