The Oyster Perpetual AirKing celebrates the aeronautical heritage of the original Oyster and pays homage to those who saw the sky as a new frontier of adventure and exploration and a stepping stone to unprecedented success and new ideals.
Witnessing the special relationship between Rolex and aviation since its golden age in the 1930s, the AirKing pays homage to the pilots of those times and the role of the original Oyster in the aviation epic. In the 1930s the performance of aircraft made giant strides and allowed the inauguration of long-range flights. Several drivers set records with an Oyster on their wrist. Others use a Rolex watch as an on-board chronometer, for example Owen Cathcart Jones and Ken Waller who, in 1934, made a flight from London, Great Britain, to Melbourne, Australia, and back, in record time aboard the twin-engine De Havilland Comet.
UNMISTAKABLE AESTHETICS
Today's AirKing stands out with its black dial that pairs large 3, 6 and 9 o'clock numerals with a prominent minute scale for optimal reading of sailing times. On the dial, the combination of the yellow of the iconic crown and the green of the seconds hand and the "Rolex" signature recalls the emblematic color code of the Brand. Since the launch of the watch in 1958, the name “AirKing” has been inscribed on the dial with specific characters that make the model easily identifiable.
From 2022, the 40 mm diameter case of the Air-King integrates crown protection shoulders and features straight middle sides, like the case that characterizes the majority of models in the Professional category. The display of the clock has also been revisited and the result obtained is perfectly harmonious, with the addition of a “0” in front of the “5” at 1 o'clock on the minute scale. In this way, each five-minute interval is indicated by two digits. Furthermore, the numbers 3, 6 and 9 are now visible in the dark thanks to the luminescent material of the Chromalight display.
RELIABILITY AND PERFORMANCE
The AirKing's Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof to 100 metres, is an example of robustness and reliability. The case middle is machined from a solid block of Oystersteel, an alloy that is particularly resistant to corrosion.
The AirKing is paired with a three-row Oystersteel bracelet. This bracelet is equipped with a Rolex-designed and patented Oysterlock safety clasp, which prevents any inadvertent opening. It also features the Easylink quick extension link, which allows you to easily adjust the length by approximately 5 mm.
The AirKing houses the caliber 3230, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and produced by Rolex, which guarantees high performance in terms of precision, autonomy, shock resistance, comfort of use and reliability. This movement features the unique blue Parachrom hairspring, includes the patented Chronergy escapement and boasts a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.
SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER CERTIFICATION
Like all Rolex watches, the AirKing boasts Superlative Chronometer certification. This title certifies that each watch that leaves the brand's laboratories has successfully passed a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its laboratories according to its own criteria. Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that accompanies every Rolex watch along with a five-year international warranty.
