100% Echtheitsprüfung |
vor Ort seit 2008 |
Trusted Shop |
Experten-Rat +49 89 123 64 70
From the clouds to everyday life: The versatile Rolex Air King
May 6, 2024
How did the Rolex Air King get its name?
Did you know that a Rolex watch was already involved in the first flight over Mount Everest in 1933? Pilots loved these Rolex watches because of their simplicity, functionality and water resistance
This was the impetus for the founder of Rolex - Hans Wilsdorf, to create Rolex models especially for the British Air Force in the 1940s.
Among them, the Air-King appeared in 1945, with a 34 mm case that was remarkably large for the time, which earned it the title "King". The watches of that time were much smaller! The Rolex Air King is one of the oldest models that Rolex still produces.
The revolution of the Rolex Air King
Here we compare the major changes of the Rolex Air King from 2016 and the latest models from 2022.
Rolex Air King 2016
Reference 116900
- Watch case: 40mm
- Housing with magnetic field protection - height 13.3 mm
- Lug to lug 49 mm
- Dial - only black
- Rolex logo in green
- Second hand in green
- Numbers 3-6-9 in white gold
- Movement 3131
=> we mean a more harmonious Rolex Air King design. But as always, this is a matter of taste!
Rolex Datejust 2022
Reference 126900
- Watch case: 40mm
- Housing with magnetic field protection - height 11.6 mm
- Lug to lug 47.6 mm
- Dial - black & blue
- Rolex logo in green
- Second hand in green
- Numbers 3-6-9 underlined with luminous material & 5 became 05
- Movement Cal 3230 - power reserve 70 hours
- Crown protection
=> The Rolex Air King appears more massive overall due to the crown protection
Where does the dial design of the Rolex Air King come from?
The dial of the Air King reference 116900 is not a pure development of the design team. It has the background that a project called Bloodhound-SSC was started in 2006 with the aim of building a supersonic car. Rolex participated in this project with 2 cockpit instruments, but it was then discontinued in 2018 due to a lack of funding.
Conclusion
Design and functional features
The design of the Rolex Air King is characterized by its simplicity. The watch has a clear dial, often in black or blue, with clear indices and a robust stainless steel case. The newer models are equipped with a special magnetic shield that protects the mechanism from magnetic fields. This feature makes the Air King not only functional, but also practical for everyday use.
Significance in the watch scene
The Rolex Air King has a special significance in the watch scene. It is often considered an entry-level model into the world of Rolex, but that does not diminish its value or quality. The Air King is known for its reliability, durability and timeless style, making it a sought-after watch for collectors and enthusiasts.
