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

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.

[charlieisamonster]

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.

[donaldmcleod]

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]

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

[annenominous]

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)

[lonefather]

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.

[adrianbrown]

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.

[nrzhersan]

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

[luigiperrone]

Have the 114200 in blue. It's perfect.

[andrewallen]

Excellent and informative video. I adore my new Air King

[filippo]

Brilliant video! You should have ten times your subscribers

[PuffBoy]

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

[RobertTimarMD]

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!

[darood]

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

[dariusbrainiac]

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

[bobone]

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

[bg]

I will take a 4499 and 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.

[markuspersson]

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

[Mads_Vel]

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?

[micaljimenez]

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....

[montanaosprey]

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!