The Unique Path of the Rolex Air-King

Within the Rolex lineup, Which is often criticized for its resistance to change, There is a collection that takes a unique path. That is the Air-King. In fact, It is the original tool watch of Rolex, Born even before the Daytona, Submariner, And GMT-Master. Let us look back at the process of building the fascinating identity of the Rolex Air-King.

Rolex Air-King Ref. 126900 / © Rolex

The Birth of the Air-King
A Sincere Dedication to Aviation

Rolex Air-King Ref. 4925 / © Sotheby’s

Born in 1945, The Rolex Air-King boasts a history of over 70 years. It was created to meet the needs of Royal Air Force pilots during World War II, Which demonstrates Rolex’s sincere commitment to the precision essential in the aviation industry.

Among Rolex’s popular models, The GMT-Master II and Sky-Dweller also evoke the aviation industry, But the Air-King is truly a tool watch specialized for flight itself and is closer to a pure interpretation of the pilot’s watch.

The Air-King as a Simple Entry Model

From the left, Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500, Rolex Air-King 14000 /
© AnalogShift, © Steiner

Launched in 1957 and continuing for over 50 years, The Air-King maintained a period of pure simplicity. It would not be an exaggeration to say that it was distinguished only by the ‘Air-King’ inscription on the Oyster Perpetual case. With a 34mm Oyster case and a clean dial combination, It held its place as an entry-level line. In the 1980s, 3-6-9 markers similar to the Explorer were added for better legibility. It was a time when the Air-King had few unique features of its own. Perhaps for this reason, The Air-King was suddenly discontinued in the 2014–2015 season.

The Birth of the Modern Air-King

From the left, Ref. 5500, 1400, 114200, 116900.
As it evolves, It finds an identity separate from the Oyster Perpetual /
ⓒswisswatchexpo

After a short hiatus, The Air-King made a surprise comeback at Baselworld in 2016. It was the Ref. 116900, Which declared complete independence from the Oyster Perpetual line. While the previous Air-King maintained a restrained design as an entry-level watch, The modern Air-King enjoyed the freedom that only an entry-level watch can have.

Air-King 116900

40mm, Black, Oyster

Bloondhound SSC / © TopGear

The overall color scheme was inspired by the speedometer and dashboard of the ‘Bloodhound’ supersonic car, With which Rolex has partnered since 2014. The 3-6-9 Arabic hour markers, Used on the Air-King since 1989, Were retained, And the fixed black dial provided even greater contrast.

Cockpit, Speedometer made by Rolex / © Alphr, © Rolex

For the first time in Air-King history, It was updated to a large 40mm size, Adding a robust and strong image. The case of the 116900 uses the same case as the Milgauss Ref. 116400. As a result, It is equipped with the same anti-magnetic movement, Evolving into a tool watch more suited to the ‘Professional’ Rolex category.

The Hybrid Air-King of Rolex

The modern Air-King is like a ‘platypus’ in the Rolex catalog. Just as the platypus combines features of mammals, Birds, And reptiles, The Air-King incorporates various Rolex design elements.

It features the minute track and 3-6-9 applied markers of the Explorer 1, A smooth bezel with crown guards, Mercedes hands, And is completed with a yellow crown and green logo font. Thanks to this, It boasts a unique Rolex presence.

Geneva Rolex Boutique, Air-King Ref. 116900 /
© Rolex, © Monochrome

The Air-King Ref. 116900 is the first Rolex watch where the ROLEX font and logo are expressed in different colors. The color combination commonly used in boutiques may feel more familiar to general consumers, But among traditional Rolex enthusiasts, Opinions are still divided. Since many people have experienced Rolex watches and remember the Air-King of the past, It is natural that such a distinctive design receives both strong likes and dislikes.

The Latest Air-King Ref. 126900
With Its Own Identity

Air-King Ref. 126900 / ⓒ Rolex

In 2022, The latest modern Air-King, Ref. 126900, Was released. Ref. 126900 inherits and improves upon the design of its predecessor. At last, It features a case made exclusively for the Air-King, And the movement has been upgraded to the Cal. 3230, Which is also used in the Submariner ‘No Date’. The addition of crown guards further enhances its presence as a robust tool watch.

Air-King 126900

40mm, Black, Oyster

If You Recommend the Air-King

Air-King Ref. 116900 / © Monochrome

One thing users who intend to wear the watch should keep in mind is that the modern Air-King is larger than expected. The dial, Filled with numbers and almost no empty space, May look compact at first glance, But the thin bezel makes the dial stand out more. The lug-to-lug of Ref. 126900 is 47.4mm, And including the end links, It extends to 51.2mm, Which may be challenging for users with a wrist circumference of less than 15cm. The industry-leading Oyster bracelet and Oyster clasp allow for fine adjustment up to 5mm with the Easy Link.