Rolex Air-King
The Rolex Air-King watch was launched in 1945 as part of its Air series; a collection of watches intended to honour the achievements of the RAF pilots involved in World War Two. The Air-King is the only one of the series that is still in production today as the other lines were discontinued in the 60s. It is a watch that is renowned for its reliability, solid construction and its easily recognisable sporty design.
Vintage Air-King watches are certainly on many collectors’ to-buy list and are also a good entry level vintage watch for those looking to start a collection. If you are looking to sell your Rolex Air-King watch then get in contact for a free valuation and complimentary sales advice from the team.
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- The Air-King 4499
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- The Air-King 6652
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- The Air-King 5500
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The Oyster Air-King 4499, 6552 and 5500
Launched in 1945 as a modest 34mm sports watch, the Air-King was a sporty classic with an elegant steel case. The Oyster properties of the Air-King applied just as well to low pressure working conditions of early pilots as it did to the high-pressure environments of the deep seas. The Rolex Air-King was to pilots what the Submariner was to divers.
The first three editions of the Air-King remained largely unchanged externally, with a gradual improvement in the internal movement and a wide range of available dials. These vintage models are sought after by collectors, especially some of the rarer dial configurations.
The Rolex Air King 14000 series
The Air-King 14000 series saw the introduction of a new movement and the roll out of Rolex’s new synthetic crystal face across the line. This was a real boon for the sporty and accessible Air-King model, which could now be used casually with a much-reduced risk of damaging or scratching the crystal.
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- The Air-King 14000
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- The Air-King 14000M
A modern Classic: model 14200
In 2007 Rolex released the model 14200, updating a classic icon of vintage sports watches into the 21st century. The new release kept most of the classic styling but with a polished modern look and a size upgrade to match the 21st century trend for larger timepieces. The movement and shock resistance were also upgraded.
The latest generation 116900
The latest Air-King to be released was the 116900. Unveiled with a fresh faced new dial design, the Air-King 116900 keeps the traditional sporty look and block vintage number styling but gives it a modern twist with its bold colour combinations to appeal to a trendy 21st century market. Backed by Rolex’s latest movement and technology this certainly holds the mantel of modern classic.
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- The Air-King 114200
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- The Air-King 116900
What to look for in your Rolex Air King watch?
- The condition of the crystal – vintage acrylic crystal was more susceptible to scratches but vintage Air-King are still sought-after.
- What dial configuration does your Air-King have? Some rarer configurations command a premium.
- Do you have the original box & papers?
- Modern Air-King models are still commercial, but with the second-hand market rather than collectors.
The Rolex Air-King is an icon of vintage Rolex markets and vintage models commands an interest from collectors of vintage watches and wartime memorabilia. For more modern models Air-King watches are an accessible step into collecting ensuring they remain commercial.
