We use cookies and similar technologies to help personalise content, tailor and measure ads, and provide a better experience. By clicking ‘Accept All’ or turning an option on in ‘Configure Settings’, you agree to this, as outlined in our Cookie Policy. To change preferences or withdraw consent, please configure your cookie settings.
Our Platform uses various types of cookies, each of which has a specific function. Below you can manage your preferences.
Technical Cookies
These cookies are essential to provide you with services available through this Platform and to use some of its features, such as access to secure areas. Without these cookies, services you have asked for, like transactional pages and secure login accounts, would not be possible.
Functionality Cookies
These cookies serve a variety of purposes related to the presentation, performance and functionality of this Platform. Their overall purpose, however, is to enhance visitors’ experience and enjoyment of this Platform. For example, some of these cookies enable visitors to specify language, product or other platform preferences.
Analytical Cookies
These cookies, including those from third parties, are used to collect information about how visitors use our Platform. The information gathered does not identify any individual visitor and is aggregated. It includes the number of visitors to our Platform, the platforms that referred them to our Platform and the pages that they visited on our Platform. We use this information to help run our Platform more efficiently, to gather broad demographic information and to monitor the level of activity on our Platform.
Advertising Cookies
These cookies, including those from third parties, are aimed at creating profiles related to you and are used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests in line with your preferences expressed while surfing the web. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help to evaluate the effectiveness of advertising and promotion. They are usually placed by advertising networks with our permission. They remember that you have visited a platform and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
Social Cookies
These cookies are third party cookies (e.g. Facebook) that allow you to interact with social media platforms. The companies that serve these cookies may also use your information to serve targeted advertising on other platforms.
Third party cookies are cookies from sites or web servers other than our own, which are also used for the purposes of those third parties.
For more information about the cookies used on our site, their characteristics and how to manage your consent to their use, you can consult our Cookie Policy.
By clicking “Save and close” you declare that you consent to the use of cookies according to the above preferences.
By clicking "Accept all" you declare that you consent to the use of all cookies stated above.
We're currently testing our site! Please note this is a work in progress
The size of a watch is very important for style and comfort. If you prefer an oversized watch like a Panerai Luminor, you’ll probably want Large. If you’re looking for something more discreet like a Rolex Lady Datejust, you’ll want Small. For everything in between, Medium.
A mechanical watch is powered by a spring. Manual mechanical watches must be hand wound. Automatic watches are also mechanical, and are wound by a weight that spins with the wearer's movements. A quartz watch is battery powered and extremely accurate.
The Rolex Air-King has an intriguing heritage that resonates with watch enthusiasts worldwide. Let's embark on a journey through time, exploring the birth and evolution of this iconic watch, its ties with the golden age of aviation, and the memorable milestones marking its illustrious history.
Introduced in 1945 as a tribute to the valiant pilots of the British Royal Air Force during World War II, the Air-King was one of four similarly titled watches. The other three were Air Lion, Air Tiger and Air Giant, with only the Air King surviving today.
Its primary function was to deliver precise timekeeping to aviators, backed by its sturdy construction and accurate movement.
Its association with the golden era of aviation during the 1950s and 1960s, when it was worn by pilots and aviation aficionados, enhances its allure. Known for its precision and reliability, the Rolex Air-King was the ideal companion for those in the cockpit.
For several decades the dial design of the Air King remained relatively simple, while the size of the steel case was kept to a modest 34mm. Along with the Oyster Perpetual, it was considered a no-frills entry-level Rolex model.
In 2014, Rolex discontinued the Air-King, removing it from its lineup. However, the Crown reintroduced this classic to its collection two years later with the much larger reference 116900. This model breathed new life into the Air-King, thanks to its distinctive black dial with a combination of large Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock and its prominent double-digit minutes scale.
It bears the name ‘Air-King’ in vivid green on the dial in the same lettering that was specially designed for the model in the 1950s—in keeping with the watch’s heritage. The Rolex crown logo is also a striking yellow.
Constructed from 904L Oystersteel, modern Air-Kings ensure durability and corrosion resistance. This top-grade stainless-steel alloy is renowned for its robustness and enduring quality. The Oystersteel case and bracelet of the Air-King offer a sleek appearance, emphasising longevity and dependability.
Alongside its distinctive aesthetics, contemporary Rolex Air-King models house unique features that distinguish it from other watches. The reference 126900, introduced in 2022, incorporates a newer movement—the calibre 3230—offering a longer power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial, testifying to the watch's exceptional craftsmanship.
The reference 126900 also differs from the 116900 in that it added crown guards and replaced the “5” numeral with “05” for a more aesthetically balanced dial.
The Rolex Air-King has attracted a loyal following over the years. This includes several celebrities who value its understated sophistication and fine craftsmanship.
Canadian crooner, Michael Bublé, has been photographed wearing his Rolex Air-King. His choice affirms the Air-King's status as a symbol of refinement and luxury. Actor and heartthrob, Ryan Gosling, owns a vintage Air-King model, which he could effortlessly pair with outfits on and off the red carpet thanks to its understated design.
These are just a couple of famous personalities who appreciate the Rolex Air-King's timeless appeal. With its rich heritage and impeccable design, it's no surprise that this iconic timepiece continues to be a favourite among celebrities and watch enthusiasts alike.
Shop our range of pre-owned Rolex Air-King watches including vintage and contemporary models online today.
International Stock Location
International Stock Location
Watches purchased from our overseas stores, such as this one, may vary in price to identical models stocked in this country. This is due to import taxes and duties, which are included in the price displayed here.