Rolex Air-King Luxury Watch
The Rolex Air King Luxury Watch is one of the oldest names in Rolex’s catalog that is still in the lineup today. Most collectors are more familiar with the Rolex Air-King in its current form. And this is a contemporary aviator’s tool watch outfitted with a 40mm case. It also has a dial that resembles cockpit instruments. But, the Air-King actually has its roots planted in the realm of dress watches. And this has a design like the Oyster Perpetual rather than a Professional series pilot’s watch.
These days the modern Rolex Air King Luxury Watch is one of the brand’s professional tool watches. However, that hasn’t always been the case. While this watch has always been a pilot’s watch. It has largely been a more popular choice for entry-level Rolex collectors. Thanks to its timeless design and affordable price point. Over the decades, it became more of a cult favorite. On the fringe rather than a mainstream piece beloved by the masses.
The Rolex Air King Luxury Watch is one of the oldest names in the brand’s catalog. With the very first instance of its use dating all the way back to the 1940s. Throughout those years, we’ve seen some great iterations, innovations, and upgrades. The watch is referred to as a classic and elegant line. We’ve also seen a major shift in positioning by Rolex. When they halted its production after nearly seventy years. To completely upend the design in favor of turning it back to its original, tool-watch roots.
If you’re thinking of investing in a Rolex Air-King. We’ve compiled most of the things that you’ll need to make an informed decision right here. So, let’s get started!
Before we dive into the extensive features of the Rolex Air-King. Luxury Watch, here are 5 interesting facts about its evolution over the decades.
For decades, what attracted collectors to the Rolex Air King Luxury Watch was affordability. Because it had classic, simple aesthetics and a low price point. The Air-King was often touted as the ‘entry-level’ Rolex for up-and-coming collectors. Today, that still remains true when you look at vintage and pre-owned Air-King models. As these watches come in at a great low price point. And they also offer a good selection of styling while still remaining timeless.
However, Rolex decided to reinvent the Air-King for its re-release in 2016. The new design was seen as somewhat polarizing. The bolder face design and pops of green and yellow turned a lot of entry-level buyers off. Because they sought out this collection for its simplicity. But, others loved it for its thoroughly modern take on the classic pilot’s watch. Today, the Rolex Air-King Luxury Watch is very much a tool watch, and those who buy it often wear it as such. With that in mind, it is important to note that the price has not changed drastically. As its retail price still makes it one of the most affordable men’s Rolex models currently available.
So to sum it up: whether you go new or pre-owned, you can always get a Rolex Air-King for a great price. In the end, what it really comes down to (as always) are your personal tastes and budget.
Introduction to the Rolex Air-King Luxury Watch
These days the modern Rolex Air King Luxury Watch is one of the brand’s professional tool watches. However, that hasn’t always been the case. While this watch has always been a pilot’s watch. It has largely been a more popular choice for entry-level Rolex collectors. Thanks to its timeless design and affordable price point. Over the decades, it became more of a cult favorite. On the fringe rather than a mainstream piece beloved by the masses.
The Rolex Air King Luxury Watch is one of the oldest names in the brand’s catalog. With the very first instance of its use dating all the way back to the 1940s. Throughout those years, we’ve seen some great iterations, innovations, and upgrades. The watch is referred to as a classic and elegant line. We’ve also seen a major shift in positioning by Rolex. When they halted its production after nearly seventy years. To completely upend the design in favor of turning it back to its original, tool-watch roots.
If you’re thinking of investing in a Rolex Air-King. We’ve compiled most of the things that you’ll need to make an informed decision right here. So, let’s get started!
The Current Rolex Air King Luxury Watch Specification
Reference Number: 116900
- Production Years: 2016 – Present
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials: Oystersteel (904L stainless steel)
- Features: Time + Running Seconds; Internal Antimagnetic Shield
- Dial: Black
- Bezel: Fixed, Stainless Steel, Smooth Style
- Crystal: Sapphire (Flat)
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 3131
- Water Resistance: 100 Meters / 330 Feet
- Strap/Bracelet: Oyster bracelet
5 Quick Facts about the Air-King
Before we dive into the extensive features of the Rolex Air-King. Luxury Watch, here are 5 interesting facts about its evolution over the decades.
The Air-King Was Made In Honor of WWII Pilots
During and directly after WWII, Rolex released a line of ‘Air’ watch models. They were created to honor the British Royal Air Force and its pilots. There were Air-Lion, Air-Tiger, Air-Giant, and Air-King. But the Air-King is the only one still in production today.The Air-King Has Always Been Considered Large
When the Rolex Air-King Luxury Watch was first launched. It was launched as its own standalone collection in 1958, it clocked in at 34mm. While this is considered small for today’s standards, back then, it was quite large. So, when the watch was re-released in 2016. It was reimagined in a whole new way, with one of its most significant updates being a larger 40mm case.The Air-King Is One of Rolex’s Oldest Collections
Although the very first use of the “Air-King” name dates back to 1945. The Air-King collection as we know it today did not join Rolex’s catalog until 1958. Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf originally rolled out the Air-King as a tribute to pilots. And he likely had no idea it would become one of the brand’s most enduring collections.The Air-King Was Revived and Re-Invented In 2016
After being discontinued for a couple of years in 2014. The Rolex Air-King Luxury Watch was re-released in 2016 in the form of reference 116900. The key difference? Instead of being considered an affordable and classic entry-level Rolex. A Rolex with a 34mm case, the new Air-King is a proper aviation timepiece. Having a 40mm antimagnetic case borrowed from the Milgauss.The New Air-King Is Anti-Magnetic
Powered by the Rolex Caliber 3131, the new Air-King ref. 116900 is equipped with a specialized internal shield. So that it can protect its movement from magnetic fields. Both the case and the bracelet of the current-model Air-King are the same ones found on the Milgauss. And this granted Rolex’s aviation watches the same legendary antimagnetic properties. The same as its iconic model for scientists.How Much Is A Rolex Air-King?
You can buy a new Rolex Air-King Luxury Watch from an authorized retailer for a considerable cost. But, it is likely that there will be a slight waiting list for it. Once you get into discontinued models on the secondary market. You will find there is a lot of choice for collectors, not only price but also in regards to style and design. For example, most vintage models hover around $4,000 to $5,000. But this all depends on their specific reference and condition.Buying Pre-Owned Vs. New Rolex Air King Luxury Watch
For decades, what attracted collectors to the Rolex Air King Luxury Watch was affordability. Because it had classic, simple aesthetics and a low price point. The Air-King was often touted as the ‘entry-level’ Rolex for up-and-coming collectors. Today, that still remains true when you look at vintage and pre-owned Air-King models. As these watches come in at a great low price point. And they also offer a good selection of styling while still remaining timeless.
However, Rolex decided to reinvent the Air-King for its re-release in 2016. The new design was seen as somewhat polarizing. The bolder face design and pops of green and yellow turned a lot of entry-level buyers off. Because they sought out this collection for its simplicity. But, others loved it for its thoroughly modern take on the classic pilot’s watch. Today, the Rolex Air-King Luxury Watch is very much a tool watch, and those who buy it often wear it as such. With that in mind, it is important to note that the price has not changed drastically. As its retail price still makes it one of the most affordable men’s Rolex models currently available.
So to sum it up: whether you go new or pre-owned, you can always get a Rolex Air-King for a great price. In the end, what it really comes down to (as always) are your personal tastes and budget.
