====== Rolex Air-King ======

{{wst>image_cr|Rolex|Air-King|Rolex Air-King 14000 Blue|200px}}

**Air-King** is a brand of less-expensive simple watches produced by [[Rolex]] since [[1945]].

===== History =====
Rolex produced a number of "Air" models during and after World War II, including the "Air-Giant", "Air-Lion", and "Air-Tiger", but it was the [[1945]] introduction of the **Air-King** that would leave a lasting mark. These were named to honor the British Royal Air Force, which were enamored with Rolex watches. At the time, the 34 mm case was considered quite large, thus the "Air-King" name.

The first Air-King references appeared in the 1940s and used various hand-winding hunter movements. This included the original Ref. 4925 (and the similar Ref. 4365 which was sometimes given other names) as well as the follow-on Ref. 4499.

==== 1953 ====
In [[1953]], Rolex introduced the [[Rolex 1030|Cal. 1030]] [[Rolex Oyster Perpetual|Oyster Perpetual]] Air-King, Ref. 6552. This was the first automatic version and served as a transitional model through that decade.

==== 1957 ====
The truly iconic Air-King reference, 5500, appeared in [[1957]]. It featured all the elements we now know A clean bezel, simple dial and markers, pencil hands, and no [[complication]]s. Combined with a [[Rolex Oyster bracelet|Oyster bracelet]], the Air-King Ref. 5500 would remain a cornerstone of the company's product line for an amazing 37 years. These watches were fitted with the simple and reliable [[Rolex 1530|Cal. 1530]] ("Super Precision") or [[Rolex 1520|Cal. 1520]] ("Precision").

A companion model, **Air-King-Date**, Ref. 5700, remains the only model with any complication. It was produced from [[1958]] until the 1980s but is somewhat rarer than more ordinary [[Rolex Datejust]] models. A larger 35 mm Air-King for export markets, Ref. 5504, was also produced beginning in the 1950s. And a 34 mm Air-King, Ref. 5520, was available in some markets from [[1974]] to [[1986]].

==== 1989 ====

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In [[1989]], Rolex introduced a new Air-King Ref. 14000. This used the company's updated [[Rolex 3000|Cal. 3000]] but remained the same small, simple watch. One major change was made at this time, however The [[Rolex Explorer|Explorer]]-style "3-6-9" dial was made available in addition to the traditional stick markers. An additional reference, Ref. 14010, debuted as well with a decorative engine-turned bezel, highly unusual for the Air-King line. This reference was refreshed as Ref. 14000M in [[2000]] with [[Rolex 3130|Cal. 3130]] but remained mostly unchanged otherwise. Some models also featured Roman Numerals inside the stick markings.

==== 2007 ====
The Air-King was updated again in [[2007]] as Ref. 114200. This time, most models featured Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9, and many had numerals at every position except 12. The old stick marker dial was no more, though one with sticks and Roman Numerals remained. Inside, [[Rolex 3130|Cal. 3130]] brought [[COSC]] [[chronometer]] certification to the Air-King range. In addition to the decorative engine-turned bezel on Ref. 114210, a new Ref. 114234 added a fluted bezel like higher-end Rolex models. The Air-King name was discontinued in [[2014]], replaced by a new [[Rolex Oyster Perpetual|Oyster Perpetual]] model.

==== 2016 ====
In [[2016]], Rolex re-launched the Air-King line with an all-new larger watch for modern times. The new [[Rolex Air-King 116900|Ref. 116900]] shares its case with the [[Rolex Milgauss 116400|Milgauss Ref. 116400]], including the inner magnetic-resistant shell and comparatively massive 40 mm dimensions. The dial features the 3-6-9 numerals as well as a highly-unusual 5-10, 20-25, 35-45, 50-55 arrangement between. Unusually, only a single reference is produced, with a black dial.

==== 2022 ====
{{wst>image_cl|Rolex|Air-King 126900|200px}}

The "[[Rolex Air-King 126900|New Air-King]]" was presented on the [[Watches & Wonders]] [[2022]]. It is equipped with the calibre [[Rolex 3230]], which was released in 2020 and was fitted on this model from 2022.

{{wst>image_cr|Rolex|3230|200px}}

Calibre 3230 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic fields. The movement is fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The blue Parachrom hairspring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed, patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance.

==== Video ====
  * [[https://youtu.be/8MfIfZKhVwU|The new Rolex Air-King]], 30.3.2022

===== Chronology =====
^Year ^Model/Reference ^Features ^Calibre ^
|1945|[[Rolex Air-King 4925|Ref. 4925]] | |Cal 10.5'|
|  |Ref. 4365 | |Cal 10.5'|
|1946|[[Rolex Air-King 4499|Ref. 4499]] | |Cal 10.5'|
|1953|[[Rolex Air-King 6552|Ref. 6552]] | |Cal 1030|
|1957-1989|[[Rolex Air-King 5500|Ref. 5500]] | |Cal 1520/1530|
|1958-1980s|[[Rolex Air-King 5700|Air-King-Date Ref. 5700]] | |Cal 1525/1535|
|  |Ref. 5701|Two-tone case|
|1958|[[Rolex Air-King 5504|Air-King (export) Ref. 5504]] |35 mm case |Cal 1530|
|  |Ref. 5501|Two-tone fluted bezel|
|  |Ref. 5502|Gold plated|
|  |Ref. 5506|Gold plated|
|1974-1986|[[Rolex Air-King 5520|Air-King (export) Ref. 5520]] |34 mm gold filled case |Cal 1520|
|1989-2000|[[Rolex Air-King 14000|Ref. 14000]] | |Cal 3000|
|  |Ref. 14010|Decorative bezel|
|2000-2007|[[Rolex Air-King 14000|Ref. 14000M]] | |Cal 3130|
|  |Ref. 14010M|Decorative bezel|
|2007-2014|[[Rolex Air-King 114200|Ref. 114200]] | |Cal 3130 COSC chronometer|
|  |Ref. 114210|Decorative bezel|
|  |Ref. 114234|Fluted bezel|
|2016-2022|[[Rolex Air-King 116900|Ref. 116900]] |40 mm case, [[Rolex Milgauss 116400|Milgauss]] case,\\ numerals: 5-10-3-20-25-6-35-40-9-50-55 |Cal. 3131|
|2022-|[[Rolex Air-King 126900|Ref. 126900]] |40 mm, crown guards, luminescent numerals \\ numeral 5 -> 05 |Cal. 3230, 70 h power reserve|


{{tag>Watch_models Rolex_models Rolex_Air-King_models}}