Solar mean magnetic field (SMMF) measurements from the Wilcox Solar Observatory and with the SOHO/MDI instrument are described and analyzed. Even though two completely different methods of observation are used, the two data sets obtained show a strong similarity. Using continuous wavelet transforms, SMMF variability is found at a number of temporal scales. Detected SMMF signals with a 1--2 year period are considered to be linked to variations in the internal rotation of the Sun. Intermediate SMMF oscillations with a period of 80--200 days are probably connected to the evolution of large active regions. We also find evidence for 90 min variations with coronal mass ejections as a suggested origin.