The History of the Rolex Air-King

The History of the Rolex Air-King | Bob's Watches

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5 жыл бұрын

Hello everybody, and welcome to the Bob's Watches video series. Today we are taking a look at one of the most under-appreciated, yet incredibly interesting, models in the Rolex catalogue: The Air-King.
Released in the midst of World War II, the Rolex Air-King is the only remaining watch in production from the original "Air Series." Released in 1945, the Air-King joined the ranks of the Air-Lion, Air-Giant, and Air-Tiger, all created to honor the RAF pilots of the Battle of Britain. As with many of their other models, the Air-King was designed with a particular type of person in mind. In this instance, it is pilots. Over the years, pilots have adopted the Air-King, with some companies, like Pan Am, giving them as gifts to retired pilots. The Air-King look is well known, and has become a highly prized collector's piece.
You can shop our selection of pre-owned Rolex Air-King watches by visiting our website: www.bobswatches.com/rolex-air...
Rolex: www.bobswatches.com/rolex/

Пікірлер: 56

@charlieisamonster 4 жыл бұрын

I’m now the custodian of my Dads vintage Air King (5500 I think?) . He was in the RAF in Aden in the 60s. I’m very proud of it as I am of him. He was a very classy gentleman. It still works beautifully.

@donaldmcleod7494 4 жыл бұрын

At one time I had an assortment of watches but my 14000M Air King is all I need now. Worn every day for 11 years and still love it.

@WilliamRandomUploads 4 жыл бұрын

Watching this video while wearing a Rolex Air-King is oddly satisfying

@lonefather 2 жыл бұрын

Same here.

@sanathsharma929 Жыл бұрын

Cheers mate. Me: one day

@adrianbrown2537 3 жыл бұрын

I have an Air King Date 5700 given to me by my great uncle almost 30 years ago it originally belonged to his father in law and I believe dates back to 1959.

@annenominous7220 3 жыл бұрын

Bought my Air King new in October 1982. Had it serviced twice, about to send it in again... ( i rarely wear it but i do love it)

@annenominous7220 3 жыл бұрын

Wanted to say that mine is a very rare, black dial with yellow gold hands/markers, gold bezel and gold + stainless jubilee bracelet. I have never seen another one like it. Was offered 5k for it by a jeweler in Bethesda, Maryland, about 10 years ago. It will go to my son when i die.

@lonefather 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video Bob. I have a 14000 bought in 1998 and has been on m most preferred time piece. I like it better than the later models.

@CokeWithIceAndLemon 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers for the informative post.

@GongtaoSun 9 күн бұрын

I just got this watch.

@jirikrajnak9047 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent overview

@YBFMusic 5 жыл бұрын

proud owner here

@bobswatches 5 жыл бұрын

Wear it in good health!

@notmyeyes 4 жыл бұрын

awesome

@andrewallen2038 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent and informative video. I adore my new Air King

@nrzhersan 2 жыл бұрын

an explorer with a significantly shorter waiting time. definitely on my list 👍🏼

@gaganjohal1618 5 жыл бұрын

Another excellent video, Thank you!

@bobswatches 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Gagan! We are glad you're enjoying our videos.

@filippo9419 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video! You should have ten times your subscribers

@bobswatches 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! We think so too!

@darood77 4 жыл бұрын

The less liked, the classy it is! My future purchase.

@luigiperrone8169 2 жыл бұрын

Have the 114200 in blue. It's perfect.

@pimp1010ful 2 жыл бұрын

yes

@micaljimenez7381 Ай бұрын

I have a oyster perpetual airking 34mm with roman dial,looks realy elegant and sporty too so realy perfect in any ocasion,with good acuracy also 2 seconds per day,works perfectly since 2011 whe i buy it..i was in rolex store this week with young authorized dealer for asking to try a new perpetual in black and he take my airking and dont stop to look at her and say ten time it was realy nice and so elegant,perhaps he tell that only for make me happy but i dont think so,because at the end he put me in waitlist for 8 or 9 month minimum....

