Immediately recognizable with its large 3, 6 and 9 hour markers, combined with a prominent minutes scale, the Oyster Perpetual Air-King embodies the ties Rolex has forged with the world of aviation since the 1930s. Robust and precise, the watch pays tribute to the daring pioneers of airborne adventure. Its unique face recalls a shared history marked by records and achievements. Through this aeronautical inspiration, the Air-King encourages each of us to release our adventurous spirit and reach for the sky.
The Air-King celebrates the long-shared history between Rolex and aeronautical adventure.
It was in 1958 that the Air-King joined the Rolex watch family. Its name, displayed on its dial, was written in a distinctive italic typeface – an exception for Rolex. This signature – chosen at the time by Hans Wilsdorf himself – has remained unchanged ever since.
In 2016, the Air-King was entirely redesigned. While its black dial with prominent minutes scale echoes certain historic watches made for aviation and bolsters its ties to the aeronautical world, the timepiece’s characteristic trio of hands and crown guard (the latter from 2022) anchor the model in the world of Professional watches.
Another special feature, the green colour of the seconds hand is identical to that of the name Rolex. This is achieved through pad-printing, a technique also used for the brand’s symbolic five-pointed crown, displayed in yellow on the Air-King: an exception in the Oyster Perpetual collection. These elements give the watch its immediately recognizable style and unique personality.
While remaining firmly anchored in the lineage of Rolex Professional watches, the Air‑King boasts a unique personality.
A Professional watch designed as a tribute, a tribute watch turned Professional.
In addition to these aesthetic changes, the Air-King has regularly benefited from technological and watchmaking innovations. It is now equipped with a virtually scratchproof sapphire crystal. Both its case and bracelet are made of Oystersteel, an extremely corrosion-resistant alloy.
Its dial features hands, a triangular hour marker and large applique 3, 6 and 9 numerals, all filled with high-performance luminescent material. The Chromalight display therefore gives the Air-King optimal legibility in any circumstances.
In 2022, the watch welcomed calibre 3230. A consummate demonstration of technology, this movement boasts components resistant to strong magnetic fields. Like all of our watches, the Air-King carries the Superlative Chronometer certification.
The Air‑King invites you to follow your own inspiration and discover new horizons.
The Air-King embodies the shared history between Rolex and the precursors of modern aviation. While celebrating these heroes who made the skies their own territory of daring conquest and accomplishment, this watch is also intended for the pioneers of today and tomorrow.
The Air-King is the watch of those who decide to take charge of their destiny and push back their own limits, continually reaching for greater heights.
