ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Air-King. New 2022 version.

#Rolex #RolexAirKing #RolexOyster @ROLEX
Rolex is presenting the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Air-King. The watch features a completely redesigned case with a crown guard and straight sides like the majority of Professional category models. The proportions of the bracelet have also been revisited, and notably the centre link has been broadened. In a first for the model, it is equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp. The watch’s display has also been refreshed and is perfectly balanced thanks to the addition of a 0 before the 5 on the minutes scale. Each five-minute interval is, therefore, now marked by two digits.

In addition, the new-generation Air-King benefits from an optimized Chromalight display, guaranteeing maximum legibility in dark conditions. The hands and triangular hour marker at 12 o’clock are filled or coated with a new luminescent material that provides a longer-lasting intense glow. The 3, 6 and 9 numerals, which were previously made entirely from 18 ct white gold, are now also visible in the dark thanks to this innovative material, which is exclusive to Rolex.

The new-generation Air-King is equipped with calibre 3230, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling it to display the hours, minutes and seconds.

Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Air-King carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.

A paragon of robustness and reliability, the 40 mm Oyster case of the new-generation Air-King is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, a particularly corrosion-resistant alloy. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The Twinlock winding crown, fitted with a double waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard, screws down securely against the case. The crystal, which is fitted with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date, is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an anti-reflective coating. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the watch’s movement.

The new-generation Air-King is equipped with calibre 3230, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex that was released in 2020 and is fitted on this model from 2022. At the forefront of watchmaking technology, this self-winding mechanical movement led to the filing of several patents, and offers outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability.

Calibre 3230 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic fields. The movement is fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The blue Parachrom hairspring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed, patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance.

Calibre 3230 is equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3230 extends to approximately 70 hours.

The Oyster bracelet on this new watch features the Rolex-designed, patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents accidental opening. It is also equipped with the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by the brand, which allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. In addition, a concealed attachment system ensures seamless visual continuity between the bracelet and case.

Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Air-King is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria, following the official certification of the movements by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). The in-house certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day – the rate deviation tolerated by the brand for a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted by COSC for official certification of the movement alone.

[Ibowers]

I am very lucky to have the earlier model and love the quirkiness. It’s a fun watch and I really like these upgrades.
To see this is thinner than a BB58 is fantastic.

[arthurfraner]

Of all the Rolex watches, this one is my favorite. It’s just so unique. You can keep the 5-6 figure wrist jewelry. It’s beauty lies in its simplicity.

[aromaticsnail]

100% on consumers not supporting resellers, but let's be clear about who actually supply the grey market...it's not the manufacturer nor the collector! Who's left?

[jtx]

Hopefully ppl keep hating on this watch so I can get one myself.

[JamesAlexander]

I’m not usually a Rolex fan but I really like this watch. Interesting to see what the length of the waiting list would be and how soon the watch could be supplied.

[georgebeebe]

I just bought this watch at the Rome airport (duty free) this past Friday. Walked in before our flight not expecting to see anything for sale, walked out with a new watch! I love this Air King!

[ernestosuarez]

Is easy to say not to support the grey market when you can get any watch you want.

[vincentschneuwly]

As a owner and a Air King enthousiast I have to say your review is the best one, I got all the answers and details I was looking for

[gianpakasa]

Very beautiful! Best Rolex release of 2022 indeed. A dream for anyone who care about aviation!

[elmarpodiebrad]

The most interesting release from Rolex this year.

[smartbot]

Thank you for the side by side comparison! Best video of this watch on YouTube!

[bobabooie]

I was given the air king last Sunday for 25 years of service at work. I like it.

[Iuckylukey]

You are really the go-to guy for new watch demos, I always enjoy the deep close views and wrist shots and infomed narrative.

[Rosterized]

incredibly underrated rolex, absolutely love the color scheme with the white and green with black background

[mirnowoszycki]

Very Very good showing of watch.
I ve seen all I wanted and should see. Thank you and will be your audience

[robotstobor]

i have the old version and it is a chunk, but the dial is mesmerising, if you want to buy one at retail good luck

[DudeGamer]

Instead of showing the watch, why not just show us how beautiful the waiting list is made of? The quality of paper, the font, the Mont Blanc pen ink that was used to write them, the spacing and so on.

[horacephistbump]

That's a great looking tool watch. It makes more sense than previously.

[christianebert]

Thanks Alexander - cool move from Rolex - they bring the Airking back - kind of entry level. So let's wait next year on the update of the Milgauss / Greeting from Germany

[edjustice]

Very good review esp with the old version side by side. Perfect reflection out with old in with the new. I like it. The new version I'm a buyer for sure it is more balanced and easier on the eyes with the new design imo. Thanks for the share WA!!!