The Rolex Air-King pays tribute to the pioneers of flight and the Oyster’s role in the epic story of aviation. With its 40mm case in Oystersteel, solid-link Oyster bracelet with Oysterclasp, and distinctive black dial, the new Air-King is as functional as it is timeless. Updated for the modern wearer but keeping with the aesthetics of the 1950s model, the new Oyster Perpetual Air-King perpetuates the aeronautical heritage of the original Rolex Oyster.
In 2016 Rolex introduced the Oyster Perpetual Air-King, a watch that perpetuates the aeronautical heritage of the original Rolex Oyster. The new Air-King, with a 40 mm case in Oystersteel, features a distinctive black dial with a combination of large 3, 6 and 9 numerals marking the hours and a prominent minute scale for navigational time readings. The dial bears the name Air-King in the same lettering that was designed specially for the model in the 1950s.
The Air-King’s Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness. Its characteristically shaped middle case is crafted from a solid block of particularly corrosion-resistant Oystersteel. The fluted case back is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. Fitted with the Twinlock double waterproofness system, the winding crown screws down securely against the case.
The Air-King is equipped with calibre 3131, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Its architecture, manufacturing quality and innovative features make it singularly precise and reliable. The oscillator, the true heart of the watch, has a blue Parachrom hairspring patented and manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive alloy.
The Air-King is fitted on a solid-link Oyster bracelet in Oystersteel with a folding Oysterclasp. This bracelet features the ingenious Rolex-patented Easylink rapid extension system that allows the wearer to easily increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, for additional comfort in any circumstance.
