Rolex Air-King

About Air-King

The History of the Rolex Air-King

The Air-king was introduced to the market in 1958, but like so many other current Rolex models, its lineage can be traced back many years prior. The 1930s mark a period in history of air exploration and aviation achievement. The Houston Expedition took place in 1933 wherein Sir Douglas Douglas-Hamilton and David McIntyre piloted an open-cab plane over Mt. Everest for the first time. A second expedition over Mt. Everest took place one year later, and both times a Rolex watch was used for timekeeping onboard. The Air-King’s release pays homage to these two and the many other expeditions of this time. The earlier models bear a resemblance to the Rolex Explorer with a similar 3, 6, 9 numeral layout. This dial layout helped to make the Explorer especially legible, and the thought-process was the same for the Air-King. Rolex distinguished the Air-King models from the Explorers by adding “Air-King” on the dial under the Rolex logo. This layout is still a characteristic that the Air-King and Explorer share to this day.

What makes the Rolex Air-King so desirable?

Among the “time-only” watches that Rolex currently offers, the modern Air-King has a charm about it that the others just seem to be missing. Maybe it’s the old-school font of the “Air-King” text that matches the original model? Perhaps the pops of green and yellow that are not present in any other Rolex? Or the funky dial layout? In reality, there is not one characteristic that sets the Air-King apart, but it is rather all of these elements put together. It harkens back to a bygone era of excitement and exploration, and collectors get to experience a small portion of that when you wear these pieces.

Why buy pre-owned Rolex Watches and the Air-King?

Due to the high demand of stainless-steel sports model from Rolex, is it becoming increasingly difficult to find the current Air-King model in authorized dealers. As such, the pre-owned market is the best place to shop for any of the modern Air-King models. There is also a wide variety of vintage models, of course on the pre-owned market, that can be had for bargains. If you are looking to add an Air-King to your collection, modern or vintage, Watchbox’s global inventory is the best place to start your search!