Airy Nobility
The Oyster Perpetual Air-king celebrates pioneers in the field of aviation
As an homage to the explorers of the sky, Rolex presents the new-generation of the Oyster Perpetual Air-king.
Symbolic of the special relationship between Rolex and flying, during the golden age of aviation in the 1930s, the Air-king pays tribute to the pilots of the era and the Oyster’s role in their epic story.
In fact, at the time when long-distance flights were being introduced to the world, several pilots during the time set records while wearing an Oyster. Meanwhile, others like Owen Cathcart-jones and Ken Waller, who flew from London to Melbourne and back in record time with a twin-engine De Havilland Comet, used a Rolex watch as an on-board chronometer..
So in celebration of these historic feats, the name ‘Air-king’ has been featured on the dial since its launch in 1958, and from 2016, the model features a distinctive black dial with a combination of large 3, 6 and 9 numerals marking the hours and a prominent minutes scale for optimal navigational time readings.
This year, the watch is presented with a completely redesigned case that’s akin to the brand’s Professional category models— having a crown guard and straight sides. The Air-king also sees a broadened Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock safety clasp plus a refreshed display that uses two digits to mark each five-minute interval.
Users also need not worry about legibility as the new model benefits from an optimised Chromalight display, with the hands and triangular hour marker at 12 o’clock filled or coated with a new luminescent material that provides a longer lasting intense glow. The 3, 6 and 9 numerals are now also visible in the dark thanks to this innovative material, which is exclusive to Rolex. The crystal too is made from virtually scratch-proof sapphire and has an anti-reflective coating.
While it was crafted for the skies, the Air-king also proves its mettle under water. After all, it wouldn’t be a true Oyster otherwise. The waterproof case is guaranteed up to a depth of 100 metres, and provides optimum protection for the watch’s precious movement.
At the heart, this latest iteration of the Air-king is equipped with the in-house calibre 3230—a movement developed entirely by Rolex, released in 2020 and fitted into the 2022 model. It comprises a self-winding mechanical movement which offers remarkable performance in terms of timekeeping, ensuring precision, convenience and reliability with an approximately 70-hour power reserve as well.
And as with every Rolex watch, the Oyster Perpetual Air-king carries the brand’s Superlative Chronometer certification, which was redefined by the brand in 2015, and ensures excellent performance on the wrist. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolised by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.