Q. Please introduce yourself

I am Heejae Lee, CEO of HJL Studio, A company specializing in interior design and construction.

Q. What watch do you own?

Rolex Milgauss 116400GV.

Milgauss 116400GV

40mm, Z-Blue, Oyster

Q. When did you purchase the watch?

I bought it in the second half of 2021, So it has been about two years now.

Q. Why did you choose the Milgauss?

About eight years ago, I created my first Instagram account, And the first person I followed was an Italian man who took great photos of clothes and watches. He was very stylish and his photos were impressive. While browsing his posts, I saw the Milgauss for the first time. It was different from the Rolex (Datejust Jubilee) I knew, So I thought, "There is a model called Milgauss among Rolex watches" and "This watch is really beautiful." He also changed the bracelet to red, Green, And other straps, Which made it look even cooler.

Instagram @mirko1704

Since then, I bought the watches I wanted (like Cartier) in order, But the Milgauss was hard to find. When I finally decided to buy it, The pandemic started, Rolex became even more popular, And it became even harder to get the watch. Because of my work, I often do construction at department stores, But I could only visit after business hours, And even when I managed to stop by during the day, There were no watches available. I thought, "I shouldn't be treated like this when I'm paying my own money, " so I ended up buying another Cartier instead.

There was a time when I was so busy with work that I had no time to shop. That was when my cousin started a business dealing in collectible items like art, Watches, And cars, So I checked out his business to support him. Coincidentally, The Milgauss appeared. I wasn't in frequent contact with my cousin, But I called him right away and asked, "Is it still available?" I asked how old it was, What condition it was in, If it came with the box and all the accessories, And then I bought it immediately.

Q. Do you wear it often?

Actually, I have several sports watches. I have a Breitling and an Omega, But I always end up wearing the Milgauss.

The reason is that this watch has a variety of colors. The dial is blue, The glass has a green tint, And the hands are orange. I really like bright colors, And this watch matches well with many outfits. Other watches tend to have very conservative colors.

Also, I am the second owner of this watch. I remember paying about 12 million to 12.5 million won, But I am very satisfied regardless of paying more than the retail price.

Q. Do you have any special memories with the watch?

Last summer, I traveled to Italy with my wife for about a month, And the sunny Italian weather matched the Milgauss so well that I wore it all the time.

Heejae Lee Instagram @lucky_heejae

Our travel route in Italy was from Venice down to the south. The southern part of Italy is known for poor security, To the point that car insurance doesn't even cover it, And at a famous pizza place we arrived at late, An employee kept warning us with "Attenzione" (Italian for "be careful"). I didn't know exactly what it meant, But from the employee's expression, I wondered if it was a warning about wearing a Rolex. I was nervous the whole time. Of course, It was probably just a general warning about safety, But it was a memorable episode related to the Milgauss.

While traveling around Italy, People often complimented the Milgauss wherever I went. I was happy that people recognized this unique Rolex model, And those compliments remain in my memory.

Q. Is there anything you pay special attention to when coordinating outfits?

As I mentioned earlier, It looks much prettier in the summer. In winter, It tends to be covered up. It goes well with dress shirts, Blue oxfords, Or white shirts rather than thick sweaters.

Q. Are you satisfied with your Milgauss purchase?

I've been looking at Rolex for so long that I thought it was old and the designs were predictable. But this one is unique, So it doesn't feel that way at all. The glass has a green tint, And it has a unique charm. The 40mm size is comfortable to wear. Recently, My wife bought a vintage Rolex Datejust, But the bracelet was too loose. I like the solid Oyster bracelet on mine.

I am so satisfied every time I look at this watch that I can't help but smile. Even if someone offered me 15 million or 20 million won, I don't think I would sell it.

Milgauss 116400GV

40mm, Intense Black, Oyster

Milgauss 116400GV

40mm, Z-Blue, Oyster

Q. Would you consider selling it if someone offered you a certain price?

30 million? 40 million? I don't think I would sell it. The next watch would have to give me the same amount of joy. I don't think I will find another watch like this. When I first saw this watch on Instagram, It felt like it read my mind, And even after searching for years, It was so hard to buy. I remember being surprised when stores told me they had no stock. Even when I traveled abroad, There were almost no Rolex watches for sale in the boutiques.

I heard that the Milgauss was discontinued and then re-released, So I am looking forward to the next Milgauss model as well.