The Air-King is one of the oldest names in Rolex’s catalog that is still in the lineup today. Most collectors are more familiar with the replica Rolex Air-King in its current form: a contemporary aviator’s tool watch outfitted with a 40mm case and a dial that closely resembles cockpit instruments. However, the Air-King actually has its roots firmly planted in the realm of dress watches, featuring a design more like that of the Oyster Perpetual than a Professional series pilot’s watch.
In this guide, we take an in-depth look at this often-overlooked fake Rolex watch and answer a few popular questions floating around the web, such as is Rolex Air-King discontinued? Also, what is the Rolex Air-King price? The series is positioned as an affordable option for collectors of all budgets, both on the retail level and the secondary market. This comprehensive guide covers both of these topics and much more, so continue reading to learn all there is to know about the beloved Rolex Air-King.
These days, the modern Rolex Air-King is squarely situated as one of the brand’s professional tool watches. However, that hasn’t always been the case. While this watch has always technically been a pilot’s watch, it has largely been a more popular choice for entry-level Rolex collectors, thanks to its timeless design and affordable price point. Over the decades, it became more of a cult favorite on the fringe rather than a mainstream piece beloved by the masses.
Throughout those years, we’ve seen some great iterations, innovations, and upgrades to this classic and elegant line. We’ve also seen a major shift in positioning by replica Rolex, stopping production after nearly 7-decades to totally upend the design in favor of turning it back to its original, tool-watch roots.
Here in this guide, we’ll explain the storied history of this timepiece, talk about its value, and outline all of the features, options, and upgrades we’ve seen over the years. If you’re thinking of investing in a Rolex Air-King, we’ve just about compiled everything that you’ll need to make an informed decision right here.
The Air-King is the only model that remains in production today, and most interestingly, Rolex does not consider these early models to be the official start of the collection. As the history of the Air-King has spanned nearly eight decades, the best way to explore its entire history is through its references. Here, we’ll examine the Rolex Air-King history through its five most important references.