RolexAir-King

Released at Baselworld 2016, the Rolex Air-King reference 116900 shocked the watch world with its unusual dial design and substantial size increase. After being temporarily discontinued in 2014, the Air-King was back with a vengeance, and it certainly made itself known.

Debuting in 1945 as a pilot’s watch, the Air-King has remained relatively unchanged over the years. Characterised by a modest 34mm case and a simple dial layout, it represented Rolex’s no-frills option. However, that was all about to change with the introduction of the latest reference. So substantial were the updates, the Air-King designation on the dial almost seemed out of place.

The revised case measures 40mm, bringing it up to modern standards. It borrows this from the Rolex Milgauss, with both watches also sharing the same movement. Inside the Air-King beats caliber 3131, a Chronometer-certified automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve. It also contains Rolex’s proprietary blue “Parachrom” hairspring for increased resistance to magnetic fields and “Paraflex” shock absorbers for more robustness.

Other than the original Air-King logo, the dial is completely redesigned. Its layout is inspired by the Bloodhound supersonic car project for which Rolex created the cockpit gauges. Crisp white Arabic numerals break up the 3-6-9 “Explorer” style layout for each five-minute interval. For the first time on any Rolex model, the company logo and wording appear in green and yellow.

The Oyster bracelet is satin-finished, and the clasp contains Rolex’s “Easylink” extension for 5mm of tool-free on the go adjustability. 

The watch is presented in very good condition, with some minor signs of wear visible on the case, bracelet and clasp. The inclusion of the inner and outer box, warranty, user manual, and swing tags make this a full set.

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