€9.950,00
The history of the Rolex Air King
The Rolex Air King was originally released in 1945 as a tribute to the British royal aviation pilots who fought in World War II. The watch has since undergone several new designs, but its original purpose has remained the same: to honor the brave men and women who risked their lives in the service of their country. A very popular watch among collectors and enthusiasts, the Air King is appreciated for its simple, elegant design.
Rolex Air King models through the years
The Rolex Air King has seen many different models over the years, each with its unique features and design. The first Air King came out in 1945 under the reference 4925 and was Rolex’s way of honoring the British Royal Aviation pilots who fought in World War II. This model closely resembled other Rolex watches of the time, with a cream-colored dial and Arabic numerals.
A new look for the Rolex Air King
After the release of the 4925, several other references were released, including the 4499. All of these early Air King references had a Hunter movement and were all hand winders, making them very similar to other steel watches in Rolex’s Oyster collection. In 1957, Rolex modernized the Air King with a new reference number, 5500. This version had an automatic movement (caliber 1520/1530) and was available in a case size of 34 mm or 36 mm made of steel. The 5500 version of the Air King had a 3, 6, 9 dial, inspired by the Rolex Explorer which has the same design. This gave the Rolex Air King a new look.
The modern Rolex Air King
In 2016, Rolex released another new version of the Air King: the Rolex Air King 116900. This model was very different from all the other Air King models that had come before it, with a bold design and a sporty look. The case was enlarged to 40 mm and received a black dial. The Rolex Air King 116900 also features an updated movement, caliber 3131, which is more accurate and reliable than ever before due to Rolex’s Superlative Chronometer certification, meaning it is accurate to +2/-2 seconds per day.
The Rolex Oyster bracelet
The Rolex Oyster bracelet is a timeless classic that has been a staple of the brand’s watches for many years. The bracelet is made of Oyster steel and features a threepiece link design that is both strong and comfortable. The Oyster bracelet also features a folding clasp that ensures a secure fit on the wrist. The Oyster bracelet is constructed with links that can be removed and added to make the Oyster bracelet fit. A normal Rolex Oyster bracelet has 12 links.
The Rolex Air King in brief
The Rolex Air King was designed to be legible and durable, with a large dial and easy-to-read numerals. The Air King quickly gained popularity among aviators and became known for its ruggedness and reliability. In recent years, the Air King has been modernized with modern features while still retaining its original look and feel.
Today, the Air King remains a popular choice among pilots and adventurers. Whether you are a pilot, military, or just a lover of fine watches, the Rolex Air King is an excellent choice. Its timeless design and outstanding craftsmanship make it a watch that will be cherished for generations to come.
