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yannis · 10 February 2009, 06:00 PM

This is the entry level Rolex model addressed to people who are inclined to spend a “fortune” on a watch. This watch has an unprecedented historical value in the Rolex Oyster Perpetual range since it was used by British aviators in WWII. Apparently the Air-King was the watch of choice for battle of Britain fighter pilots and Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex was so moved by the brave British pilots that decided to honour them with a new line of manual wind Oysters.
While the Oyster Royal line existed already before the war Rolex began producing larger watches coding them with names like "Air Tiger," "Air Lion," "Air Giant," and "Air King."
What was then considered a large dial - 32 to 33 mm diameter - is now small in comparison, as most Rolex sports models feature a 40 mm or larger dials.
The Air line of watches remained in production until the early 1960s. In the end only the Air-King survived and was eventually fitted with an automatic movement.

The Air-King is not as fancy or as over-engineered as some other Rolex watches yet it is an elegant watch and most importantly has a great history behind it. I believe that it is one of the most overlooked watches out of the Oyster Perpetual range although it deserves more attention by prospective buyers. Today the current Air-King model range even comes with COSC certification. They have also recently been redesigned with new dials and bracelets.
I am sure more educated members than myself on the subject will contribute some more information as well as photos on this thread.

Technical data
Certification: Chronometer
Size: 34 mm
Bracelet: Oyster featuring Oysterclasp (with easy link on new models)
Movement: Self-winding cal. 3130
Water-Resistance: Waterproof to 100 metres/330 feet
Crystal: Sapphire

zak98 · 10 February 2009, 11:45 PM

thanks sir!

one of the man reasons i have one.. althought an older model. same history!

ayeya · 11 February 2009, 03:08 AM

it's amazing how they make such simple watch look so elegant and beautiful

JJ Irani · 11 February 2009, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zak98

thanks sir!

one of the man reasons i have one.. althought an older model. same history!

Now that is a knock-out!! Simple, elegant and oh so readable!!

yannis · 11 February 2009, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zak98

thanks sir!

one of the man reasons i have one.. althought an older model. same history!

zak the engine turned bezel really adds some class and sportiness to the watch at the same time!!

zak98 · 11 February 2009, 04:43 AM

i agree.. at the time of manufacture.. i think they called it an 'engine turned' bezel. i do not think it is called that anylonger.. but my wrist is 7.5" and the airking looks just fine on it.. IMHO.

yannis · 11 February 2009, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zak98

i agree.. at the time of manufacture.. i think they called it an 'engine turned' bezel.

My mistake you are absolutely right!

zak98 · 11 February 2009, 05:00 AM

thanks for clarification on your part. i was not too sure. but just had read it somewhere. either way.. i really do like that look.

yannis · 11 February 2009, 09:40 PM

I am sure there are more members with Air-Kings that can post their pictures! Don't have to have the new ones!!

Sarastro · 20 February 2009, 03:33 AM

First post. I'll try to attach a pic.

I started this watch up when I got it, and wore it lots for a month. It lost about 5 seconds per WEEK (not per day!) Then it ran down and sat for a
few weeks. Ever since that time, it gains about 10 seconds per day now.
Anyone have any suggestions for what I might attempt to regain the former
accuracy?

Thanks!

nwappraisals · 21 February 2009, 02:31 AM

What a classic look

yannis · 21 February 2009, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarastro

First post. I'll try to attach a pic.

I started this watch up when I got it, and wore it lots for a month. It lost about 5 seconds per WEEK (not per day!) Then it ran down and sat for a
few weeks. Ever since that time, it gains about 10 seconds per day now.
Anyone have any suggestions for what I might attempt to regain the former
accuracy?

Thanks!

Welcome buddy! Well try and wear it constantly for a few weeks. If nothing happens go and get it regulated at an RSC or AD. RSC is a better idea since it must be on warranty. Beautiful watch by the way

jon84gt · 21 February 2009, 10:18 AM

Here is mine.

Sarastro · 22 February 2009, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yannis7777

Welcome buddy! Well try and wear it constantly for a few weeks. If nothing happens go and get it regulated at an RSC or AD. RSC is a better idea since it must be on warranty. Beautiful watch by the way

Thanks! One further comment about it. This is actually my second Rolex, but I wish I'd seen it first because it would have been my first. It's somehow reminiscent of some watch from maybe my childhood - it has that "My First Timex" kind of look (that's a real line of watches), but to me it's much more aesthetically pleasing - the symmetry of the markings on the face appeal to me in a "Golden Ratio" kind of way. And I don't go for "bling" too much - understated and elegant is my style. I'm looking at a Cellini Danaos next...

Oh, the first is an Oyster Perpetual Date with a black face.

RolexPete32 · 22 February 2009, 07:13 AM

I have one as well and love it. Some say it is small but can you really notice a 2mm difference from the date-just?

Think you meant to say: who are NOT inclined to spend a “fortune” on a watch.

lorsban · 22 February 2009, 09:59 AM

Glad to see a little Air-King love. Here's mine:

Spaniard · 22 February 2009, 12:03 PM

Nice and very classic watch.

yannis · 24 February 2009, 05:51 PM

Beautiful watches guys, keep them coming!

goduke1 · 25 February 2009, 10:11 AM

Mine is an older Air King, and worn everyday so it's condition is not as good as some on the ones posted AND its a crappy pic's..but here ya go.

cody p · 25 February 2009, 10:30 AM

here's mine:
IMG_1510.jpg

zak98 · 25 February 2009, 11:20 PM

love the blue dial!

cody p · 26 February 2009, 05:10 AM

the only thing i'd change about my cosc air-king is the hour and minute hands - i prefer the larger ones that came with the previous model.

