Originally launched to honor the brave pilots of World War II, the Air King has evolved while staying true to its roots. With its unmistakable black dial, oversized numerals, and aviation-inspired features, it remains a favorite among adventurers, aviators, and enthusiasts alike.
In this guide, we’ll explore into the history, features, and buying tips for the Rolex Air-King, a luxurious tribute to the golden age of aviation and an elegant symbol of precision.
What is the Rolex Air-King?
The Rolex Air-King is a distinctive model within Rolex's lineup. It was originally introduced in the 1940s to honor the pilots of World War II. With an aviation-inspired design, this Rolex pilot watch boasts a simple yet bold aesthetic, featuring a 40mm case, a highly readable black dial with oversized 3, 6, and 9 numerals, and a minute scale reminiscent of flight instruments.
The Rolex Air-King is reliable, precise, and resistant to shock and magnetic fields. While it's one of the more affordable options in the Rolex range, it still embodies the brand's commitment to craftsmanship, offering a mix of sporty and elegant appeal. It is a popular timepiece among aviators and collectors alike.
Rolex History of the Air King
The Rolex Air-King has a rich history that dates back to the 1940s, rooted in aviation and the legacy of World War II. Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf introduced it as a tribute to the British Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots who relied on Rolex watches during the war.
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1940s
- Introduced during World War II as a tribute to British RAF pilots.
- Part of Rolex’s “Air” series, which included Air-Lion, Air-Giant, and Air-Tiger models.
- Pilots favored Rolex watches for their reliability and precision during the war.
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1945
- Rolex officially launched the Air-King model.
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1957
- Introduction of the Rolex Air King 5500, which became one of the longest-running Rolex models. This model featured a 34mm case and minimalist dial design.
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1970s-1980s
- The Air-King continued to evolve with subtle changes, keeping its classic design intact. Various iterations were introduced with minor updates to the dial and movement.
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2007
- Rolex released the Air-King reference 114200, which featured the first COSC-certified Air-King movement.
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2014
- Production of the Air-King briefly discontinued, leading to speculation about its future.
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2016
- The Air-King was reintroduced with a major redesign (reference 116900). It was upgraded to a 40mm case size and powered by the Caliber 3131 movement. There was also a new aviation-inspired dial with large 3, 6, and 9 numerals and as well as a prominent green seconds hand.
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Present:
- The Rolex Air-King remains an iconic aviation-inspired model, embodying its legacy while offering modern design and technology.
Key Features of the Rolex Air-King
The following features make the Rolex Air King a beautiful blend of modern technology and vintage-inspired aviation design, which makes it very attractive to enthusiasts looking for a robust, timeless watch.
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Aviation-Inspired Design
- Bold black dial with large 3, 6, and 9 Arabic numerals for easy readability
- Minute scale designed to resemble flight instruments
- Distinctive green seconds hand and Rolex logo in green and yellow
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40mm Oystersteel Case
- Constructed from corrosion-resistant Oystersteel, providing durability and a sleek finish
- Waterproof up to 100 meters (330 feet)
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Scratch-Resistant Sapphire Crystal
- Protects the dial from scratches
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Caliber 3131 Movement
- Rolex’s self-winding mechanical movement, known for its precision, reliability, and anti-magnetic properties
- Certified as a Superlative Chronometer, offering accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day
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Oyster Bracelet
- Features a three-piece link design for comfort and durability
- Equipped with an Oysterclasp and the Easylink extension system, allowing the wearer to adjust the bracelet length by up to 5mm
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Anti-Magnetic Shield
- Built with paramagnetic materials and features a magnetic shield
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Legibility
- Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence
Specifications of the Rolex Air-King
- Model: Rolex Air-King (Reference 116900)
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Movement
- Caliber: 3131, self-winding mechanical movement
- Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)
- Power Reserve: Approximately 48 hours
- Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4Hz)
- Functions: Central hour, minute, and seconds hands; stop-seconds for precise time setting
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Case
- Material: Oystersteel (904L stainless steel)
- Diameter: 40mm
- Thickness: 13mm
- Water Resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet
- Crown: Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproof system
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire
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Dial
- Color: Black
- Markers: Large 3, 6, and 9 Arabic numerals with minute scale
- Luminescence: Chromalight display with long-lasting blue glow
- Hands: Green seconds hand with Mercedes hour and minute hands
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Bracelet
- Type: Oyster bracelet, flat three-piece links
- Material: Oystersteel
- Clasp: Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension link
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Bezel
- Type: Smooth, fixed bezel
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Anti-Magnetic Shield
- Internal magnetic shield to protect the movement from magnetic interference
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Precision
- -2/+2 seconds per day, after casing
Dial and Bracelet Options for the Rolex Air-King
Currently, the Air-King offers limited customization in dials and bracelets compared to other Rolex models.
Dial Options for the Rolex Air-King
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Standard Dial
- The current Rolex Air-King (reference 116900) features a black dial with white Arabic numerals at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions.
- Minute markers are displayed around the edge with the 5-minute intervals in bold.
- The Rolex crown at 12 o’clock and the green seconds hand are distinctive, showcasing Rolex’s signature green and yellow accents.
- The black dial is the only available color option.
Bracelet Options for the Rolex Air-King
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Oyster Bracelet
- The Rolex Air-King comes with a stainless steel Oyster bracelet made from Rolex’s proprietary Oystersteel (904L stainless steel), which is highly resistant to corrosion and wear.
- The flat three-piece link design gives the bracelet a balance of strength and comfort.