@dariusbrainiac 4 жыл бұрын

bob, was it really COSC before subby? and... which rolex was first to sport COSC certificate?

@RobertTimarMD Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the excellent summary of the Air-King line! A question: is it technically possible to mount the Oyster bracelet of the 114200 on the 14000 and/or 14000M? Diameter and lug width are identical, despite of these other features (hole placing, lug shape, etc.) may vary. If you have both it would be nice to mount the named bracelet on the named watch(es) to make a proof if it is possible (with a nice, harmonic fit) or not. Thank you in advance!

@markuspersson2790 5 жыл бұрын

Hmm, dont think its enough if its moved only once every 48h. That would state that it gets fully wind everytime it gets "moved"

@bobone6554 3 жыл бұрын

Good video i much prefer the air king’s more interesting / fun dial to look at, over the rather bland looking explorer.

@montanaosprey9840 3 ай бұрын

Always loved the Air King (for decades, as a private pilot), but it’s much too small for me. I find a 42MM is my minimum size, and I wear an Egard Navita as a daily, with a 46MM case! I will admit the blue dial Air King appeals most to me. Someone tell me why Rolex doesn’t offer the Air King in at least a 42MM case? They seem to, glacially, upsize, but very, very reluctantly. And, I know, they’re presumably just very happy with their now 40MM case on it!

@CloudPuffs420 Жыл бұрын

0:54 whats that model called? i got this watch and i want to know the value its without the the baclet

@raymond9339 4 жыл бұрын

14010 owner here

@derrickcover8930 Жыл бұрын

1949 air king , really good condition, original box, and papers , how much ?

@bg147 5 жыл бұрын

I will take a 4499 and 6552..... ok, twist my arm, I will have a 5500 as well. The 4499 would be my first choice. My entire collection wouldn't pay for it. One can dream.

@bobswatches 5 жыл бұрын

Dreaming big!

@louisthomasic275 3 жыл бұрын

My question is not specially related to Air King watches neither to Rolex's. Can someone explain me why on all the dials whose hours are writen with roman number the 4th hour is always writen IIII and not IV as it should be ?

@DamienMacabre 2 жыл бұрын

If I’m not mistaken, this is called the Watchmaker’s 4 and is used to provide more visual balance to the dial.

@Mads_Vel 3 жыл бұрын

I don't know so much, but what is a Rolex Air-King Precision 14000M Blue (2004) with a mini notch on the saphire glass (including box and document) worth?

@jirikrajnak9047 3 жыл бұрын

cca 3500 - 5000 depending on the damage

@Mads_Vel 3 жыл бұрын

@@jirikrajnak9047 Ok, because I just bought it from Japan, $5815 (watch and shipping), maybe I gave way too much then

@bermudachris930 3 жыл бұрын

14000 owner here

@lonefather 2 жыл бұрын

I also proudly own a 14000 Black Dial bought in 1998.

@rodrigomontero9413 2 жыл бұрын

1999 14000 Black Dial ⏱

@ihopetowin 4 жыл бұрын

Oscalating.

@Sisu2280 4 жыл бұрын

Oscarlating

@jeremybnz 3 жыл бұрын

Dude you really need to learn how to pronounce oscillating! Its not oscar-late-ing...

@Wildmountainsafaris 5 жыл бұрын

Except the new one isn’t really an Air King except for the text - bought it and returned immediately -wasn’t impressed - it’s very much like a Milgauss rather than Air King it’s also big and ugly on the wrist

@bobswatches 5 жыл бұрын

The new Air King is rather large and the design isn't for everyone. Let's see how it will age over time in the next 20 years or so.

@Wildmountainsafaris 5 жыл бұрын

Bob's Watches really enjoyed your review and it’s history by the way. Very engrossing and gives the Air King the praise it deserves

@FurryPlanet 4 жыл бұрын

@@bobswatches One of the best investments in the Rolex collections currently. Very nice watch for at a good value.

@nickpellatt 3 жыл бұрын

I recently down-traded a two-tone sub to get a new AK. I know the AK is for everyone, but I'm very pleased with it .. I was more excited to collect it than I was collecting my sub.