Flaxmoore · 26 February 2009, 05:58 AM

You can really tell where my daily wearer gets its looks from!

kradcliffe · 26 February 2009, 04:23 PM

Gift to my dad.
DSC02258.jpg
DSC02287.jpg
DSC02309.jpg

yannis · 26 February 2009, 04:47 PM

Nice photos guys!! Keep them coming!

ECOMANX · 8 March 2009, 05:30 PM

Now this is beautiful. My very first Rolex back in 1987 was a 14000 just like this. I always thought I got the value for money at an RRP then of £555 !!!

Gaijin · 8 March 2009, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zak98

love the blue dial!

Well here you go then! I love the engine turned bezel too!

adam78 · 9 March 2009, 03:10 AM

Mine is an older model (from 1958), one of the first ref. 5500 I think (which sported the new cal. 1530 movement). It's relatively "new", however -- I bought it last year!

BLACK DIAMOND · 9 March 2009, 05:45 AM

I think these air kings would look great with the new jubilee bracelets....if anyone has pics of an airking with jubilee please post'em up!

hflee55 · 9 March 2009, 12:12 PM

good write-up!

10 February 2009, 11:45 PM	#2
zak98 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: TN Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,166	thanks sir! one of the man reasons i have one.. althought an older model. same history! __________________ Z- Submariner; P- Airking; R- DateJust; M- GMTII; C0 - Milgauss GV Breitling SuperOcean Heritage 46 Omega Speedmaster Racing Panerai PAM390

11 February 2009, 04:43 AM	#6
zak98 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: TN Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,166	i agree.. at the time of manufacture.. i think they called it an 'engine turned' bezel. i do not think it is called that anylonger.. but my wrist is 7.5" and the airking looks just fine on it.. IMHO. __________________ Z- Submariner; P- Airking; R- DateJust; M- GMTII; C0 - Milgauss GV Breitling SuperOcean Heritage 46 Omega Speedmaster Racing Panerai PAM390

11 February 2009, 05:00 AM	#8
zak98 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: TN Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,166	thanks for clarification on your part. i was not too sure. but just had read it somewhere. either way.. i really do like that look. __________________ Z- Submariner; P- Airking; R- DateJust; M- GMTII; C0 - Milgauss GV Breitling SuperOcean Heritage 46 Omega Speedmaster Racing Panerai PAM390

11 February 2009, 09:40 PM	#9
yannis "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Yannis Location: Europe Watch: maniac Posts: 9,070	I am sure there are more members with Air-Kings that can post their pictures! Don't have to have the new ones!! __________________ Rolex Submariner 116610LV \| Tudor 79220N DSSD MEMBERS - OWNERS CLUB

24 February 2009, 05:51 PM	#18
yannis "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Yannis Location: Europe Watch: maniac Posts: 9,070	Beautiful watches guys, keep them coming! __________________ Rolex Submariner 116610LV \| Tudor 79220N DSSD MEMBERS - OWNERS CLUB

11 February 2009, 03:08 AM	#3
ayeya Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NYC Watch: Daytona "M" series Posts: 133	it's amazing how they make such simple watch look so elegant and beautiful

21 February 2009, 02:31 AM	#11
nwappraisals Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 22	What a classic look

22 February 2009, 12:03 PM	#17
Spaniard Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Singapore Watch: Rolex Explorer I Posts: 64	Nice and very classic watch.

25 February 2009, 10:30 AM	#20
cody p "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Canada Watch: Air-King 114200 Posts: 2,878	here's mine: IMG_1510.jpg

25 February 2009, 11:20 PM	#21
zak98 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: TN Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,166	love the blue dial! __________________ Z- Submariner; P- Airking; R- DateJust; M- GMTII; C0 - Milgauss GV Breitling SuperOcean Heritage 46 Omega Speedmaster Racing Panerai PAM390

26 February 2009, 05:10 AM	#22
cody p "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Canada Watch: Air-King 114200 Posts: 2,878	the only thing i'd change about my cosc air-king is the hour and minute hands - i prefer the larger ones that came with the previous model.

26 February 2009, 05:58 AM	#23
Flaxmoore Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Casey Location: Toledo, Ohio Watch: Alpha Milsub Posts: 704	You can really tell where my daily wearer gets its looks from!

26 February 2009, 04:23 PM	#24
kradcliffe "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Indianapolis Watch: 14060M & TT GMT Posts: 120	Gift to my dad. DSC02258.jpg DSC02287.jpg DSC02309.jpg __________________ 14060M/TT GMTIIC

26 February 2009, 04:47 PM	#25
yannis "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Yannis Location: Europe Watch: maniac Posts: 9,070	Nice photos guys!! Keep them coming! __________________ Rolex Submariner 116610LV \| Tudor 79220N DSSD MEMBERS - OWNERS CLUB

8 March 2009, 05:30 PM	#26
ECOMANX Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: North West UK Posts: 115	Now this is beautiful. My very first Rolex back in 1987 was a 14000 just like this. I always thought I got the value for money at an RRP then of £555 !!!

9 March 2009, 03:10 AM	#28
adam78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,830	Mine is an older model (from 1958), one of the first ref. 5500 I think (which sported the new cal. 1530 movement). It's relatively "new", however -- I bought it last year! __________________ Cheers, Adam

9 March 2009, 05:45 AM	#29
BLACK DIAMOND Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Jeff Location: Los Angeles Watch: Black Diamond DD Posts: 285	I think these air kings would look great with the new jubilee bracelets....if anyone has pics of an airking with jubilee please post'em up!

9 March 2009, 12:12 PM	#30
hflee55 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Andy Location: Kuala Lumpur, MY Watch: Me Watching You!! Posts: 3,260	good write-up!

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