- Equipped with an Oysterclasp and an Easylink extension system, which allows for a 5mm quick adjustment for added comfort
Tips For Buying a Rolex Air King for Sale
You will be investing a lot of money when buying a Rolex Air King, whether brand new or used. Considering such hefty investment, it’s important to follow these tips to make sure you get an authentic and well-maintained timepiece:
1. Buy from a trusted source.
- Authorized Dealers: The safest and most reliable option is to purchase from an authorized Rolex dealer where you’ll get a brand-new watch with full warranty and authenticity guarantees.
- Reputable Pre-Owned Dealers: If buying second-hand, ook for established and reputable sellers with good reviews, transparent policies, and expertise in Rolex watches.
2. Verify authenticity.
- Check the Serial and Model Numbers: Rolex engraves the serial number between the lugs of the case at 6 o’clock, and the model number at 12 o’clock. Verify these against official Rolex records or check for authenticity through an expert.
- Hologram Sticker and Micro-Engravings: Rolex watches often feature tiny details such as the Rolex crown laser-etched into the crystal at the 6 o’clock position. This is difficult to replicate and should be present on modern models.
- Movement Inspection: A legitimate Rolex will have a precise, automatic movement. Ask a watchmaker to open the case and inspect the movement to confirm it’s the genuine Rolex caliber 3131.
3. Know the market prices.
- Research Retail Prices: Familiarize yourself with the retail price for new Rolex Air-King models. Prices generally range around $7,000 to $8,000 for new models.
- Understand Pre-Owned Value: Pre-owned Air-Kings may vary in price depending on condition, age, and rarity. Be aware of the price range to avoid overpaying.
4. Consider the condition.
- New vs. Pre-Owned: A new Rolex Air-King comes with guarantees and pristine condition. Pre-owned models may be a more affordable option. However, you should check for wear, service history, and condition of the case, dial, and movement.
- Service History: For pre-owned watches, ask for the service history. A well-maintained Rolex that has been regularly serviced will retain its quality and value.
5. Ask about the warranty.
- Rolex Warranty: A new Rolex Air-King comes with a 5-year international warranty. This should be included if buying a new timepiece.
- Extended Warranty: Some pre-owned sellers offer an additional warranty, which can provide extra peace of mind.
6. Avoid counterfeits.
- Too Good to Be True Prices: Be wary of prices significantly lower than market value; these can be a red flag for counterfeit watches.
- Examine Craftsmanship: Rolex watches are known for their impeccable craftsmanship. Cheap materials, poor finishing, or misaligned markings are indicators of fakes.
7. Watch for future value.
- Resale Value: The Rolex Air-King is a timeless model with a strong brand name behind it, making it likely to retain value over time. Some vintage Air-King models even appreciate in value.
- Rolex Availability: Newer Air-King models can be difficult to find at retail price, increasing their desirability and potential for future value.
How to Maintain Your Rolex Air-King?
Keep your timepiece pristine and elegant. Preserve the beauty and functionality of your Rolex Air-King by following these tips:
1. Regular cleaning
- Clean with a soft cloth: Wipe the watch regularly with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges, dirt, and sweat.
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Deep Clean (Water-Resistant Models): If your Rolex Air-King is exposed to dirt or dust frequently, wash it occasionally. To do this:
- Ensure the crown is fully screwed down to prevent water from entering the case.
- Use lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft brush to gently scrub the case and bracelet.
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
2. Avoid strong magnetic fields.
- Although the Rolex Air-King has an anti-magnetic shield, you should still avoid placing it near strong magnetic fields such as speakers, magnetic clasps, or electronic devices. Prolonged exposure to magnetism can impact its accuracy.
3. Store properly.
- Store your Air-King in a watch box or safe to protect it from dust, humidity, and potential damage when not in use.
- Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade the dial and affect the oils in the movement.
- If you don’t wear the watch regularly, consider using a watch winder to keep the movement in good condition. This ensures the oils inside the movement are evenly distributed.
4. Service your Rolex regularly.
- Rolex recommends servicing your watch every 10 years, but you may need to do so more frequently.
- During a service, Rolex-certified watchmakers will inspect, clean, and replace worn-out parts, ensuring the watch operates at peak performance.
- Avoid unauthorized service centers—only take your watch to a Rolex Service Center or an authorized dealer.
5. Water resistance check.
- The Rolex Air-King is water-resistant up to 100 meters (330 feet). However, the water resistance can diminish over time due to gasket wear.
- Have the water resistance tested periodically, especially after any impact or if you frequently use the watch in water.
- Avoid hot water or steam (e.g., hot showers, saunas). extreme temperatures can compromise the gasket and seals which make the watch water-resistant.
6. Be mindful of shock.
- While the Air-King is built to be durable, you should still avoid dropping it or exposing it to harsh impacts. Mechanical movements are precise and can be affected by heavy impacts.
7. Protect against scratches.
- Avoid wearing the watch during physically demanding activities that could expose it to scratches or bumps.
- Be cautious of the bracelet and case, especially around hard surfaces as polished areas can get scratched easily.
8. Wind the watch regularly.
- If not worn daily, manually wind the watch once in a while to keep the movement running smoothly.
- To wind your Air-King, unscrew the crown and wind it clockwise for about 20-40 turns to fully charge the movement.
9. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Keep your Air-King away from harsh chemicals such as cleaning products, colognes, or perfumes, which can damage the watch case and bracelet.
10. Preserve the Warranty.
- Rolex provides a 5-year warranty on new watches. Regular maintenance and authorized service help keep your warranty intact, and it ensures the watch stays in peak condition for many years.
Conclusion
If you’re considering adding a Rolex Air-King to your collection, you’re investing in a time-honored symbol of aviation and luxury. Its bold design and robust construction make it not only a reliable timepiece for daily wear but also a unique piece of Rolex history that collectors appreciate.
