Rolex Air-King
Take to the skies
The Oyster Perpetual Air-King celebrates the aeronautical heritage of the original Oyster. It pays tribute to those individuals who made the skies a territory of unprecedented exploration and achievement, a springboard to new ideals. The Air-King bears witness to the special relationship between Rolex and aviation during its golden age in the 1930s. It pays tribute to the pilots of that era and to the role of the first Oysters in the epic flight.
The 1930s was a period of spectacular progress in aircraft performance and led to the introduction of long-distance flights. Several pilots set records while wearing an Oyster. Others used a Rolex watch as an on-board chronometer, such as Owen Cathcart-Jones and Ken Waller, who, in 1934, made a return voyage from London (United Kingdom) to Melbourne (Australia) in record time with a twin-engine De Havilland Comet.
Unique aesthetics
The Air-King sports a distinctive black dial with a combination of large 3, 6 and 9 numerals marking the hours and a prominent minutes scale for optimal navigational time readings. Rolex’s symbolic crown is displayed in yellow on the dial, while the seconds hand and the name “Rolex” are green, echoing the brand’s emblematic colour. Since the watch was launched in 1958, the inscription “Air-King” has featured in lettering that makes the model easily identifiable.
The Air-King offers excellent readability in all circumstances, even in the dark, thanks to its Chromalight display: the hour numerals 3, 6 and 9, the triangular indexes at 12 o'clock and the hands are filled or covered with a long-lasting luminescent material (blue emission color).
Reliability and performance
An example of robustness and reliability, the Air-King's 40mm Oyster case is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 meters. Its case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, an alloy that is particularly resistant to corrosion.
The Air-King is fitted with a three-link Oystersteel bracelet. This bracelet is equipped with a Rolex-designed and patented Oysterlock safety clasp that prevents accidental opening. It features the Easylink quick-release extension, which allows for easy adjustment of its length by approximately 5 mm.
Perpetual calibre 3230
Powering the Air-King is calibre 3230, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. It offers outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability. This movement is fitted with the exclusive blue Parachrom hairspring and also incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement. Its power reserve extends to approximately 70 hours.
Superlative Chronometer certification
Like all Rolex watches, the Air-King is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories, according to its own criteria. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
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